How to Tell Your Favorite Team Blew it in the NBA Draft

Late June’s annual NBA draft is the time when the league’s weaker teams try to turn it around by drafting the next Michael Jordan. Here are some warning signs to watch for that will let you know your team’s top rookie just isn’t going to "be like Mike."

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Tells the team’s beat reporters that winning is nice and all, but there is nothing as satisfying as good personal statistics.
2. Shows up to camp wearing a T-shirt featuring his favorite NBA legend—former NBA draft bust LaRue Martin.
3. He’s a point guard with a "Shoot first, shoot second" mentality.
4. Is 7-3 but can’t dunk a basketball.
5. The player’s name sounds oddly familiar: Joe Barry Carroll II.
6. Arrives late for the team’s first practice—seven months late.
7. Vows to turn the team’s fortunes around “360 degrees.”

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget, the worse your team’s top rookie is this year the higher you’ll probably get to draft next year.