Former No. 2 Overall Draft Pick Bust Heads To China

He is generally regarded as one of the NBA's biggest draft pick busts of this century, going No. 2 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2009 Draft. 7-foot-3 Hasheem Thabeet has been eyeing an NBA comeback for years, but now has decided to take his talents to China to continue his career. 

Thabeet was selected one spot ahead of James Harden in that '09 Draft, and ahead of other future superstars like Steph Curry, DeMar DeRozan and Jrue Holiday. 

Big things were expected of the big man from UConn. But Thabeet lasted just five seasons in the NBA, averaging 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10 minutes per game for four different teams. 

He's 35 now, and hasn't played in the NBA since 2014. He's had a few stints in the G League, and has played in Japan, Taiwan and China. But he was still hoping for another shot at the NBA as recently as earlier this year. With none forthcoming, however, he's headed back to play with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association.