2017: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers, 1st pick
The Markelle Fultz saga is one of the strangest (and saddest) in recent NBA history… During his “one & done” season at Washington, the Huskies struggled mightily, but Fultz averaged 23.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG & 5.9 APG. Fultz impressed NBA scouts with his elite athletic ability, along with creative scoring instincts and playmaking skills. The 76ers viewed Fultz as the final piece in their rebuilding process; leading them to trade up to the #1 pick with the Boston Celtics (who landed Jayson Tatum).
To say that things “didn’t go according to plan” would be a massive understatement. Fultz missed most of his rookie season with a mysterious shoulder injury. During his absence, Fultz’s shooting mechanics, altered by a trainer outside the 76ers organization months before the season, and lengthy recovery time were heavily scrutinized.