For more than 75 years, we have seen a fair share of talented and skilled NBA players. Getting picked first overall in a draft usually means a player is slated for great things. While some turn out to be a bust, a handful of names exceed expectations. Here’s a ranking of the best No.1 picks in NBA history.
Take note that this is based on the author’s views and opinions. The rankings are taken by how much of an impact a player made during their rookie year and also how great their careers went. So, without much further ado, here’s our list.
10. Allen Iverson
“Practice? We talkin’ bout practice?” -AI
In the words of late Kobe Bryant himself, “We are fortunate that Allen Iverson isn’t 6’5″.” That’s true! AI only stands at about 6 feet (maybe even shorter). If he was as tall as Kobe, just imagine the damage he can inflict. In just his 5th season, he brought a Philadelphia 76ers team that did not have that much firepower compared to the Kobe-Shaq Los Angeles Lakers.
Although Iverson is a flashy volume-scoring guard, he’s very inefficient. In addition to that, the 1997 Rookie of the Year could have done more in his career if only he worked harder. Plus, due to his bad habits, AI’s career was cut short.
9. David Robinson
David Robinson, the first overall pick in the 1987 draft, did not play until two years later. The Admiral had to fulfill his two-year commitment to the Navy, which is why he came into the league in the 1989-1990 season. He was still technically a rookie in 1989 and with his exceptional size and skills, he won the Rookie of the Year award that season.
The Admiral’s physique was so admirable that some centers were afraid to guard him. Well, that was before Shaq came into the league. He had a great career but he never really put San Antonio on the map until Tim Duncan came. Don’t get me wrong, the Spurs were contenders in the ’90s, it’s only that Michael Jordan ruled that era. Also, the West was filled with great teams like the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Seattle Supersonics, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trailblazers.
8. Elgin Baylor
Would it surprise you that Elgin Baylor never won an MVP or a championship? Incredible, but that is very true. There was a time when Baylor averaged 38.2 points per game while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on the weekends and then serving the army on other days. Talk about load management!
At only 6 feet and 5 inches, Baylor can go up against guys like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. Elgin Baylor will go down in history as the best player to never win a title and an MVP award. But, his loyalty to the Lakers organization will never be matched.
7. Oscar Robertson
In his first year in the NBA, Oscar Robertson quickly marked his legacy as an all-time great. His 30.5 points per game average in year 1 is the third-highest PPG made by a rookie (Wilt Chamberlain is first and Walt Bellamy is second). The Big O’s career didn’t last that long compared to his teammate, Kareem Abdul-Jabba. But, we should also remember he had an 8-year stretch of averaging about 30 points a game, whilst still playing for the Royals.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xE9CKUgQoXM&pp=ygUab3NjYXIgcm9iZXJ0c29uIGhpZ2hsaWdodHM%3D
He was a great player coming into the league. In his second year, he was already getting a triple-double average of 30.8 points, 11.4 assists, and 12.5 rebounds. Unfortunately, he would only win one ring in 14 seasons.
6. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon is probably one of the best two-way players the world has seen. He was drafted in 1984, a class that featured Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. It’s debatable, but that 1984 draft class is top-tier.
Hakeem could be the second-best player in the 1990s, just behind MJ. In a short period, when Jordan retired for the first time, Hakeem ruled the NBA and won two championships. In 1994, Olajuwon became the only player in NBA history to win the MVP, the Championship, the Finals MVP, and the Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. Just WOW!
5. Tim Duncan
The Big Fundamental isn’t someone that players look up to. I mean, some people think he isn’t very exciting to watch. Indeed, Tim Duncan lives and dies in the bank shot and the post. Although it wasn’t as flashy as Allen Iverson’s crossover or Vince Carter’s dunks, it was extremely effective. Tim has 5 rings, but how many championships did Carter or Iverson have? Zero. Nada. Zilch!
Some may also argue that Duncan played in a great system and always had help (e.g. Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, David Robinson). However, should we forget that the San Antonio Spurs were trash the season before he was drafted in 1997?
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Before breaking records, Shaquille O’Neal broke backboards first. And that’s just for breakfast. Moreover, he can do that every game and dominate every player that guards him. That is why, some rules changed after Shaq’s pure dominance.
In 1992, Shaquille O’Neal committed to the NBA draft and shook the league. A ripped big man who runs like a forward and jumps higher than anybody else put centers like David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and Alonzo Mourning on skates. By his third season, he was already in the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, he ran into Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets. There was absolutely no one that could stop him, except for himself. Shaq’s weakness was his free throws and inability to work harder.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Formerly known as Lew Alcindow, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a force to reckon with. The UCLA standout not only dominated college, he also dominated the NBA after being drafted. Before being surpassed by LeBron James, Kareem famously held the record for most career points scored (38, 387).
What made Kareem a household name was his unstoppable “Sky Hook”. Nobody was able to stop that move, but it’s odd that nobody uses that anymore. Regardless, Kareem may not be the best guy off the court, but he definitely is a beast in basketball.
2. Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson was drafted first overall in 1979 and immediately made a statement in the league. In his first year, he led the Lakers to another championship where he won the Finals MVP … as a rookie!
Though Magic played with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (in his prime), it was clear as day that the passing magician would run the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA in the future. He did just that by competing with Larry Bird, however, their careers would be cut short due to injuries.
1. LeBron James
It’s obvious we’re going to put LeBron James in the top spot. Not only is he the best No.1 pick, but he could also be the best player we have ever seen. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer. Before even coming into the league, all eyes were already on the then-high school prospect. Being on the cover of Sports Illustrated at a very young age definitely puts a lot of pressure on the baller.
After 20 years, we can safely say that The King surpassed all expectations. At 38 years old, Father Time hasn’t caught up to LeBron yet. At year 21, he is still performing his best on a nightly basis. Maybe even better than he was 28!
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