The worst player we've ever seen... (Part 2)
Mon Jul 12, 2004 3:42 pm
As you may remember, some time ago I started a topic asking who everyone thought was the worst player we've ever seen, where we discussed candidates and our reasons for nominating them. Now it's time to put it to a poll.
The Candidates
Yinka Dare
Had the worst rookie season in NBA history, playing 3 minutes, missing a field goal and grabbing a defensive rebound. Missed the rest of his rookie campaign due to injury. Registered the first assist of his career in his third NBA season. Truly the definition of an NBA project, whatever promise he once showed disappeared after his second NBA season.
LaRue Martin
Definitely the worst first overall selection in the history of the NBA. Played four years for Portland, never averaging greater than 16.9 mpg. Career numbers: 5.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.7 apg. Registered career high numbers in 74/75 with 7.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 0.9 apg.
Ed O'Bannon
A lottery pick in 1995. Averaged only 16.1 mpg throughout his brief NBA career. Career averages of 5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 0.8 apg. Left to play in Europe where he was inhibited by chronic knee problems well before the age of 30.
Stacey King
Has more championship rings than career dunks, though won those titles as a member of the Jordan-led Bulls (1991-1993). Picked sixth overall in 1989, but only started 63 out of a possible 438 career games. Never averaged double figures in scoring or rebounding, career high averages are 7.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.2 apg.
Brad Sellers
Picked by the Bulls in 1986 to complement Michael Jordan, eventually replaced by Scottie Pippen. Career highs of 9.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.7 apg. Built somewhat like KG (7'0", 220 lbs) but without the talent.
Jim McIlvaine
Blocked 676 shots in 383 games (1.8 bpg), but never averaged more than 4.0 rpg and 3.8 ppg despite being 7'1", 264 lbs. Never played more than 18 mpg, though never really showed the abilities to earn more PT. A favourite example for a grossly overpaid player.
Harold Miner
Won two slam dunk championships and gained the nickname "Baby Jordan". Showed promise as a scorer averaging double digits in his first two seasons coming off the bench, but never became anything special. Career averages of 9.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.2 apg, with some dazzling dunks being his only notable feats in the NBA.
Chris Washburn
Promising player who was drafted in 1986, but substance abuse led to an early departure from the league after two miserable campaigns. Career averages of 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 0.3 apg.
Terence Stansbury
The Harold Miner of the 1980s. If not for some entertaining entries in the 1985, 1986 and 1987 dunk contests, while likely be forgotten by most longtime NBA fans. Career averages of 6.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 2.0 apg.
Other
Think someone else deserves this "honour"? Vote this option.
The Candidates
Yinka Dare
Had the worst rookie season in NBA history, playing 3 minutes, missing a field goal and grabbing a defensive rebound. Missed the rest of his rookie campaign due to injury. Registered the first assist of his career in his third NBA season. Truly the definition of an NBA project, whatever promise he once showed disappeared after his second NBA season.
LaRue Martin
Definitely the worst first overall selection in the history of the NBA. Played four years for Portland, never averaging greater than 16.9 mpg. Career numbers: 5.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.7 apg. Registered career high numbers in 74/75 with 7.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 0.9 apg.
Ed O'Bannon
A lottery pick in 1995. Averaged only 16.1 mpg throughout his brief NBA career. Career averages of 5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 0.8 apg. Left to play in Europe where he was inhibited by chronic knee problems well before the age of 30.
Stacey King
Has more championship rings than career dunks, though won those titles as a member of the Jordan-led Bulls (1991-1993). Picked sixth overall in 1989, but only started 63 out of a possible 438 career games. Never averaged double figures in scoring or rebounding, career high averages are 7.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.2 apg.
Brad Sellers
Picked by the Bulls in 1986 to complement Michael Jordan, eventually replaced by Scottie Pippen. Career highs of 9.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.7 apg. Built somewhat like KG (7'0", 220 lbs) but without the talent.
Jim McIlvaine
Blocked 676 shots in 383 games (1.8 bpg), but never averaged more than 4.0 rpg and 3.8 ppg despite being 7'1", 264 lbs. Never played more than 18 mpg, though never really showed the abilities to earn more PT. A favourite example for a grossly overpaid player.
Harold Miner
Won two slam dunk championships and gained the nickname "Baby Jordan". Showed promise as a scorer averaging double digits in his first two seasons coming off the bench, but never became anything special. Career averages of 9.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.2 apg, with some dazzling dunks being his only notable feats in the NBA.
Chris Washburn
Promising player who was drafted in 1986, but substance abuse led to an early departure from the league after two miserable campaigns. Career averages of 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 0.3 apg.
Terence Stansbury
The Harold Miner of the 1980s. If not for some entertaining entries in the 1985, 1986 and 1987 dunk contests, while likely be forgotten by most longtime NBA fans. Career averages of 6.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 2.0 apg.
Other
Think someone else deserves this "honour"? Vote this option.
Mon Jul 12, 2004 3:55 pm
Its not fair for any of those players because of their injuries and limited minutes
Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:30 pm
Good point, but there's usually a reason why a player isn't getting a lot of PT.
Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:34 pm
Terrance Starbury is certainly not one of the worst player who played in NBA, he was just a sort of a role player. I had a friend who played one on one with him once his NBA career was over and he came in France 
Tue Jul 13, 2004 1:34 am
I still think Zaza should be up there. I know he's new, but the CHARLOTTE BOBCATS PASSED HIM UP! He wasn't good enough for an EXPANSION team! The folks down in Tbilisi are hangin' their heads because of Za. Skeeter is doin' alright, but it's not enough for Tbilisi.
Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:23 am
EXPLOSIVO! wrote:I still think Zaza should be up there. I know he's new, but the CHARLOTTE BOBCATS PASSED HIM UP! He wasn't good enough for an EXPANSION team! The folks down in Tbilisi are hangin' their heads because of Za. Skeeter is doin' alright, but it's not enough for Tbilisi.
?? The Bobcats took Zaza. Plus, he's only in his 2nd year, you gotta give a young player a lot more time. He's a good, physical post scorer just needs to work on this fouling and defense a bit. He's dominating the summer leagues...
As for the actual topic, I think it's unfair to call anyone the "worst" player. either players have been bad, but not terrible (just not lived up to expectations), they haven't gotten the minutes, or have experienced injury problems.
Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:32 pm
yeah those dudes had some injuries...
Some guys that got actual PT though:
Chris Dudley- the 2nd worst free throw shooter ever (Shaq #1). Remember when he tried to hit Shaq with the ball but missed?
Bill Curley- don't remember much of him, but I remember he was one UGLY mf...
Greg Ostertag- The biggest waste of 7 feet i have ever seen. nuff said.
Calvin booth- he's getting there... he put in one clutch LAY UP for Dallas in like 2001, then my Sonics (when GP was there) were stupid enough to pull a Jim McIllvaine Part II...
the title should definitely go to some big white center though...
Some guys that got actual PT though:
Chris Dudley- the 2nd worst free throw shooter ever (Shaq #1). Remember when he tried to hit Shaq with the ball but missed?
Bill Curley- don't remember much of him, but I remember he was one UGLY mf...
Greg Ostertag- The biggest waste of 7 feet i have ever seen. nuff said.
Calvin booth- he's getting there... he put in one clutch LAY UP for Dallas in like 2001, then my Sonics (when GP was there) were stupid enough to pull a Jim McIllvaine Part II...
the title should definitely go to some big white center though...
Sat Jul 17, 2004 6:37 pm
Robert Archibald
Mon Jul 19, 2004 7:09 pm
qballer wrote:Bill Curley
how can we have forgotten him? hehe, he was so bad that he's not even in the poll
Mon Jul 19, 2004 8:58 pm
Shawn Respert... how many busts came out of the 95 draft?
Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:03 pm
qballer wrote:the title should definitely go to some big white center though...
So TRUE!!!! Greg Foster? Nate Huffman? Or my favourite, Big Whitey Buttafingaz himself, Eric Montross?
Uh oh, these are all ex Raptors...
Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:13 pm
Bill Curley would be another good candidate, actually. I thought picking an all-time worst player would be easier than most of us agreeing on the greatest player we've ever seen, but apparently opinions are just as divided.
Tue Jul 20, 2004 5:17 am
Hey Greg Foster had a pretty decent shot...
Yeah, you can pick anyone off of the Raptors or Grizzlies right after the expansion draft... that's why they were so horrible for the longest time.
I don't know, I'd vote for Dudley... I still can't forget his attempt to hit Shaq with the ball. THat's SO stupid! Shaq damn near took Brad Miller's head off with a punch. You just don't mess with Shaq.
Yeah, you can pick anyone off of the Raptors or Grizzlies right after the expansion draft... that's why they were so horrible for the longest time.
I don't know, I'd vote for Dudley... I still can't forget his attempt to hit Shaq with the ball. THat's SO stupid! Shaq damn near took Brad Miller's head off with a punch. You just don't mess with Shaq.
Tue Jul 20, 2004 5:24 pm
we forgot Steve Scheffler, the 96 Sonics mascot
Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:28 am
I dont get it how most of these people can dominate in college but suck like hell in da pros.I guess they was use to people they can push around.Some will never be ready.No matter how many college awards they win
Wed Jul 21, 2004 4:48 am
Should Miner relly be on that list? He may be the biggest dissapointment of all times, but not the worst player.
Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:29 am
what about will perdue ?
Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:50 am
Perdue was pretty good
Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:30 am
Good????? 
Fri Jul 23, 2004 5:10 pm
pontiacsilverdome wrote:Good?????
Not bad enough to be on this list...