Worst Whiffs in the 2010 NBA Draft

Worst Whiffs in the 2010 NBA Draft still haunt several franchises today. While some teams discovered future stars like Paul George and Gordon Hayward, others made decisions that fans and front offices still question. The 2010 NBA Draft had its share of hidden gems, but it also featured some of the worst draft mistakes in recent memory. A single pick can change the future of a franchise for better or worse. Here are the five worst whiffs that stand out 15 years later.

In a league where one pick can shape a franchise for a decade, a bad draft decision can haunt teams for years. Looking back 15 years later, it’s clear which picks missed the mark. These are the five worst whiffs in the 2010 NBA Draft, based on performance, career longevity, and who was picked after them.

1. Worst Whiffs 2010 NBA: Wesley Johnson at No. 4 by Timberwolves

Wesley Johnson came into the 2010 draft as an athletic wing from Syracuse with a smooth jump shot and great size for a small forward. The Timberwolves were convinced he could be their next cornerstone player. Unfortunately, things never clicked for Johnson in Minnesota or anywhere else in the NBA.

Over his nine-year career, Johnson bounced between seven different teams and never averaged more than 9.9 points per game. He struggled with consistency and lacked the aggression needed to become a top-tier scorer or defender. What makes this pick worse is that Minnesota passed on DeMarcus Cousins (5th), Gordon Hayward (9th), and Paul George (10th), all of whom became All-Stars.

Johnson had the tools but never became more than a role player, making him one of the biggest regrets of the 2010 class.

2. Worst Whiffs: Ekpe Udoh (6th overall, Golden State Warriors)

Ekpe Udoh was drafted by the Warriors as a defensive-minded big man out of Baylor. Known for his shot-blocking ability and size, he was expected to be a key piece of the team’s frontcourt. But Udoh never developed into the player Golden State hoped he would be.

He averaged just 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds over seven NBA seasons. His offensive game was limited, and he often looked overwhelmed at the pro level. He later spent several years overseas before retiring from professional basketball.

Making matters worse, the Warriors missed out on Gordon Hayward and Paul George, both of whom could have transformed their roster alongside Stephen Curry. Udoh’s lack of production and short NBA career earn him a firm spot on this list.

3.Worst Whiffs: Cole Aldrich (11th overall, Oklahoma City Thunder)

Cole Aldrich was a classic big man out of Kansas—strong, smart, and defensively sound. After being drafted by New Orleans, he was traded to the Thunder on draft night. Many expected Aldrich to be a solid backup center or even a starter in time, especially for a contending team like Oklahoma City.

However, he struggled to find his place in the league. Aldrich averaged just 3.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game across eight seasons. He never made a significant impact on any roster and was frequently used as a trade piece rather than a key contributor.

The biggest miss here is that the Thunder could have used this pick to grab a player who could grow with their young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Instead, they wasted a lottery pick on a big man who barely saw the court.

4.Worst Whiffs: Xavier Henry (12th overall, Memphis Grizzlies)

Xavier Henry had scouts excited due to his strong frame, athleticism, and shooting ability at Kansas. The Memphis Grizzlies took him 12th overall, hoping he could develop into a reliable two-way wing. That never happened.

Henry had a promising rookie season but struggled with injuries and never improved his game. He played for four different teams in just five NBA seasons and was out of the league by age 24.

Henry’s career averages of 5.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game speak volumes. Players like Eric Bledsoe (18th), Avery Bradley (19th), and even Lance Stephenson (40th) were all available but passed up for a player who couldn’t stay healthy or productive.

5. Worst Whiffs: Luke Babbitt (16th overall, Portland Trail Blazers)

Luke Babbitt was a skilled shooter from Nevada with size and offensive promise. The Blazers traded for him hoping he could stretch the floor and become a valuable piece on the wing. Instead, Babbitt turned into a journeyman with limited impact.

Across eight seasons, Babbitt averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He played for five different teams and never started more than 55 games in a season. While he had moments as a three-point specialist, he never developed into a complete NBA player.

The Blazers passed on players like Eric Bledsoe and Hassan Whiteside, who could have filled bigger needs with much more upside. Babbitt’s limited skill set and underwhelming production land him on this list of 2010 draft regrets.

Why These Picks Still Matter Today

Bad draft decisions like these remind teams how important scouting, development, and patience can be. In hindsight, the 2010 NBA Draft was filled with talent. Paul George, Gordon Hayward, and DeMarcus Cousins all became stars. Later picks like Eric Bledsoe, Avery Bradley, and Lance Stephenson had strong careers as well.

For the franchises that missed out, these choices set them back. Some took years to recover, while others still haven’t fully replaced what they could have gained by choosing better. In a league driven by talent, one wrong pick can cost a team success, ticket sales, and even playoff appearances.

Final Thoughts

The 2010 NBA Draft wasn’t the worst in league history, but it certainly featured some memorable misfires. Whether it was because of poor development, overestimating college production, or simply bad luck, these five whiffs remain cautionary tales for front offices.

Draft night is one of the most exciting events in the NBA calendar, but as these picks show, it can also be one of the most painful when things go wrong. Fifteen years later, the lessons from the 2010 draft still echo through the league, and these five selections serve as proof that even top picks aren’t guaranteed to succeed.

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