Ranking the Top 3 Best (And Worst) John Hammond Moves

Sep 30, 2013; St. Francis, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond speaks with the media at Milwaukee Bucks Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Worst Move: Drafting Joe Alexander

What do Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Roy Hibbert, DeAndre Jordan, Goran Dragic, and Serge Ibaka all have in common?

Besides all being actively on NBA rosters (an important fact to remember when grading drafts), they also share the designation of being drafted behind Joe Alexander in the 2008 NBA draft.

Coming out of West Virginia Joe Alexander was regarded as a “raw” prospect with “huge” upside and “great” athletic ability. These traits prompted John Hammond to make Joe Alexander his first drafted player as Milwaukee Bucks general manager.

He played 59 games in a Bucks uniform (starting zero) while averaging just 4.7 points per game on .416% shooting.

After suffering a hamstring injury prior to his sophomore season, Alexander was assigned to D-League designation before being traded to the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline.

He never played another NBA minute.

We all know the NBA draft is a gussied up crap-shoot. Just look at 2013 #1 draft pick, Anthony Bennett, who’s contract was bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves after just two seasons in the league.

With that in mind it’s difficult to be overly critical of Hammond for the pick. At least he didn’t burn the draft’s top pick on a complete dud.

He just burned the eighth pick on the type of player that defines the term “bust”. (But don’t tell Alexander he’s a bust.)

Next: Worst Moves #2: Trading For Monta Ellis