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NBA Draft 2017: The worst No. 14 picks over the past 20 years

By Simon Smith

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Mateen Cleaves, 2000

Cleaves had a stellar college career with the Michigan State Spartans, twice winning Big 10 Player of the Year honours, and capping off his four seasons by winning the 2000 National Championship.

Having grown up in Flint, Michigan, Cleaves was selected by his hometown Detroit Pistons. But Cleaves would soon realise the differences between the college and pro game. Cleaves’ rookie numbers of 5.4 points and 2.7 assists per game would remain career-high’s. However, Cleaves would be traded after just one season in Detroit, and would up playing on a further three teams before reaching carer total of just 167 games.

Both Cleaves’ lack of size and quickness made it increasingly difficult for him to have an impact in the league, and as a result he was out of there league by age 28. A career 38.9 field goals percentage further dented Cleaves’ chances of becoming a reliable backup for an extended period.

Among the players chosen after Cleaves were Michael Redd, Hero Turkoglu, Quentin Richardson and Jamaal Magloire.

Cleaves last appeared on a basketball court professionally in 2008 for the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA D-League.

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