PF: LaRue Martin
The Blazers had the number one overall pick for the first time in 1972 after winning just 18 games in their second year as a franchise. Portland desperately needed an influx of talent, and the league was built around big men in those days, so they decided on Martin with the top selection.
The 6’11 big man averaged 18.2 points and 15.9 rebounds per game during his four years at Loyola University Chicago, and he went toe-to-toe in matchups with Bill Walton and Jim Chones during his college career. Portland was hoping he would transform into a dominant NBA big man, but he never found his footing in the league.
Martin played four years with the Blazers where he averaged just 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game. The 6’11 big man never lived up to the hype of being the number-one overall pick, and he remains in the conversation for the biggest draft busts in league history.
Future Hall of Famers Bob McAdoo and Julius Erving were selected in the first round in 1972 with McAdoo going second overall. The five-time All-Star big man was named to the NBA 75 last year, and he should have been the Blazers’ top pick.