SportsBreak

Any entry draft in a major sport is important to the general managers, coaches, and players that make up a league's respective franchises, especially when a team holds the #1 overall pick. Picking the right player at the number one position can change the legacy of a franchise and cement it as a future dynasty filled with championships. All one needs to do is look at the Miami Heat and Lebron James (originally drafted #1 by Cleveland) or the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan to see the proof in the pudding that #1 picks can change everything. Unfortunately, things don't always work out the way they are supposed to, and some number one picks who were once surefire, can't-miss prospects become undeniable duds, sometimes in no time flat.

Major League Baseball has seen numerous pitchers with many different styles. Some are considered fly ball pitchers, while others are known for inducing ground balls to achieve outs. There have even been pitchers like Tim Wakefield and R.A. Dickey; guys who rely on a slow, dancing knuckleball to fool hitters and throw off their timing. Conversely, there have been pitchers with the ability to throw the ball by a hitter, thanks to a fastball that can reach upwards of 100 MPH. It has proven to be a useful weapon against opposing hitters who are too slow to react, or simply can't see the ball whistle by them. Legends like, Nolan Ryan and Bob Feller, are known for their electric fastballs, while Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson established themselves as two of the most intimidating pitchers of the modern era.

In the era of free agency, in particular, it is commonplace to see an athlete of prodigious talent sign a big money, long-term deal after playing for rookie bucks. The team is happy, the player is happy and usually the fans are happy. It's when these athletes start spending the big bucks that largesse, youthful exuberance and just plain stupidity and ignorance cause that money to drain away - fast. Once the entourage, hangers-on, financial "advisor", the taxman and a slew of others have a say, some big name athletes actually go broke, becoming cautionary tales for those coming next. Even with all the evidence to the contrary, wealthy sports superstars find new ways to blow through millions and end up on the skids. Whether it is for child support, badly timed real estate investments, or just the plain old love of having a good time, there athletes from all over sports history have left their mark on the list of people who just don’t know how to handle their money. We are talking about quarterbacks, linebackers, wide receivers, even golfers at the country club that love partying, going frequently to Vegas and making terrible choices, all the while waving their thick wallets. We can’t make this list without mentioning the famed <a href="https://rumble.com/v2zbyv-boxing-champ-mike-tyson-helps-las-vegas-crash-victim.html" target="_blank">Mike Tyson</a>, who we will diligently compare to the ocean liner that sank in the early 20th century. The heavyweight champion blew through three wives and the 300 million dollars he was once worth, not to mention the gates of prison.

While Miami Heat small forward Lebron James has established himself as the game's best player the past five or so years, the question that has been posed by many is, "who can challenge or dethrone him?" King James poses many match-up problems for opposing players on both ends of the floor, making him extremely difficult to deal with offensively and defensively. So which players, past or present, possess the skill set and the ability to possibly trump James head to head in a game of one-on-one? The list is not particularly long, trust us. But these are the rare few who possibly could get it done. Credit to 'ConcourseMedia'.