Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

7 Times the Golden State Warriors missed on a superstar in the NBA Draft

By Tony Pesta

LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1984: Head coach K.C. Jones of the Boston Celtics looks on with Larry Bird #33 against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Jones coached the Celtics from 1983-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1984: Head coach K.C. Jones of the Boston Celtics looks on with Larry Bird #33 against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Jones coached the Celtics from 1983-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport
Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport /

5. Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway

Unfortunately, Vince Carter isn’t the only superstar the Golden State Warriors traded away on draft night. Five years before Carter was selected, the Warriors shipped away Anfernee Hardaway and the rights to their 1998 first round draft pick in exchange for Chris Webber.

This is an interesting trade because even though the Dubs traded a future superstar for Webber who only played in one season for the franchise, I wouldn’t say they exactly lost this trade.

Hardaway was a fantastic talent who took after Magic Johnson. His incredible size for the guard position made him a threat and he was as creative as anyone with the basketball. Running alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Hardaway became an All-Star and reached three All-NBA teams.

Sadly, as most already know, Hardaway’s career was derailed by injuries. His body failed him early on and he was never able to recover. His fall from the top was drastic and he missed more than half of his last four seasons in the league due to injury.

As for Webber, he won the Rookie of the Year Award by averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks while leading the Warriors to 50 wins (16 more than the year before). Had it not been for a feud between Webber and Dubs owner Don Nelson, he may have helped lead the Warriors to years of success.

Home/Warriors Draft