Many people might think playing in the NBA is the ultimate experience, but the quality of that experience can vary significantly depending on the team you join. Some organizations prioritize their financial performance above all else. The NBA has two main aspects: entertainment and business. Teams like the Golden State Warriors have successfully balanced both, while other teams focus exclusively on the business side. With this in mind, I want to look closely at some of the least desirable NBA teams to be drafted by.
Wizards
The Washington Wizards are known to be a struggling team with a losing record. Notably, they haven’t won more than 35 games in a season since the 2017-18 NBA season. Concerns have been raised about their draft picks; the organization either struggles with talent evaluation, or they’re just a problematic culture. The last player they drafted who made an All-Star game was Bradley Beal in 2012. Additionally, the organization hasn’t won 50 or more games since 1979. If I were Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper, I would prefer to play in China for a year and enter the 2026 draft rather than risk getting stuck in Washington under a rookie contract for the next three years.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets is a good place to play if winning games isn’t a priority. The team hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season and has struggled to draft players who can impact the team. While LaMelo Ball has posted impressive personal statistics, it has done nothing for the team’s success. The best player the Hornets ever drafted, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, never played a game for them, as he was traded to the Clippers on draft night. However, because it’s the Hornets we’re talking about, if Charlotte had kept him, likely, Gilgeous-Alexander wouldn’t have developed into the player he is today.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets organization is poorly managed and appears uncertain about its direction. The team sometimes aggressively pursues established stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Joe Harris. However, they quickly shift to a development mode focused on young players. Over the past six years, the team has had four different coaches: Kenny Atkinson, Steve Nash, Jacque Vaughn, and Jodie Fernandez. This constant change in leadership reflects a lack of stability within the organization. Being drafted here could easily be a draft sentence to one’s NBA career.
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