The pressure that comes with being the first overall pick in the NBA Draft is immense. Some players falter, floating through the league with the infamous “bust” title attached to their name for the rest of their career. Others meet the honor and rise above it, crafting a memorable career that ends in Springfield, Mass., home of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, there have been 49 first-overall picks. With some future projections baked into it, as there are still 13 active players, here’s our ranking of each of those No. 1 overall selections from worst to first.
Ranking Every No. 1 Overall Pick Since the NBA-ABA Merger in 1976
49) Anthony Bennett, 2013
It’s not hard to argue that Bennett is the worst top pick of all-time, as he started just four games in his entire four-year career, each spent with a different team. His best season came in the 2014-15 campaign with the Minnesota Timberwolves in which he produced a meager 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. He was out of the league before he ever signed a second contract.
48) Kwame Brown, 2001
It didn’t take long for the Washington Wizards to realize that Brown wasn’t anywhere close to competing in the NBA after they selected him straight out of high school.
Though he carved out a 12-year career with seven different franchises, he was publicly tormented by teammates Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and, most notably, ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith. The talent was in there; the effort, attitude, and everyday mentality to be great were not.
47)Â Markelle Fultz, 2017
The 76ers’ second consecutive top pick fared far worse than the first, as Fultz lasted just two seasons in Philadelphia before being shipped to the Orlando Magic. Struggling with his shooting form due to nerve injuries in his shoulders, Fultz was never able to demonstrate the talent he showed with the Washington Huskies. Fultz is currently on the Sacramento Kings, though his career in the NBA may be in jeopardy based on his struggles on the court.
Markelle Fultz was the complete player at Washington.
There was a reason why he was the no brainer first pick pic.twitter.com/f2Xmr5DX3y
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) May 26, 2023
46)Â Joe Barry Carroll, 1980
Drafted by the Golden State Warriors, Carroll played for four seasons before jetting off to Italy for one season. He came back and was named an All-Star in 1987, which turned out to be the highlight of his career. He lasted several more seasons before he was out of the league once again.
45) John Lucas, 1976
Lucas never quite blossomed into the star he was drafted to be after making the All-Rookie First Team. However, he carved out a nice career as a role player for 14 seasons before starting his second career as an NBA coach.
44)Â Michael Olowokandi, 1998
Olowokandi was largely mediocre during his 10 seasons in the league. Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged 9.9 points and 8.0 rebounds in five seasons before finishing his career with Minnesota and the Boston Celtics, where he never scored more than seven points per game.
43) Kent Benson, 1977
Benson was largely a role player during his 11 years in the league. The Indiana product played his best with the Detroit Pistons, averaging double figure scoring for three seasons before finishing career with the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers, each for a season.
42)Â Joe Smith, 1995
After a terrific college career, Smith was unspectacular in the pros, as his first three seasons turned out to be his best. Across 16 seasons in the NBA, he compiled averages of 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds. He was essentially a reserve for his final ten seasons.
41)Â Greg Oden, 2007
Mired with injuries, Oden’s career is a classic “what-if.” Playing one year at Ohio State, he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was trending up in his second season before a lower leg injury essentially ended his career before it could even get started.
40) Mychal Thompson, 1978
Thompson broke barriers as the first international player to be selected first overall. The Bahamas native had a nice career in the league, making the All-Rookie First Team and playing a role in two championship teams in 1987 and 1988.
39)Â Zaccharie Risacher, 2024
Admittedly, it’s still very early in Risacher’s career, but during his rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks, he didn’t exactly establish himself as a potential superstar. If he improves his ball-handling, shot-creation, and becomes more aggressive, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to grow into a fringe All-Star wing. His 12.6 points per game could balloon next season if he becomes more of a focal point in the offense.
38)Â Danny Manning, 1988
Manning came into the league as advertised, ready to score from all over the court. He averaged in double-figure scoring in 11 seasons with a career-high of 22.8 points in 1993. He was a two-time All-Star (1993 and 1994) and won the 1998 Sixth Man of the Year award. He played for seven different teams across his 16-year career.
37)Â Derrick Coleman, 1990
Though Coleman may not go down in NBA history books, he was good and teetering on the verge of great early on during his 15 years in the league. For his career, he averaged 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds and was named an All-Star in 1994, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1993 and 1994. He also became the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1991.
36)Â Kenyon Martin, 2000
Martin played 15 seasons in the NBA for five different teams and peaked as a high-level role player in his prime. He was a terrific rebounder and energy guy, but didn’t quite live up to the billing of being a top pick.
35) Pervis Ellison, 1989
Ellison, traded after his rookie season with the Sacramento Kings, enjoyed the best seasons of his career between 1991-93 with the Washington Bullets. He was named Most Improved Player in 1992 after scoring 20.0 points and grabbing 11.2 rebounds, but he was never able to replicate that, playing seven more seasons in a largely reserve role.
34) Deandre Ayton, 2018
Ayton’s career began with a ton of promise, as he averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds and looked poised to be a fixture in the Suns’ frontcourt. He was a key piece behind their 2021 NBA Finals run before the franchise’s relationship with the big man soured. He was sent away to the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the 2023 season and hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations that came with his draft pick.
33) Mark Aguirre, 1981
Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, Aguirre made three All-Star teams in his first seven seasons as one of the most prolific scorers in the league. But after clashing with team personnel, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1989, where he contributed to two championship teams (1989 and 1990). He played four more seasons off the bench before retiring in 1994.
32) Larry Johnson, 1991
A bruising forward for 10 seasons, Johnson made two All-Star teams in his career with the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks. He averaged double figures in scoring in nine of his 10 seasons, highlighted by the 1995-96 season in which he scored 20.5 points and grabbed 8.4 rebounds per game.
31) Ben Simmons, 2016
Simmons’ career looked promising at the start, as he was named an All-Star from 2019-2021 and was named to the All-Defensive First Team selection in 2020 and 2021. What followed is still bizarre, as his time with the Philadelphia 76ers ended due to injuries and an inability (refusal?) to shoot the ball. Now, with the Los Angeles Clippers nearly five years later, he’s yet to regain his prior form and is widely ignored by defenses.
30) Andrea Bargnani, 2006
Bargnani averaged in double figures scoring in nine of his 10 seasons, highlighted by a 21.4-point campaign in the 2010-11 season. He never made the playoffs during his prime years on the Toronto Raptors, and finished his 10-year NBA career in New York playing for both the Knicks and Nets. Bargnani finished his playing career in Spain.
29) Brad Daugherty, 1986
Injuries cut his career short, but Daugherty was a terrific player when healthy. He finished with averages of 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ center for eight seasons. He was a five-time All-Star and led the Cavs to the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals.
28) Andrew Bogut, 2005
Bogut never fully realized his offensive potential, but he reached relevance after seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks when he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He proved to be the final piece defensively for a championship team, helping kickstart a dynasty run with a 2015 NBA championship. The Australian played five more seasons in reserve roles before retiring.
27) Andrew Wiggins, 2014
Though Wiggins was largely miscast with the Timberwolves as a No. 1 option, he was a high-level role player during his peak years, most notably with the Golden State Warriors in 2022, when he was named an All-Star starter and was arguably the second-best player during their championship run. Traded to the Miami Heat at the 2025 trade deadline, he’s clearly trending down as age curbs his athleticism.
26) Glenn Robinson, 1994
A two-time All-Star in his career, Robinson was a prolific scorer at a time when scoring was often hard to come by. In eight of his 11 seasons in the league, he averaged more than 20 points per game. He played for three teams in his final three seasons before calling it quits in 2005.
25) Elton Brand, 1999
A force down low during his heyday, Brand was a two-time NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA Second Team in 2006. He averaged a double-double in six of his 17 seasons in the league. Brand lasted all the way until 2016, when he retired as a 76er.
24) Zion Williamson, 2019
Coming into the league with as much hype as almost any other prospect outside of LeBron James, Williamson has had moments of brilliance during his time in the league. Unfortunately, he’s had a lot more moments of sitting on the bench in street clothes. He’s played in just 214 games in his six-year career, but has career averages of 24.6 points. Named an All-Star in 2021 and 2023, it’s uncertain if he’ll ever reach that level again.
23) Paolo Banchero, 2022
In just three seasons, Banchero has solidified himself as one of the top young players in the league. An All-Star in 2024, Banchero’s career averages are 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Somewhat under the radar, playing for the Orlando Magic, the sky is the limit for the young forward.
22) John Wall, 2010
Wall’s speed and athleticism as a point guard took the league by storm, as he played five All-Star games during his prime. Injuries ended his time with the Washington Wizards, and after one-year tenures with the Houston Rockets in 2021 and 2023, respectively, he remains unsigned to date.
21) Blake Griffin, 2009
Arguably one of the most athletic players in the history of the game, Griffin was more than just a dunker. He made three All-NBA Second Teams and two All-NBA Third Teams while making six All-Star games in his prime. He ended his career with the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets and announced his retirement in 2024.
20) Yao Ming, 2002
Though Ming played in just eight seasons due to injuries, it was a dominant stretch. He made the All-Star team in all eight seasons and was elected into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2016.
19) Ralph Sampson, 1983
At 7’4″, Sampson was named an All-Star in each of his first four seasons in the league. He remained a very important player in his prime for the Houston Rockets but played just nine seasons due to injuries. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
18) Cade Cunningham, 2021
Cunningham’s career is just getting started, as he’s played just three full seasons in his four years in the NBA. He improved greatly during the 2024-25 campaign, making his first All-Star game and leading the charge behind the Detroit Pistons’ first playoff appearance since 2019. The arrow is pointing up for Cunningham’s career.
17) Karl-Anthony Towns, 2015
Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns has been selected for five All-Star games and is the self-proclaimed “best big man shooter of all-time.” Playing for the New York Knicks in 2025, he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds as the team’s anchor on defense and the best shooter on offense. Just 29, Towns has plenty of time to continue adding to his resume.
16) Dwight Howard, 2004
Unfortunately for Howard, his late career fiascos have overshadowed his prime. But with the Orlando Magic, Howard was a dominant force, as he has eight All-Star appearances and three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name. He finished his 18-year career with seven different teams.
15) Derrick Rose, 2008
Another player whose prime was wrecked by injuries, Rose became the youngest player to win the MVP award at just 22 years old in 2011. He played seven seasons for the Bulls before eight more on five different teams. He retired from the NBA in 2024.
14) Chris Webber, 1993
Webber’s peak from 1999-2003 was fantastic, as he made four All-Star teams during that span with the Sacramento Kings. A Hall of Famer in 2021, he averaged over 20 points per game in 11 of his 15 seasons and was one of the top forwards in the game during the early 2000’s.
13) Victor Wembanyama, 2023
Already a superstar in just his second year in the league, Victor Wembanyama was the runaway favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award before blood clots prematurely ended his sophomore season. Standing 7’5″ and with a vast toolbox of skills, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft will be a force in the league for years to come.
12) Anthony Edwards, 2020
The Timberwolves nailed this pick in the COVID-19 year, as Edwards has been exactly as advertised. A three-time All-Star in his brief five-year career, Edwards has twice lifted Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals. It seems to be only a matter of time before the heroic playoff performances of Edwards lead to a championship.
11) Kyrie Irving, 2011
One of the most dynamic players with the ball in NBA history, Irving was a massive part in bringing the Cleveland Cavaliers their first-ever championship in 2016. Though he’s faced criticism amid questionable off-court behavior, he seemed to have regained his happiness with the Dallas Mavericks before he unfortunately tore his Achilles in March.
10) Anthony Davis, 2012
A shoo-in to be a Hall of Famer once he’s done playing, Davis has been a force on both ends of the floor in his 13-year career. His career accolades include being a nine-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team, and five-time All-NBA Defensive Team — and he’s still going, dominating through injuries for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025.
9) David Robinson, 1987
Robinson didn’t play in his first two seasons due to his military service requirement, but once he was on the court with the San Antonio Spurs he was dominant during his Hall of Fame career. Across his career, he made 10 All-Star teams, eight All-Defensive Teams, was named the 1995 MVP and won two championships.
8) James Worthy, 1982
Worthy was apart of some amazing Los Angeles Lakers squads as one of the headliners. In his career, he was named to seven All-Star games, two All-NBA selections and three championships — including being named the Finals MVP in 1988. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2003.
7) Patrick Ewing, 1985
A legendary New York Knick, Ewing’s athletisim was uncommon at the time for NBA centers. The Hall of Famer was named an All-Star in 11 of his 17 seasons and averaged over 20 points per game in the first 13 seasons of his career, a tremendous feat.
6) Allen Iverson, 1996
Iverson single-handedly changed the culture of the NBA during his 14-year career in the league. As a 6’0″ guard, he garnered 11 All-Star game appearances, seven All-NBA appearances and dragged an undermanned Philadelphia 76ers team to the NBA Finals in 2001, producing one of the most iconic moments of all-time when he crossed over Tyronn Lue and stepped right over him.
5) Hakeem Olajuwon, 1984
Olajuwon was a Rocket for 17 of his 18 seasons in the league and brought the franchise both of their NBA championship in 1994 and 1995, in which he was the Finals MVP both years. A Hall of Fame inductee, he was also the league MVP in 1994 and made 12 All-Star games.
4) Tim Duncan, 1997
One of the best big men in the history of the game, Duncan was a San Antonio Spurs lifer, spending each of his 19 years with the organization. During that time, he was a 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection, 15-time All-Defensive Team selection, and brought five championship rings to San Antonio. He was named the Finals MVP in three of them.
3) Shaquille O’Neal, 1992
Arguably the most dominant offensive force of all-time, O’Neal made 15 All-Star games and won four NBA championships, including a three-peat with the Lakers from 2000-02. He was named the MVP in 2000 and played 19 seasons with six different teams before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
2) Magic Johnson, 1979
Johnson left as the best point guard to ever play the game, notching 12 All-Star game selections, three MVPs, and five championships in his 13 seasons. The 2002 Hall of Fame inductee was the conductor behind the “Showtime Lakers” and will be remembered in basketball history forever.
1) LeBron James, 2003
James has proven to have the longest stretch of excellence that the sport has ever seen, as he’s still impressing in his 22nd season.
As far as the GOAT No. 1 overall pick conversation goes, his resume speaks for itself: 21-time All-Star, four-time MVP, 13-time First Team All-NBA selection, five-time All-Defensive Team selection, topped with four championships — all four of which with him being named the Finals MVP. Case closed.
