Abroad
Josh Hamilton
Anaheim Angels
Signed a five-year $US125 million ($NZ170 million) deal with the Angels of Anaheim Major League Baseball team in 2012 that ended up being a disaster. Struggled in three years with the team and was eventually traded back to the Texas Rangers. The worst part for the Angels was that they had to continue paying his salary, despite not having him on the roster any longer. Had a career disrupted by a drug addiction and injury, although showed his quality between 2008 and 2012 and was named American League MVP in 2010.
Fernando Torres
Chelsea
The Spanish striker knew how to put the ball in the back of the net while with Liverpool but he moved to Chelsea in 2011 for a record transfer fee of $NZ85 million. It was not money well spent. He scored just seven goals in his first two seasons with Chelsea and 20 in total for the club — that is more than $4 million a goal.
JaMarcus Russell
Oakland Raiders
The year 2007 really was not a good one for No1 draft picks. JaMarcus Russell was the first pick for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL draft that year and it turned into one of the biggest busts in league history. The quarterback signed a $US61 million deal ($NZ83 million) and lasted just three seasons, through which he played poorly. The move set the franchise back years and saw it pass over six-time Pro-Bowler Calvin Johnson.
Brian Lawton
Minnesota North Stars
An example of the dangers of an elite team picking up a schoolboy superstar. Lawton was drafted first overall in the 1983 NHL draft out of high school, having been touted as one of ice hockey’s most promising players. In doing so the Minnesota North Stars passed over several talented players, including Tom Barrasso. Lawton had a nine-year career in the NHL, but never became more than a role-player — an underwhelming result for a former No 1 draft pick.
Darko Milicic
Detroit Pistons
Another basketballer, but one who needs a mention. The seven-foot (2.13m) Serbian centre was taken second in the 2003 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons ahead of Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. Those three went on to become superstars of the league, while Milicic was traded after three seasons in which he hardly played. At his best he averaged 8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and left the NBA in 2013.
Home
Ma’a Nonu
Highlanders
Nonu was all class in the black jersey and was instrumental in both the 2011 and 2015 World Cup campaigns. He combined with Conrad Smith in a record number of tests and together they terrorised the opposition. He joined the Highlanders’ all-star cast in 2013 but the player we were so used to seeing dominate for the All Blacks took a sabbatical. By the end of his tenure with the Highlanders it looked as if he might struggle to find a new franchise. He returned to form once the silver fern was on his chest again.
Benji Marshall
Blues
Once the wonder boy of the NRL, Benji Marshall left the Wests Tigers to take up a contract with the Blues for the 2014 Super rugby season. Known for his pace, side-step and playmaking ability in rugby league, Marshall’s move to the struggling Blues received massive hype. But it was hype he would never live up to. He had a few nice touches and runs, but always looked like a league player playing union. In the end he played six games and never really found his true position. He was released from his contract halfway through the season and returned to the NRL.
Rashaan Smith
Otago Nuggets
Who? Exactly. The Otago Nuggets have made their share of dud signings over the years — think Keith Darden, John Barber jun, Jameel Pugh. Poor old Issiah Epps even got stuck with the nickname Issiah Inept after he completed a rapid transformation from match winner to royal bust during a short stint with the franchise. But perhaps no-one was more disappointing than Rashaan Smith. The centre must have aged four years and shed a few inches on the flight to New Zealand because the bloke who arrived did not match the billing. He was cut after two games and was lucky to last that long.
Brett Lee
Otago Volts
The former Australian quick produced a wonderful spell during a one-off twenty20 game for the Otago Volts in 2013. He played for peanuts, entertained the crowd, danced for the media and was well-received by the team. He was a success on all fronts except when it came to honouring his commitment to return for the Champions League. Suddenly, the fast bowler had other business. Still, he probably achieved more in one game than Darren Stevens and Chris Nash managed in 2010-11.
Jason Holder
Otago Volts
The West Indies pace bowler was called into the Otago side to play in the final of the 2013-14 domestic twenty20 competition so he could qualify for the Champions League. His late inclusion kept Neil Wagner out of the playing XI and was not well received by fans. It was not a great look to fly someone in for the final but Otago might have been forgiven had Holder played better. But he got smashed for nearly 10 an over and looked awful during a five-ball stay at the batting crease.
