The Most Recent NBA's Top 10 Picks You Completely Forgot About

The NBA Draft is always full of excitement, with top 10 picks often seen as future stars who’ll dominate the league for years to come. But not every high draft pick lives up to the hype. Some fade into obscurity, whether due to injuries, lack of opportunity, or just not meeting expectations. In this list, we’re going to look at some of the most recent top 10 NBA draft picks who, for one reason or another, you might have completely forgotten about. From underwhelming performances to unexpected career paths, these players remind us that being a top pick doesn’t guarantee NBA success.

1. Jarrett Culver

Jarrett Culver was the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, originally selected by the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves . He came into the league with a lot of promise after a strong college career at Texas Tech, where he led his team to the national championship game. Standing at 6’6” with solid defensive skills, Culver was seen as a versatile guard who could develop into a two-way threat in the NBA.

Still, things didn’t quite pan out for Culver. Over his first two seasons with the Timberwolves, he struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His shooting was a major concern, as he hit only 40.6% from the field and a rough 28.8% from three-point range. Injuries didn’t help his development either, and Minnesota eventually moved on from him.

In 2021, Culver was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, but once again, he failed to make a significant impact, playing in just 37 games and putting up only 3.5 points per game. By the end of the 2022-23 season, he found himself in and out of the NBA, bouncing between the league and the G-League, trying to find a new home. Most recently, he played a few games for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023-24 season but has struggled to stay on an NBA roster.

At 25 years old, Culver's career is at a crossroads. He’s still young enough to turn things around, but for now, he's one of those recent top 10 picks that many NBA fans have lost track of.

2. Dragan Bender

Dragan Bender was the 4th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and back then, the Phoenix Suns had big expectations for the 7-foot Croatian prospect. Bender was hyped as the next versatile European big man, with the ability to stretch the floor, pass, and protect the rim. But his time in the NBA didn’t live up to the promise. Across three seasons with the Suns, Bender struggled to make a consistent impact, posting averages of just 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His shooting, which was supposed to be a strong suit, ended up being a disappointment—just 39.4% from the field and 32.1% from beyond the arc.

After brief stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors, Bender found himself out of the NBA by 2020. He returned to Europe, playing in various leagues, and last year he had a solid season with Obradoiro in Spain's ACB, where he averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season.

As of 2024, Bender is continuing his career in Italy with Napoli Basket, a team in the Lega Basket Serie A. Despite battling knee injuries throughout his career, Bender is still trying to carve out a successful professional path overseas.

3. Josh Jackson

Josh Jackson’s journey in the NBA began with a lot of promise when the Phoenix Suns took him 4th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. With his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive ability, he was expected to be a key piece for the Suns' rebuild. During his rookie year, Jackson showed some of that potential, putting up 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Still, despite these flashes, Jackson's inconsistency, both in his game and in his off-court behavior, led to a rocky NBA career.

After his time in Phoenix, Jackson bounced around the league, with stops in Memphis, Detroit, and Sacramento. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a lasting spot on any roster. His NBA journey continued to lose momentum, and by 2023, he found himself playing in the G League with the Stockton Kings. Even there, his stint was brief, as he was released by the team earlier in 2024.

At just 27 years old, Jackson’s career is at a crossroads. While he was once seen as a future star, he now faces the challenge of trying to reestablish himself in the professional basketball world, with his NBA prospects looking increasingly uncertain.

4. Johnny Davis

Johnny Davis, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards , has faced a challenging start to his NBA career. After a promising college stint at Wisconsin, where he was known for his scoring and rebounding, Davis has struggled to translate that success to the professional level.

During the 2023-24 NBA season, Davis saw increased minutes compared to his rookie year, appearing in 50 games. Regardless, his production remained underwhelming, with averages of just 3.0 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. Despite improving his three-point shooting to 35%, he has yet to secure a consistent role in the Wizards' rotation, which is filled with young guards competing for playing time.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, Davis is still with the Wizards but continues to battle for a spot in the lineup. His future with the team is uncertain as the Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, focusing on finding and developing long-term pieces. Davis will need to significantly step up his game if he hopes to remain a part of their plans moving forward.

5. Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson’s basketball career has been anything but straightforward. After being selected 5th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2012 NBA Draft, he entered the league with high expectations. Robinson was coming off a dominant season at Kansas, where he averaged 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game and earned multiple accolades, including being named a consensus first-team All-American.

Robinson’s transition to the NBA was challenging. He played for the Kings but struggled to make a significant impact. Within his rookie season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, and from there, his career became a journey through various teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Robinson never managed to secure a stable role, often finding himself at the end of the bench or out of the rotation entirely.

After leaving the NBA in 2017, Robinson didn’t give up on his basketball career. Instead, he took his talents overseas. He played in several international leagues, including stints in Russia with BC Khimki, in China with the Beijing Fly Dragons, and in South Korea with the Seoul Samsung Thunders. At the time, Robinson is playing in Puerto Rico's BSN with Piratas de Quebradillas. At 33 years old, he has embraced his role as a veteran player, contributing his experience and physicality to the team.

Related: The Worst Draft And Trade Mistakes In Boston Celtics History

6. Noah Vonleh

When the Charlotte Hornets selected Noah Vonleh with the 9th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, they were betting on his potential to be a versatile and dominant forward. Coming off a strong freshman year at Indiana University, where he averaged 11.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Vonleh was projected to have a significant impact in the NBA.

Yet, Vonleh’s NBA career has been marked by frequent changes in scenery and unmet expectations. After his rookie season with the Hornets, where he played limited minutes in 25 games, Vonleh was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He had more opportunities in Portland to showcase his skills, but consistency remained an issue. Over two and a half seasons with the Blazers, Vonleh averaged 3.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, showing flashes of potential but struggling to carve out a stable role in the rotation.

Vonleh’s journey through the NBA continued as he moved to teams like the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his best efforts, he could never fully establish himself as a key player. His most productive season came with the Knicks in 2018-19, where he averaged 8.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game over 68 games. It seemed like he was finally finding his stride, but subsequent seasons saw him fall back into more limited roles and less playing time.

In 2021, Vonleh briefly left the NBA to play in China with the Shanghai Sharks before returning to the league, signing a short stint with the Brooklyn Nets. After another brief stint in the league, Vonleh found himself going back to China up until this past season, as he left the Shanghai Sharks amidst big issues with the front office.

7. Kevin Knox

Kevin Knox’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster since he was drafted 9th overall by the New York Knicks in 2018. His rookie season started off with promise, where he averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over 75 games. Yet, as time went on, Knox struggled to maintain that level of production. In his second season, his numbers dipped to 6.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, and he played fewer minutes.

After three seasons with the Knicks, Knox was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in January 2022. He found limited success there, averaging just 2.7 points per game over 17 appearances. The following season, Knox signed with the Detroit Pistons, where he had a brief resurgence, posting 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, including a standout performance with 21 points against the Utah Jazz.

In February 2023, Knox was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he had a few notable games, including a season-high 30 points against the Clippers. Despite showing flashes of potential, Knox was waived by Portland before the 2023-24 season and briefly returned to the Pistons before being traded again to the Utah Jazz, who waived him immediately. He then joined the Rip City Remix, Portland’s G League affiliate, in March 2024.

Through all the ups and downs, Knox has continued to show glimpses of the talent that made him a top 10 pick. Although he has struggled to find a permanent home in the NBA, his journey reflects the challenges and unpredictability of professional basketball.

8. Stanley Johnson

Drafted 8th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2015, Stanley Johnson was initially seen as a potential cornerstone player, thanks to his defensive tenacity and versatility. He quickly made his presence felt in his rookie season, where he averaged 8.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. As his career progressed, Johnson struggled to find consistency, particularly on the offensive end.

Over his time with the Pistons, Johnson's offensive output fluctuated, but he continued to be recognized for his defensive capabilities. Despite these strengths, he never developed into the all-around player Detroit hoped he would become. By the end of his tenure with the Pistons, he was averaging 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over his NBA career, numbers that reflect his challenges in becoming a reliable scoring option.

Following his time with the Pistons, Johnson became somewhat of an NBA journeyman. He had stints with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he struggled to make a significant impact, followed by a move to the Toronto Raptors. In the latter part of his NBA career, Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers and had a brief tenure with the San Antonio Spurs before being waived in 2023. His career averages stood at 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, which underscored his role as a defensive specialist who could contribute sporadically on offense.

In 2024, looking to rejuvenate his career, Johnson signed with Anadolu Efes, a top team in the Turkish Basketball Super League and the EuroLeague. This move to Europe marked a new chapter, giving him the chance to leverage his defensive skills and experience on an international stage, where he aims to be a key contributor.

9. Frank Kaminsky

It’s not often that a college standout like Frank Kaminsky ends up carving a path quite like his in the professional ranks. Drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2015 after dominating at Wisconsin, where he was the consensus National Player of the Year, Kaminsky was expected to bring his unique blend of size and shooting to the NBA. Known for his ability to hit three-pointers and stretch the floor, the 7-footer entered the league with a lot of promise.

During his time with the Hornets, Kaminsky delivered some strong performances, averaging around 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He had moments where his offensive skills shined, but consistency and injuries were ongoing challenges. His career later took him to the Phoenix Suns, where he had flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 31-point game. Yet, injuries continued to plague him, limiting his playing time and preventing him from establishing a stable role in the NBA.

By 2023, Kaminsky’s time in the NBA was winding down. After brief stints with the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets, where he struggled to make a significant impact, he decided to take his talents overseas. In 2024, Kaminsky signed with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, joining one of Europe's top basketball teams in the EuroLeague. This move marked a new chapter in his career, offering him the chance to play a key role on an international stage.

Throughout his NBA career, Kaminsky averaged 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over eight seasons. While his journey in the NBA may not have reached the heights many expected, his move to Europe represents an opportunity for him to revitalize his career.

10. Thon Maker

Thon Maker entered the NBA with considerable hype when he was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2016 NBA Draft. Standing 7 feet tall with a unique blend of size and agility, Maker was seen as a high-potential prospect who could impact the game on both ends of the floor. Yet, his NBA career didn’t unfold as many had hoped.

Maker’s time in the NBA included stints with the Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers. While he showed flashes of potential, particularly with his shot-blocking and occasional three-point shooting, he struggled to find consistency. Over his NBA career, Maker averaged 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game across 263 games. His best season came during his time with the Bucks, where he had a few standout playoff performances, but overall, he never quite lived up to the expectations set for him as a lottery pick.

After leaving the NBA in 2021, Maker’s career took him across various international leagues. He had a short stint with Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel, followed by playing for the Long Island Nets in the G League. In 2022, Maker moved to China, signing with the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association. As of 2024, Maker is continuing his professional career with Al Riyadi Club Beirut in the Lebanese Basketball League.

Related: Ranking The Greatest Draft Class' Big 3 Of All Time