Biggest Underachievers in NBA History

Greg Oden

The consensus No. 1 pick whose body simply gave up before his talent ever could. Dominant in college, chronic knee injuries limited his entire career to just 105 games, leaving fans to mourn the generational defender he could have been.

Kwame Brown

The first overall pick who never lived up to Michael Jordan’s expectations or his draft status. Known more for controversy and unfulfilled promise, Brown struggled with confidence and consistency, becoming the definitive cautionary tale for No. 1 busts.

Andrew Wiggins

Labeled “the next LeBron,” Wiggins possessed supreme athleticism but didn’t dominate with the superstar mentality everyone expected. He eventually settled into an elite two-way role player, finding championship success when paired with more demanding teammates.

Ben Simmons

An elite passer and defender, Simmons possessed MVP-level talent but refused to evolve offensively by developing a jump shot. His unwillingness to shoot limited his ceiling, leading to high-profile playoff struggles and immense fan frustration.

DeMarcus Cousins

An All-NBA level talent whose unique combination of size and skill was derailed by injuries and emotional volatility. "Boogie" was a dominant center whose Achilles and knee injuries, combined with on-court issues, prevented sustained team success.

Tracy McGrady

A Hall of Fame scorer with an ethereal skillset, T-Mac's teams consistently failed to make it past the first round in his prime years. His effortless scoring masked a lack of playoff success that ultimately dampened his historical standing.

Derrick Rose

The youngest MVP ever, Rose played with breathtaking speed and aggression, but his body couldn’t match his talent long-term. Multiple severe knee injuries stole the explosiveness and durability that defined his exhilarating peak with the Bulls.

Penny Hardaway

Possessed Magic Johnson-level potential as a big, fluid playmaking guard before devastating injuries stole his prime. Paired with Shaq in Orlando, their premature breakup and Penny's subsequent knee issues remain a huge "what if" moment.

Brandon Roy

A superstar in the making and an instant fan favorite, Roy’s story ended too soon due to chronic knee issues. His clutch shot-making and poise earned him a reputation as an elite closer before injuries forced his early retirement .

Latrell Sprewell

An elite scorer and dynamic wing whose off-court issues severely overshadowed his on-court brilliance. His infamous choking incident led to a year-long suspension, damaging his career and preventing him from ever reaching his full potential.

Steve Francis

An explosive, high-flying guard who couldn't translate his athleticism into lasting, winning success. "Stevie Franchise" was a popular player but struggled with efficiency and team leadership, eventually flaming out faster than anticipated.

Gilbert Arenas

One of the best, most dynamic scorers of his era, Arenas was ultimately undone by injuries and immaturity. His prime was cut short by knee problems, followed by a locker-room gun incident that permanently derailed his career and reputation.

Vince Carter

An insane talent and longevity legend, "Vinsanity" never quite became the primary guy on a true contender. His early career was defined by electrifying dunks, but many feel he lacked the killer instinct to fully maximize his generational physical gifts.

Ralph Sampson

The 7’4” phenom looked like the future of basketball, dominating alongside Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston. However, constant knee and ankle injuries prevented the two-time All-Star from achieving the Hall of Fame legacy expected of him.

Grant Hill

Was supposed to be the next Michael Jordan—a hyper-versatile wing and franchise cornerstone—until a persistent ankle injury derailed his Detroit prime. He later reinvented himself as a key role player, but his initial superstar trajectory was tragically lost.