Being picked in the NBA lottery is a big deal. It means a player is considered one of the best in their draft class. But it also comes with high expectations. Teams spend a lot of money and hope these players will become stars who can lead their franchises.
For many, the pressure starts when they walk through the team’s doors. Fans and team leaders want results fast.
Top 10 NBA Lottery Picks of All Time
The journey from top pick to NBA superstar isn’t always easy, but the players who succeed can change a team’s future. Here’s a look at the top 10 NBA lottery picks of all time.
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be held tonight in Chicago and air live at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN.
Below are the 2025 lottery probabilities for each of the teams ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/N6yidm0EO3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2025
1) LeBron James (No. 1, 2003, Cleveland Cavaliers)
LeBron James is often talked about as one of the best basketball players of all time. While the GOAT debate will go on forever, there’s no doubt James had some of the highest expectations ever.
Coming straight out of high school as the No. 1 pick in 2003, many expected him to become a superstar immediately. Just imagine the pressure he must have felt. Still, he lived up to the hype.
He turned the Cavaliers into a top team, winning four MVPs, four championships, and making 20 All-Star Games. His all-around game and long career have set the bar for future stars.
2) Michael Jordan (No. 3, 1984, Chicago Bulls)
Michael Jordan, picked third by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, is known by many as the greatest basketball player ever. He helped turn the team into a global name when he joined the Bulls.
He led them to six NBA championships and won five MVP awards. Jordan was an amazing scorer, winning 10 scoring titles and averaging 37.1 points per game in one season. He also played great defense, making the All-Defensive First Team nine times.
With 14 All-Star appearances and a strong will to win, Jordan lived up to the pressure and became a true legend.
3) Tim Duncan (No. 1, 1997, San Antonio Spurs)
Tim Duncan was the top pick in 1997 and became the key piece of the San Antonio Spurs’ long run of success. He led the team to five NBA championships, won two MVP awards, three NBA Finals MVP awards and made 15 All-Star appearances.
While many fans called his style of play boring, Duncan proved that simple, smart basketball could win games. His quiet leadership and steady presence helped define a winning era for the Spurs.
4) Shaquille O’Neal (No. 1, 1992, Orlando Magic)
Shaquille O’Neal was picked No. 1 in 1992 and quickly became one of the most powerful players the game has ever seen. He helped turn the Orlando Magic into a winning team before joining the Lakers, where he became even more dominant.
Teaming up with Kobe Bryant, O’Neal formed one of the best duos in NBA history. Together, they won three straight championships, bringing the Lakers back to the top. O’Neal finished his career with four titles, one MVP award and 15 All-Star nods.
His size, strength and big personality made him a force on the court and a cultural icon.
5) Hakeem Olajuwon (No. 1, 1984, Houston Rockets)
Hakeem Olajuwon was known for his smooth footwork, strong defense and smart play in the paint. He led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships and made 12 All-Star teams.
In the 1993-94 season, he made history by becoming the first player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season. His 1994-95 title run, during which he outplayed some of the league’s best centers, is still considered one of the greatest ever.
Olajuwon’s skills and calm leadership made him one of the top big men in NBA history.
6) Kevin Durant (No. 2, 2007, Seattle SuperSonics)
Kevin Durant’s size and skill have made him one of the most unstoppable scorers in NBA history. Standing nearly 7 feet tall with the handle and shooting touch of a guard, he changed what people expect from a forward.
Durant has won two championships, one MVP award, and has been named to 14 All-Star Games. His ability to score from anywhere makes him a constant threat, and even at 36, he remains one of the toughest players to guard.
7) Allen Iverson (No. 1, 1996, Philadelphia 76ers)
Allen Iverson’s fearless play and never-back-down attitude made him a fan favorite. He won one MVP, made 11 All-Star teams, and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001.
Known for having one of the best crossovers ever, Iverson was almost impossible to guard. His influence was huge off the court—players across the league copied his braids, tattoos and swagger.
Iverson’s impact on basketball and culture helped shape a new era of the game.
8) Dwight Howard (No. 1, 2004, Orlando Magic)
Dwight Howard was the first overall pick in the 2004 draft and quickly became one of the most dominant centers of his era. Known for his athleticism, shot-blocking and rebounding, Howard led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.
He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was a multiple-time All-Star, finishing his career as one of the top centers of the 2000s and 2010s.
9) Jason Kidd (No. 2, 1994, Dallas Mavericks)
Jason Kidd, picked second in 1994, became one of the best point guards in NBA history. Known for his passing, leadership and basketball IQ, Kidd made an impact on every team he played for.
A 10-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team pick, he helped lead the Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011. While not a top scorer, Kidd’s control of the game made him a vital player for over 19 seasons.
10) Kyrie Irving (No. 1, 2011, Cleveland Cavaliers)
Kyrie Irving was picked first overall in 2011 after playing just 11 college games, showing how skilled he was even at a young age. Known for having some of the best handles in NBA history, Kyrie’s flashy, creative play has influenced players everywhere.
He hit one of the biggest shots in Finals history in 2016, helping the Cavaliers win their first NBA title. While some may debate his place on this list, there’s no denying Kyrie’s skill, impact and global influence on the point guard position.
Honorable Mentions
Magic Johnson
Even though Magic Johnson was drafted before the lottery system, his impact still earns him a shout. As a 6-foot-9 point guard, he changed how people saw the position.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted before the lottery era, but his career is one of the greatest ever. He won six MVPs, the most in NBA history, and six championships with the Bucks and Lakers.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul was selected fourth overall in 2005 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. Known for his court vision, passing and leadership, Paul has been a constant presence on All-NBA and All-Star teams.
