Washington Wizards: Five worst draft picks in team history
By Ben Palmer
5. Jarvis Hayes (2003 Draft) – Picked No. 10 overall
The Washington Wizards picked Jarvis Hayes number 10 overall in the ridiculously talented 2003 NBA Draft class. Unfortunately, Hayes is not one of those ridiculously talented players that came out of that draft.
In a draft that included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade, Hayes stands out as a bit of a disappointment. Coming out of the University of Georgia, Hayes was heralded as an offensive weapon, but never quite fulfilled that potential.
He showed some promise in his rookie season with the Wizards, averaging 9.9 points per game, but unfortunately injuries caused him issues over the next few years, specifically knee injuries. During a game against the San Antonio Spurs, Hayes bumped knees with Manu Ginobili, and he wasn’t the same after that.
In his second year with the Wizards, he played 54 games, and in his third year, only 21 games. During his recovery time from his knee injuries, Hayes ballooned up to 245 pounds while reviewing local Washington D.C. area restaurants for the Washingtonian Magazine.
After four years with the Wizards, Hayes’ contract was up and Washington declined to offer him another, so he signed the veteran minimum to join the Detroit Pistons. In an incredibly talented draft, Hayes will always be remembered as unfulfilled potential.
Players drafted later: David West (18th), Josh Howard (29th), Mo Williams (47th), Kyle Korver (51st)