NBA Draft: Ranking the last 25 first overall picks

This is where we jump from nonexistent to legitimate NBA careers. Michael Olowokandi also had issues with injuries, but this did not prevent him from having a relatively lengthy 10-year NBA career. He only finished two complete seasons, but his skill and size extended his career, even if his play time and game appearances were limited.

Olowokandi did not make the high level impact you expect from a No. 1 pick as a rookie, but he gradually developed into a solid starter for the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in is final season with the club that drafted him.

However, a hernia and knee injury severely affected his free agency prospects and ultimately limited his professional career. After stops with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics, Olowokandi was unable to continue his career and retired.

While many consider the former Pacific Tiger a ‘bust’ due to his place ahead of Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce and Vince Carter in the 1998 NBA Draft, it is unknown what could have been if he was able to remain healthy. He likely wouldn’t have lived up to the bar set by these future Hall of Famers, but he could have had a more successful career.

Olowokandi did not have the same disappointing careers as Anthony Bennett, Greg Oden and possibly Markelle Fultz up to this point, but he did not have nearly the same impact as the remaining players on this list. This makes him a transitional player from those without legitimate NBA careers, to those who made noticeable impact during their time in the league.

Career averages: 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game