The NBA Draft has produced some of the greatest players in NBA history, and being the #1 overall pick comes with sky-high expectations.
These players met those expectations, signed some massive NBA contracts and became gods of the game.
These number 1 picks have statues in their buildings, winning rings, MVPs, and earning countless accolades.
Best Number 1 NBA Draft Picks All-Time
Here are our ten best #1 picks in NBA history, complete titles won, MVPs, All-NBA, and All-Defensive team selections.
1. LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers – 2003
- PPG: 27.2 | RPG: 7.5 | APG: 7.3 | SPG: 1.6
- Titles Won: 4
- Regular Season MVPs: 4
- NBA Finals MVPs: 4
- All-NBA Teams: 19
- All-Defensive Teams: 6
LeBron James entered the NBA with probably more expectations on him than any other player in history – and surpassed them.
He has won four MVP awards, four championships, and four Finals MVPs.
His 19 All-NBA selections reflect his sustained excellence, and his six All-Defensive selections highlight his impact on both ends of the floor.
LeBron continues to be a dominant force well into his late 30s.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Milwaukee Bucks -1969
- PPG: 24.6 | RPG: 11.2 | APG: 3.6 | SPG: 0.9
- Titles Won: 6
- Regular Season MVPs: 6
- NBA Finals MVPs: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 15
- All-Defensive Teams: 11
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the 2nd all-time leading scorer in NBA history, won a record six MVP awards and six championships.
Known for his skyhook, Kareem owned the league for two decades.
His 15 All-NBA selections and 11 All-Defensive team honors is simply awesome. He was also a Finals MVP twice, cementing his legacy as one of the best to do it.
3. Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers – 1979
- PPG: 19.5 | RPG: 7.2 | APG: 11.2 | SPG: 1.9
- Titles Won: 5
- Regular Season MVPs: 3
- NBA Finals MVPs: 3
- All-NBA Teams: 10
- All-Defensive Teams: 0
Magic Johnson changed the way the point guard position was played with his size and skill.
His five rings and three MVP awards were all a part of his legacy.
Magic earned three Finals MVP awards for his leadership in the Lakers’ “Showtime” era.
Despite never making an All-Defensive team, Magic’s impact on the game is undeniable, with 10 All-NBA selections to his name.
4. Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs – 1997
- PPG: 19.0 | RPG: 10.8 | APG: 3.0 | SPG: 0.7
- Titles Won: 5
- Regular Season MVPs: 2
- NBA Finals MVPs: 3
- All-NBA Teams: 15
- All-Defensive Teams: 15
Never one to get too emotional – Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” was the big tower of the Spurs teams – one of the best NBA dynasties in history.
He won five titles, with two MVPs, and was named Finals MVP three times.
Duncan’s 15 All-NBA and 15 All-Defensive team selections show his ability to play both ends of the floor. His leadership and fundamentals (Big Fundamentals if you must) made him one of the most respected players in NBA history.
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Orlando Magic – 1992
- PPG: 23.7 | RPG: 10.9 | APG: 2.5 | SPG: 0.6
- Titles Won: 4
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 3
- All-NBA Teams: 14
- All-Defensive Teams: 3
Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant forces in NBA history.
He led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant and added a fourth title with the Miami Heat when paired with Dwyane Wade.
Shaq has three Finals MVPs and one regular-season MVP. His 14 All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive team honors show his all-around dominance.
6. Hakeem Olajuwon
Houston Rockets – 1984
- PPG: 21.8 | RPG: 11.1 | APG: 2.5 | SPG: 1.7
- Titles Won: 2
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 12
- All-Defensive Teams: 9
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon was a force on both ends of the court with footwork in the paint for days.
He led the Rockets to back-to-back championships and earned NBA Finals MVP honors both times.
Olajuwon also won the regular-season MVP in 1994 and was named to 12 All-NBA teams and nine All-Defensive teams.
His shot-blocking and post moves made him one of the greatest centers ever.
7. David Robinson
San Antonio Spurs – 1987
- PPG: 21.1 | RPG: 10.6 | APG: 2.5 | SPG: 1.4
- Titles Won: 2
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 0
- All-NBA Teams: 10
- All-Defensive Teams: 8
David “The Admiral” Robinson, was a big-time two-way player with even bigger biceps and shoulders.
He won two championships, an MVP award in 1995, and was named to 10 All-NBA teams and eight All-Defensive teams.
Although he never won a Finals MVP, Robinson’s play on both ends of the court made him one of the best #1 picks in NBA history.
8. Oscar Robertson
Cincinnati Royals, 1960
- PPG: 25.7 | RPG: 7.5 | APG: 9.5
- Titles Won: 1
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 0
- All-NBA Teams: 11
- All-Defensive Teams: 0
Oscar “The Big O” Robertson, was a triple-double machine and one of the most versatile guards in NBA history.
He won one MVP award, won an NBA championship with the Bucks, and was named to 11 All-NBA teams.
He never made an All-Defensive team, Robertson’s ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball set the standard for future guards.
9. Allen Iverson
Philadelphia 76ers – 1996
- PPG: 26.7 | RPG: 3.7 | APG: 6.2 | SPG: 2.2
- Titles Won: 0
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 0
- All-NBA Teams: 7
- All-Defensive Teams: 0
Allen “AI” Iverson was known for his fearless play for such a small guard at 6’0 – with elite scoring and ball-handling he won the MVP award in 2001.
Despite never winning a ring, Iverson was named to seven All-NBA teams.
He led the NBA in scoring four times, and his quickness, toughness, and ability to score in traffic gave him some of the best highlight packages in history.
10. Elgin Baylor
Minneapolis Lakers – 1958
- PPG: 27.4 | RPG: 13.5 | APG: 4.3
- Titles Won: 0
- Regular Season MVPs: 0
- NBA Finals MVPs: 0
- All-NBA Teams: 10
- All-Defensive Teams: 0
Elgin Baylor was a great forward known for his acrobatic moves and scoring ability.
He was named to 10 All-NBA teams but never won a ring or an MVP award.
Despite this, Baylor’s contributions to the game are worthy of our top 10, and he remains one of the best forwards in NBA history.
Best Ever #1 NBA Draft Picks Stats
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. LeBron James | 27.2 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 4 |
| 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 24.6 | 11.2 | 3.6 | 6 |
| 3. Magic Johnson | 19.5 | 7.2 | 11.2 | 5 |
| 4. Tim Duncan | 19.0 | 10.8 | 3.0 | 5 |
| 5. Shaquille O’Neal | 23.7 | 10.9 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 6. Hakeem Olajuwon | 21.8 | 11.1 | 2.5 | 2 |
| 7. David Robinson | 21.1 | 10.6 | 2.5 | 2 |
| 8. Oscar Robertson | 25.7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 1 |
| 9. Allen Iverson | 26.7 | 3.7 | 6.2 | 0 |
| 10. Elgin Baylor | 27.4 | 13.5 | 4.3 | 0 |
These ten #1 NBA draft picks have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. From LeBron James’ all-around game to Kareem’s skyhook, each brought something great to the court.
If you love your NBA and a bet – check out our free NBA picks for tonight.
