10 Times the Brooklyn Nets missed on a superstar in the NBA Draft

5. Dikembe Mutombo – 1991

Appearing to have their big men they can build around in Sam Bowie and Derrick Coleman, the Nets decided to go with a point guard and add Kenny Anderson with the second overall pick.

Anderson had a solid run with the Nets, as the Queens native averaged 15.3 points and 7.8 assists in 304 games.

However, Dikembe Mutombo proved to be the best player in this draft class, as the big man out of Georgetown slid to the Denver Nuggets with the fourth overall pick.

The 7’2″ center was a force on both ends of the floor and was made famous for his finger wag with a “no no no” after every nice blocked shot of his.

Sliding him next to Coleman would’ve been a matchup nightmare inside the paint each and every night.

Mutombo eventually made his way to New Jersey in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2002, but injuries limited him to 24 games in the 2002-03 regular season and limited his overall effectiveness during their run to the Finals

Mutombo still has plenty to be proud about, as he’s been Defensive Player of the Year an astounding four times, three-time All-NBA honoree (once on the Second Team, twice on the Third Team), and eight-time All-Star in addition to his many accolades during his impressive career.