Former No. 1 Draft Pick With 0 All-Star Appearances: Reflections on Being Drafted Before Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace

Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace are arguably two of the best ?big men? of the 2000s. However, you?ll be surprised to know that neither of them was the first pick of the 1995 NBA draft. Despite their tall stature and undeniable future potential, it was a 6?10 forward/center who was the first pick.

In a recent interview, the former No.1 pick of the 1995 NBA draft talks about his journey. He also opens up about his draft night experience.

Reflections of a former Warriors star

In a recent interview with ?Djvlad?, former Warriors star Joe Smith talks about his journey to the NBA and his draft night experience.

The conversation starts with the host stating, ?Okay so you were predicted to be a top NBA draft pick. But when you enter the draft, you actually get number one. What was the chaos that occurred in your living room??

Joe Smith responds, ?We were all sitting in the green room and the Golden State Commissioner comes up and puts Golden State on the clock, five minutes on the clock to make their decision.?

He confesses, ?As they were on the clock man, I was just back there nervous? I?m looking around at all the players and everybody is looking the same, you know? cause our draft was pretty deep and anybody could have been number one that year.?

The former NBA veteran then reveals, ?Once the commissioner finally came back, he said ?The Golden State Warriors chose Joe Smith. You know, I looked over to my mom and she was sunk down in her chair you know, praying to thank god.?

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The host then talks about the ?Deep NBA Draft of 1995? which Joe Smith had mentioned.

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The 1995 NBA Draft

The 1995 NBA draft has a star-studded roster of talented basketball players. Many of them went on to be trendsetters in the NBA and even become one of the all-time greats. The 1995 NBA draft comprised incredible players like Kevin Garnett (5th pick), Rasheed Wallace (4th), and Antonio McDyess (2nd).

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted the NBA legend Kevin Garnett as the 5th overall pick. He became a fifteen-time All-star, an NBA champion, and an NBA Hall of Famer.

Joe Smith, however, did not rise to his potential in Golden State. Despite averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds in his first season, the GSW organization felt like they could do better. Joe Smith played in the NBA for 16 seasons averaging 10.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. He had a decent NBA career and made some good memories on his basketball journey. However, he did not win an NBA championship during his career.

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What are your thoughts on Joe Smith?s NBA draft night experience? Let us know in the comments below!