Toronto Raptors: Five worst draft picks in recent franchise history

NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Rafael Araujo of the Toronto Raptors talks with the media after the 2004 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2004 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Kareem Rush (selected 20th overall in 2002)

Kareem Rush was taken 20th overall and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers (along with Tracy Murray and a draft pick). In return, Toronto received Linsey Hunter, Chris Jefferies, and a 2003 second-round pick they would eventually use to draft Ramon Van de Hare.

Hunter would play 29 games in Toronto — Chris Jefferies‘ entire NBA career would last just 72 games. And Ramon Van de Hare never played an NBA game. Luckily for Toronto, Rush never panned out as a player either.

The Missouri product never played longer than three seasons with any one team and while his offensive game periodically surprised, it was a lack of consistency on both ends that ultimately limited his NBA impact. He was particularly bad on defense, posting a career defensive rating of 109.

A streaky shooter in college, Rush was never able to replicate his shooting touch at the pro level — a career 35-percent career shooter from 3 in the NBA, after posting a 42% mark in college.

Fun Fact: the draft pick Toronto traded as part of the Rush transaction would eventually be used to select Luke Walton.