Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports Images
With the number one overall pick of the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Kwame Brown out of high school. Brown was selected ahead of Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, Shane Battier, Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph and many other quality players. In case you didn’t know all of those guys have had much more success in the NBA than Brown.
Brown recently picked up his $3 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning he will be back with them for the 2013-2014 season. Given his lack of success, though, one only knows why future-thinking general manager Sam Hinkie would want to keep Brown around. However, it seems that might be what is happening.
According to Tom Moore of Philly Burbs, the Sixers and Hinkie aren’t planning on buying out any of the players currently on their roster, including Brown. If Hinkie is really looking to re-shape this organization, though, he should reconsider that stance.
Last season Brown played in just 22 games for Philly and averaged only 1.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 12.2 minutes per game. He also shot just 45.9 percent from the field. For his career, Brown has played 607 games and has averaged only 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 22.1 minutes per game and has shot only 49.2 percent from the field.
Brown is largely considered one of the worst players to ever be drafted first overall. He has never shown the work-ethic to develop NBA-level skills, doesn’t have any NBA-level skills to begin with, and is generally inept when it comes to the pro game.
The 76ers have a young team full of potential to go along with a ton of cap-space for the 2014 off-season. Even if Brown won’t affect them next summer, though, he’s going to be more trouble than he’s worth. Hinkie and the Sixers would be wise to reconsider their stance on buyouts this summer. In their reconsideration, Brown’s name should come to mind as the best candidate for a buyout. He’s not good and his days in this league should be numbered.
Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google+ and like his Facebook page.
