Being selected first overall in the NBA Draft is one of the biggest honors in basketball. It’s a moment that changes a player’s life overnight, placing them at the center of a franchise’s future. Some live up to the hype, becoming all-time greats, while others struggle under the weight of expectations. Today, we’re looking at some of the most exciting No. 1 picks in NBA history, starting with a recent star who’s already making an impact.
Paolo Banchero – 2022 (Orlando Magic)
When the Orlando Magic made Paolo Banchero the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, many were caught off guard. The pre-draft buzz centered around Jabari Smith Jr. going No. 1, but the Magic saw something special in Banchero—and they weren’t wrong. In fact, you only need to look at Paolo Banchero stats to see why he’s held in such high regard!
Banchero wasted no time proving he belonged. His rookie season was a showcase of elite scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility. At 6’10”, he moves like a guard but has the physicality of a power forward. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and set up teammates made him an instant focal point for Orlando. Winning Rookie of the Year was just the beginning—his potential to become an All-NBA talent is clear.
LeBron James – 2003 (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Few No. 1 picks have entered the league with more pressure than LeBron James. Before he even played an NBA game, he was labeled “The Chosen One,” with expectations so high they seemed almost impossible to meet. But instead of crumbling under the weight of the hype, LeBron exceeded it.
From day one, he was a generational talent. His rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a force at every position on the court. He didn’t just become a superstar—he redefined what an NBA player could be. Multiple MVPs, championships, and records later, LeBron is still playing at an elite level two decades into his career. As far as No. 1 picks go, he’s in a league of his own.
Shaquille O’Neal – 1992 (Orlando Magic)
When the Orlando Magic landed the first pick in 1992, they made an easy decision—drafting a dominant, 7’1” force of nature named Shaquille O’Neal. From the moment he stepped on an NBA court, Shaq was unstoppable.
His size and athleticism made him nearly impossible to guard, and he quickly became one of the most dominant centers in history. The Magic didn’t hold onto him long-term, but his impact was immediate. He turned Orlando into a contender before moving on to win multiple championships with the Lakers. Shaq didn’t just play basketball—he bulldozed through it.
Tim Duncan – 1997 (San Antonio Spurs)
The San Antonio Spurs struck gold in 1997 when they drafted Tim Duncan. Unlike many No. 1 picks, he wasn’t flashy or outspoken—he let his game do the talking.
Duncan was the definition of consistency. His fundamentals, defensive presence, and leadership turned the Spurs into one of the most successful franchises of all time. Five championships, two MVPs, and a legacy of quiet dominance cemented him as one of the greatest power forwards ever.
Allen Iverson – 1996 (Philadelphia 76ers)
The 1996 NBA Draft class was legendary, but Allen Iverson was the one who heard his name called first. At just 6 feet tall, he didn’t have the physical advantages of other No. 1 picks, but what he lacked in size, he made up for in heart, skill, and toughness.
Iverson changed the game. His electrifying handles, scoring ability, and fearlessness made him a cultural icon. He wasn’t just a great player—he was a movement. The way he played, dressed, and carried himself resonated with fans worldwide. His impact on the game, both on and off the court, is undeniable.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1969 (Milwaukee Bucks)
Some players are great. Others change the game forever. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was both.
Drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, he immediately became one of the league’s most dominant players. His signature skyhook was one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball history, and his impact stretched across two decades.
Six MVPs, six championships, and the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years—there’s a reason he’s in every GOAT conversation. His influence on the game still resonates today.
Magic Johnson – 1979 (Los Angeles Lakers)
The Lakers found their perfect star in 1979 with Magic Johnson. He wasn’t just a point guard—he was a 6’9” playmaking wizard who revolutionized the position.
Magic’s vision, passing, and charisma turned the Lakers into “Showtime.” He won a championship as a rookie and never looked back, leading the Lakers to five titles in the ‘80s.
Zion Williamson – 2019 (New Orleans Pelicans)
Few players have entered the NBA with as much hype as Zion Williamson. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness is something the league has rarely seen.
When healthy, Zion is a force. His ability to dominate inside, finish through contact, and run the floor like a guard makes him a nightmare matchup. Injuries have slowed his progress, but when he’s on the court, there’s no doubt why he was picked first.
The Legacy of No. 1 Picks
Not every No. 1 pick becomes an all-time great, but the ones who do leave a lasting mark on basketball history. From LeBron to Kareem to Shaq, these players didn’t just meet expectations—they shattered them. The NBA Draft will always be full of surprises, but one thing is certain: the No. 1 pick carries a legacy of greatness, and the next generational talent could be just around the corner.