Ranking the last 24 NBA first overall picks: 5-1

In the final piece of our series ranking No. 1 NBA Draft picks over the last 24 years, we dive into the top five. Even in this group, there are arguments to be had, but nobody could dispute the validity of these selections in their respective classes. Let’s start with one of the tougher guys to grade because of injuries that derailed his career:

5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (2008)

It’s funny to imagine that there was a debate at the time of the draft whether Rose or Michael Beasley should be the selection. One had a journeyman career whereas the other became the youngest player to win an MVP Award. It’s that achievement that puts Rose at this lofty ranking. One could argue that Dwight Howard had a longer stretch of dominance, but the hardware the former Bull brought home is something special. Bad knees have affected how Rose is viewed today, but early in his career, he was incredible and one of the most explosive point guards to ever play the game. After the early injuries, Rose has done a remarkable job reinventing himself by becoming more patient, steady, and better defensively. While currently an oft-injured reserve for the Grizzlies, he was an 18 point per game scorer as recently as the 2019-20 season. While it’s easy to wonder “what might have been” in the same vein as Penny Hardaway or Grant Hill, Rose’s burst of greatness and continued contributions to the game make him a noteworthy player despite the unfortunate ailments. 

4. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (2023)

What do you do with a unicorn who has played just one season in the NBA? Arguably the most anticipated selection since LeBron James, Wembanyama did not disappoint. As a rookie, he led his team in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals (and was third in assists). He was Rookie of the Year, NBA First-Team All-Defense selection, and far and away led the league in blocks. Despite being on a terrible basketball team, he stood out. It’s incredible to think how good he can be with a full offseason ahead of him. Projecting ahead, Wemby should move up even higher on this list. However, whereas players like Rose and Howard had bursts of dominance that ultimately came crashing down, the players ahead of Wemby have put together complete elite careers. For now, this rare superstar sits at No. 4.

3. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers (2011) 

One could maybe debate whether Kyrie turned out to be the best player in his draft class (Kawhi was taken No. 15 and Jimmy Butler went No. 30), but he instantly hit the league and became one of its most dynamic players. An elite ball handler and natural offensive weapon, Irving’s career has been an odd one, though the oddness does not detract from his production. Drafted to a bad team and becoming an instant star, he was joined by LeBron James early in his career. Together they won a championship, but he broke up the duo by insisting on a trade that ultimately landed him in Boston with the Celtics. While that should have turned into an elite dynasty with Irving, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, Kyrie was impatient and then formed a super team with the Brooklyn Nets, which did not ultimately work out. Now in Dallas with the Mavericks, Irving has settled into a star No. 2 alongside Luka Doncic. He’s averaged more than 20 points per game 11 times over his 13 year career and is an eight-time NBA All-Star.

2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets (2012)

And, speaking of LeBron James’ co-stars… the No. 2 ranked No. 1 overall pick is Anthony Davis. The man, the myth, the unibrow is a nine-time NBA All-Star and four-time All NBA First Team selection. Davis is the quintessential modern big man. He can run the floor, defend the rim, and shoot. Since his rookie season, Davis has averaged over 20 points per game every year, and he’s averaged more than 24 points in eight of his 12 seasons in the league, including the last two. That longevity and consistency sets Davis apart amongst other No. 1 overall selections. In fact, his two highest rebounding seasons have been the last two as well. With perhaps a few more years in his prime, Davis’ hopes of being on a consistent contender have not materialized with the Lakers. While they did win one championship, he and LeBron have struggled to form a winning team around them, and the window could be closing on the tandem. Whether he can contend again – either with the Lakers or elsewhere – could determine where he sits in the pecking order of the best big men to play the game.

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (2003)

There was never any doubt who would be No. 1 on this list. He’s been to the NBA Finals nine times, he’s a 20-time NBA All-Star, and he’s been an NBA Champion four times with three different franchises. “The King” is the oldest player in the NBA, and he holds a scoring record that will probably never be broken. While Jordan may hold the edge as the greatest ever, nobody has defined the game for as long as LeBron has. He’s been an All-NBA First-Team selection 13 times, and even at 39 years old, he was an All-NBA Third-Team selection. You could go on and on about his impact on the game, his athletic prowess, his awards, and incredible longevity – starting in an NBA record 1,490 basketball games over his storied career. One has to wonder whether James’ career might be seen as even more prolific had he made all of his later free agent decisions on the same basis as he made his first one – winning titles. The decision to return to Cleveland won him the hearts of NBA fans, and his ability to bring a title to that city can never be forgotten. His choice of Los Angeles, however, made very little sense from a basketball perspective, and he’s struggled to build a consistent winner. Nevertheless, he is unquestionably one of the greatest the league has ever seen and easily the No. 1 choice in this list.