5 Greatest No. 1 Overall Picks in NBA Draft History

No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft aren't always a sure bet. Some NBA teams have secured their futures by selecting the right player, while others have gone backwards for picking the wrong one.

Victor Wembanyama is tipped to be selected first by the San Antonio Spurs in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft on June 22. He is one of the most hyped prospects in years, and the basketball world can't wait to watch the Frenchman play in the NBA.

LeBron James was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, and he'll retire as arguably the greatest player in NBA history. Anthony Bennet and Kawme Brown are examples of No. 1 picks that flopped and have been consigned to oblivion.

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In 75 years of the NBA draft, 19 players who were taken with the No. 1 pick are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, per NBC Sports.

Therefore, Sports Brief looks at the 5 greatest No. 1 picks in NBA Draft history on the basis of longevity, impact, and production.

Top 5 No. 1 picks

5. Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs, 1997

Drafting Duncan in 1999 was Spurs' best decision in the franchise's existence. They had never won the NBA title before the 19-year pro arrived. That quickly changed as he led them to NBA glory in his second season. Duncan did not bring banners to San Antonio; he provided stability for the franchise. He led them to four more NBA titles before calling time on his career in 2016, per ESPN.

Duncan’s accolades include 15 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 15 NBA All-Defensive Team selections (most in NBA history), two NBA MVPs, three NBA Finals MVPs, and the 1997-98 NBA Rookie of the Year. Duncan is 16th in total points scored in NBA history.

4. Shaquille O'Neal

Orlando Magic, 1992

O'Neal is the most dominant player in NBA history. He was drafted by the Magic in 1992. He won NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game and helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals in just his third season. Shaq is 8th on total points scored in NBA history.

Shaq then moved to Los Angeles in 1996 and formed a lethal partnership with Kobe Bryant. He led the Lakers to three straight titles from 1999-00 to 2001-02 before collecting a fourth ring with the 2005-06 Miami Heat. He made 15 All-Star appearances and 14 All-NBA teams, and also won a regular-season MVP and three Finals MVPs.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Milwaukee Bucks, 1969

Abdul-Jabbar is a top 5 player of all time. He won the Milwaukee Bucks their first-ever NBA title in 1971 before moving to Los Angeles for greener pastures. He cemented his legacy with the Lakers, forming a potent partnership with another No. 1 pick, Magic Johnson.

Since he retired in 1989, he remains an icon in the sport. His list of accomplishments is stellar: Rookie of the Year, six NBA championships, six-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and 19-time All-Star. His scoring record stood for nearly four decades before LeBron James surpassed it in February 2023.

2. Magic Johnson

Los Angeles Lakers, 1979

The Lakers selected Johnson first in 1979, a decision that gave birth to Showtime Lakers. Johnson and Co. won five NBA titles from 1980 to 1988, beginning with his rookie season. He announced he had HIV in 1991 and retired from the Lakers, per AP.

He had 12 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, three MVPs, and three Finals MVPs when he retired. His 11.2 assists per game remain the most in NBA history.

1. LeBron James

Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003

James was probably the most hyped draft prospect in NBA history. He has lived up to those expectations and surpassed them by some distance. He just concluded his 20th NBA season and shows no signs of slowing down.

He became NBA's all-time leading scorer in February, passing Abdul-Jabbar. The 38-year-old is a 19-time All-Star, 19-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Defensive Team selection, four-time NBA MVP, and four-time NBA Finals MVP. He has won four NBA titles.

2022/23 NBA season: Top moments

LeBron James breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record was the top moment of the season. Dillon Brooks was a huge talking point for much of the season.

Ja Morant's gun video was and still is a hot topic. We also saw two 71-point performances from Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell.