2. Hersey Hawkins
LA Clippers stats: N/A
In hindsight, the LA Clippers didn’t get this one wrong.
During the 1988 NBA Draft, the Clippers selected Hersey Hawkins with the sixth overall pick. Before Hawkins could throw on his Clippers uniform, however, he was traded away in exchange for Charles Smith.
Interestingly enough, both players went on to have remarkably similar careers. In terms of their points per game average, Smith finished with 14.4 points per game while Hawkins finished at 14.7. During their first seasons in the big leagues, both players were selected to the All-Rookie Team.
LA, unfortunately, has gotten it wrong more times than not in the draft. In this case, whether they choose to hold on to Hawkins or pick up Smith, LA had themselves a diamond in the rough.