As the Washington Wizards prepare for their No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, fans and analysts are eager to understand the potential outcomes for this selection. A look back at the career results of players chosen from the 6th to 10th slots in the draft between 2006 and 2020 provides valuable context.
In this analysis, only the most recent four drafts were excluded to ensure that only players with clear career trajectories were assessed. The study focused on 75 players selected in these positions and revealed a mixed bag of success rates. Only about 5% of those players emerged as stars, including notable names like Stephen Curry, Paul George, and Damian Lillard — talents that transformed their respective teams into contenders.
Following the stars, the data identified twelve players who developed into high-level starters. This group included players like Jamal Murray, whose contributions were essential in securing a championship for the Denver Nuggets, and Lauri Markkanen.
The analysis also highlighted a significant number of regular starters and role players who contributed valuable minutes, such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has played instrumental roles on championship teams. On the flip side, the report included a concerning statistic: approximately 30% of the players selected in these draft slots ultimately failed to carve out lasting careers in the NBA.
Wizards fans may recall the pain of their last No. 6 selection in 2011 when Jan Vesely was picked, a choice that did not yield long-term success and serves as a cautionary tale. However, the current front office, led by President Michael Winger and General Manager Will Dawkins, aims to adopt a different strategy focused on building through the draft, channeling optimism into their future decisions.
With a new regime and fresh perspective, Wizards fans can hold out hope that this year’s draft selection will produce a player who can elevate the team and change its trajectory for the better. The challenge will be navigating the inherent uncertainty of young prospects to find the next star who can help restore the franchise’s competitive edge.