How the 2013 NBA draft missed on almost everyone
How the 2013 NBA draft missed on almost everyone
Barry Werner, List WireTue, June 23, 2026 at 5:48 PM UTC
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The 2013 NBA draft was not one for the history books. There were far more misses than hits as teams tried to build for the future ... and failed. One team did strike it rich. With the 15th pick in 2013, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo. Soon to be known as the "Greek Freak," Giannis led the Bucks to an NBA championship, was a two-time league MVP, and 10-time All-Star. With Antetokounmpo off to Miami, what better time to look at the first 15 picks of the draft that produced the Greek Freak.
The 2013 NBA draft was not one for the history books. There were far more misses than hits as teams tried to build for the future ... and failed. One team did strike it rich. With the 15th pick in 2013, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo. Soon to be known as the "Greek Freak," Giannis led the Bucks to an NBA championship, was a two-time league MVP, and 10-time All-Star. With Antetokounmpo off to Miami, what better time to look at the first 15 picks of the draft that produced the Greek Freak.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Arguably the best 15th pick of all time, possibly in any sport. Grade: A+
14. Utah Jazz: Shabazz Muhammad
Shabazz Muhammad (UCLA) poses with NBA commissioner David Stern after being selected as the number 14 overall pick to the Utah Jazz.
Lasted all of five seasons in the NBA, playing 278 games. Played five seasons with Minnesota and 11 games with Giannis in Milwaukee in 2017-18. Grade: D
13. Dallas Mavericks: Kelly Olynyk
Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk (41) poses for pictures during media day at the Celtics Practice Facility.
Still hanging around the NBA. Just was in The Finals as a member of the Spurs. Has been with eight teams in a serviceable career. Grade: C+
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams
Steven Adams (Pittsburgh) walks on stage after being selected as the number 12 overall pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2013 NBA Draft.
The big man from New Zealand via Pitt has been a solid contributor to all of the teams he has played on. Still hanging around the league but has only played in 90 games over the last three seasons. Grade: B
11. Philadelphia 76ers: Michael Carter-Williams
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) during a media day photo shoot at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Averaged better than 10 points per game over nine seasons with six teams over nine seasons. Journeyman career. Grade: C
10. Portland Trail Blazers: CJ McCollum
C.J. McCollum (R) of Lehigh poses for a photo with NBA Commissioner David Stern after McCollum was drafted #10 overall in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Excellent selection by the Trail Blazers. McCollum spent nine seasons with Portland. He's a solid backcourt player who has played well everywhere he has gone. Grade: B+
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Trey Burke
Trey Burke (Michigan) poses with NBA commisioner David Stern after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Another of the picks in this draft who proved to be a journeyman. Only started 130 games over nine seasons with five teams. A decent bench player. Grade: C
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8. Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Detroit Pistons shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) talking to the press during media day at Pistons Practice Facility.
Still hanging around the league. A good player to have on the roster. He can fill up the hoop and has been worthwhile everywhere he has gone. Grade: C+
7. Sacramento Kings: Ben McLemore
Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (16) at Kings Practice Facility.
Stuck around until 2021-22. Played for five teams. Ordinary would be kind. Grade: C
6. New Orleans Hornets: Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel (Kentucky) shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after being selected as the number six overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans.
This is getting repetitive. Noel hung around for nine seasons. Was a mediocre player who never lived up to being the sixth pick in an NBA draft. Grade: C-
5. Phoenix Suns: Alex Len
Alex Len (Maryland) reacts after being selected as the number five overall pick to the Phoenix Suns.
Five teams over 13 seasons. A fifth overall selection who proved to be a journeyman. That is the theme of this draft. Players who didn't live up to the hype. Grade: C-
4. Charlotte Bobcats: Cody Zeller
Cody Zeller (Indiana) hugs a family member after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Charlotte Bobcats.
Averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rebounds per game over 11 seasons. Much more of a bench player than anything else while bouncing to four teams. Grade: C-
3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter Jr.
Washington Wizards rookie Otto Porter Jr. speaks to the media after being drafted with the third pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft.
Four teams over 11 seasons. Almost incredible how mediocre the players in the top 14 of this draft were before the Bucks drafted Giannis. How did everyone miss so bad?
2. Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo
; Victor Oladipo (Indiana) greets NBA commissioner David Stern after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Orlando Magic.
What might have been. His career was derailed by injury. Had star moments before being injured.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Bennett
Anthony Bennett (UNLV) reacts after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2013 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
One of the worst first overall picks in any sport. Grade: F
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Giannis and top 15 picks 2013 NBA draft
Source: “AOL Sports”
