Introduction to NBA Roster Mistakes
In the fast-paced world of the NBA, teams are constantly strategizing to improve their rosters through trades, signings, and drafts. However, not every decision leads to success. This guide examines the most significant roster mistakes made by all 30 NBA teams since
2020. By analyzing these blunders, fans and analysts can better understand the impacts of these decisions on team dynamics and performance.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Decline of Isaiah Hartenstein
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a notable error by declining Isaiah Hartenstein’s qualifying offer in
2021. During his brief time with the team, Hartenstein showcased his potential, averaging 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists per 36 minutes in just 16 games. Despite this, the Cavaliers opted not to extend an offer, believing they no longer needed him after drafting Evan Mobley. Hartenstein went on to flourish with the LA Clippers, New York Knicks, and Oklahoma City Thunder, ultimately becoming a crucial contributor to an NBA championship. This decision represents a missed opportunity for the Cavaliers to retain a player who could have bolstered their roster.
Indiana Pacers’ Coaching Misstep with Nate Bjorkgren
The Indiana Pacers’ decision to hire Nate Bjorkgren as head coach in 2020 proved disastrous. In his only season, the Pacers missed the playoffs for the first time in six years, as Bjorkgren clashed with veterans and lost control of the locker room. However, the silver lining was that his departure allowed the Pacers to hire Rick Carlisle in 2021, which ultimately helped stabilize the franchise. While the initial mistake was costly, it inadvertently led to a more successful coaching choice.
New York Knicks’ Regret Over Evan Fournier Signing
The New York Knicks’ four-year, $73 million deal with Evan Fournier in 2021 is another significant misstep. Initially, Fournier averaged 14 points in his first season, but his performance drastically declined, averaging just 6 points in 27 games during his second season. By the end of his third season, he was averaging a mere 4 points in three playoff games before being traded to Detroit. This costly contract ultimately resulted in Fournier being out of the NBA and playing in Europe after just three seasons, marking a financial and competitive setback for the Knicks.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant Contract Issues
In 2023, the Portland Trail Blazers made the mistake of re-signing Jerami Grant for five years at $160 million. This decision quickly became complicated when Damian Lillard requested a trade, making Grant’s deal appear out of place as the team shifted towards a rebuilding phase. Grant’s production suffered, shooting a career-worst 37% from the field last season. With the Blazers now navigating a more complex roster landscape, this contract could hinder their future moves.
Utah Jazz’s Missed Trade Opportunity with Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz failed to capitalize on Lauri Markkanen’s peak trade value after his breakout season. After winning the Most Improved Player award, Markkanen’s value was at an all-time high, averaging 26 points per game with a 50% shooting percentage. However, as his performance declined to 19 points per game and 42% shooting, the Jazz missed an opportunity to trade him for valuable assets. With the team still struggling to rebuild, this decision could haunt them in the long run.
Charlotte Hornets’ Signing of Gordon Hayward
The Charlotte Hornets made headlines in 2020 by signing Gordon Hayward to a four-year, $120 million contract. Unfortunately, Hayward’s health issues limited his availability, as he played only 59% of the games during his tenure with the team. His declining production led to the Hornets never making the playoffs while he was on the roster. Ultimately, the Hornets traded him in the final year of his contract, underscoring the financial and competitive repercussions of this signing.
LA Clippers’ Young Talent Development Failure
The LA Clippers’ failure to develop young perimeter talent over the past few years has been a major oversight. After trading away Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019, the team struggled to find capable guards to support superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. This lack of development has left the Clippers relying on aging veterans, which could hinder their championship aspirations. Without a solid young core, the Clippers face an uphill battle in the competitive Western Conference.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Draft Day Regrets
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s general manager Sam Presti made significant errors in draft trades in 2020 and 2021. By trading future rotation players for lower draft picks, Presti missed out on acquiring potential stars. For instance, trading the No. 16 pick, which became Alperen Sengun, in exchange for future picks that eventually led to acquiring Ousmane Dieng proved detrimental. While the Thunder currently boast a strong roster, these missteps highlight the risks associated with draft day decisions.
Boston Celtics’ Trade of Desmond Bane
The Boston Celtics’ decision to trade Desmond Bane’s draft rights in 2020 is another regrettable move. Initially, the Celtics believed they had no room for another young player, but Bane has since developed into a valuable asset, commanding four first-round picks in a later trade. With his career 41% shooting from three-point range, Bane would have been a perfect fit for the Celtics’ system, making this decision particularly painful in hindsight.
Houston Rockets’ Draft Choice of Jalen Green
When the Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green over Evan Mobley with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, they faced an opportunity cost that may prove costly. Green’s development as a player has been solid, especially following his integral role in the trade for Kevin Durant, but Mobley has emerged as a dominant defensive force and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. This decision could shape the future of the franchise, as Mobley’s potential impact may have aligned better with the Rockets’ defensive focus under head coach Ime Udoka.
Orlando Magic’s Draft Blunder with Jett Howard
The Orlando Magic’s decision to draft Jett Howard at No. 11 in the 2023 draft has been a disappointing choice. Averaging only 3.8 points per game with a low shooting percentage, Howard’s selection has not addressed the team’s pressing need for three-point shooting. With players like Dereck Lively II and Gradey Dick drafted shortly after, the Magic missed out on more impactful contributors who could have helped improve their performance.
San Antonio Spurs’ Joshua Primo Selection Issues
The San Antonio Spurs faced significant backlash after selecting Joshua Primo with the 12th pick in the 2021 draft. His short-lived career included troubling allegations leading to his release from the team. While the Spurs’ other lottery picks have shown promise, this particular decision has raised questions about their drafting strategy and ability to identify talent. The fallout from this choice underscores the importance of character and performance in player evaluations.
Washington Wizards’ Johnny Davis Draft Mistake
Among recent lottery picks, Washington Wizards’ selection of Johnny Davis at No. 10 in the 2022 draft stands out as a major misstep. With an abysmal career box plus-minus of-6.2 points per 100 possessions, Davis’s performance has been disheartening. His poor shooting statistics and lack of production compared to peers drafted shortly after him, such as Jalen Williams, signify a failure in talent assessment that could hinder the Wizards’ rebuilding efforts.
Golden State Warriors’ James Wiseman Draft Regret
The Golden State Warriors’ selection of James Wiseman with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft has proven to be a significant error. The team’s attempt to balance its “two timelines” approach faltered, as Wiseman struggled to develop into a consistent player. As the Warriors navigated their championship aspirations, the failure to acquire a more impactful player has raised questions about their drafting strategies. Wiseman’s subsequent struggles have underscored the challenges teams face in balancing immediate success with long-term development.
Conclusion on NBA Roster Mistakes
The NBA is a league defined by its transactions, and the mistakes made by teams can have lasting impacts on their trajectories. From poor draft choices to unproductive signings, these roster blunders highlight the importance of strategic decision-making in team building. As the NBA continues to evolve, analyzing past mistakes can provide valuable insights for franchises looking to improve their chances of success.