When you’re selected with the first pick in the NBA draft, big things are expected of you. Some players will not meet those expectations. 

NBA history is littered with busts at every draft position. We’re not going to name names – that would be mean. If you’re a fan of the league, you know the names we’re talking about. 

On the other hand, some cases are a little less clear. NBA history is also full of number-one picks who met expectations but still have flaws. They aren’t busts, but they aren’t unequivocal success stories, either. 

For example, look at Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is one of the best offensive players in the NBA – you could not call him a bust.

At the same time, the Wolves surely hoped he’d carry them to more wins than he has when they selected him with the first overall pick. 

Could they send him to the New York Knicks this summer? 

Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G/F Josh Hart, F Obi Toppin, G Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (NYK) 

New York Knicks Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns