The Best No. 1 Overall NBA Draft Picks of All Time

Ranker NBA
Updated June 1, 2024 99.2K views 58 items
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137.7K votes
13.8K voters
107 reranks
Voting Rules
Only players drafted #1 overall in the NBA Draft

Who is the best #1 NBA draft pick of all time? Having the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft could set your team up for success for more than a decade. However, not all no. 1 picks are created equal (as this list shows) and teams can regret passing up on superstars such as Michael Jordan or Kevin Durant. We've compiled a list of all the number one overall draft picks in NBA Draft history to see who is voted the best top overall first round pick of all time. Which NBA player selected #1 was the best?

An easy case could be made for seventeen-time All Star, four-time MVP, and four-time NBA Champion LeBron James. There are other great NBA stars picked first such as Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Allen Iverson, and David Robinson. A few young NBA stars who went first like Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons are already making an impact on the game. 

Vote up the best No. 1 NBA draft picks below, and help decide who is the best first overall NBA draft pick in history.

Most divisive: Larry Johnson
Over 13.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best No. 1 Overall NBA Draft Picks of All Time
  • Magic Johnson
    1

    Magic Johnson

    Age: 64
    7,777 votes
    1979 Los Angeles Lakers (Michigan State)
    Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is an iconic figure in the world of basketball, renowned for his remarkable career as a professional player and his subsequent ventures as a successful entrepreneur. The son of a General Motors assembly worker and a school janitor, Johnson's passion for basketball was evident from an early age, leading him to become one of the most celebrated athletes in the sport's history. Johnson's basketball journey began at Everett High School before he gained national attention at Michigan State University. He led the Spartans to the NCAA championship in 1979, a victory that set the stage for his exceptional career in the NBA. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson achieved enormous success over his 13-season tenure, winning five NBA championships and earning three MVP awards. His unique playing style and infectious charisma earned him the nickname "Magic," captivating audiences worldwide. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 1991 when he announced his HIV diagnosis, becoming one of the first high-profile cases in sports. Retiring from basketball, he transitioned into the business world, leveraging his fame and acumen to build Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate valued at over $1 billion. His ventures span across industries including real estate, entertainment, and sports franchises. Additionally, Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, using his platform to educate millions about the disease. His life is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, greatness can be achieved.
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  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    2

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

    Age: 77
    8,281 votes
    1968 Milwaukee Bucks (UCLA)
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., is a renowned figure in the world of basketball. Born on April 16, 1947 in New York City, Abdul-Jabbar's talent for the sport was evident from a young age. His towering height and striking skill set made him a formidable player at Power Memorial High School where he led his team to three straight New York City Catholic championships, earning nationwide recognition. Abdul-Jabbar continued to shine during his collegiate years at UCLA under the guidance of legendary coach John Wooden. He dominated the court, leading the Bruins to three NCAA championships, and was twice named the Most Outstanding Player. Upon entering the NBA in 1969, he quickly rose through the ranks. His career spanned six championships and six MVP awards, with a record-breaking career point total of 38,387. Abdul-Jabbar is especially known for his signature skyhook shot, which became an iconic symbol of his playing style. Off the court, Abdul-Jabbar proved to be just as influential. He converted to Islam in 1968, adopting his now-famous name, and has since been an outspoken advocate for social and racial justice. In addition to his activism, Abdul-Jabbar has also made significant strides in the literary world, authoring several books on various topics including history, culture, and his own life experiences. Despite retiring from professional basketball in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar's legacy continues to influence the sport and society at large, cementing his status as one of basketball's most prominent figures.
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  • LeBron James
    3

    LeBron James

    Age: 39
    10,562 votes
    2003 Cleveland Cavaliers (St. Vincent-St. Mary HS)
    LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio is a globally recognized professional basketball player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Raised by his mother Gloria Marie James in their hometown, he showed prodigious talent for basketball from an early age. His high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School was marked by numerous accolades and widespread media attention which set him up as one of the most promising players of his generation. James made a direct leap from high school to the National Basketball Association (NBA) when he was drafted as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 NBA Draft. Though he has been in the league for multiple decades, LeBron has only played for three teams: The Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers where he proved himself as an exceptional athlete with remarkable versatility and endurance. He is widely esteemed for not only his offensive prowess but also his defensive abilities. Throughout his career, LeBron James has amassed numerous awards including four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and four NBA championships among others. LeBron's influence extends beyond basketball as he's well-known for philanthropy work through The LeBron James Family Foundation. His life journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest basketball players serves as an inspiration to many around the globe.
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  • Shaquille O'Neal
    4

    Shaquille O'Neal

    Age: 52
    7,345 votes
    1992 Orlando Magic (LSU)
    Shaquille O'Neal, fondly known as Shaq, is an illustrious figure whose achievements span the realms of sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, Shaq's early life was marked by hardship, but that would not deter him from scaling the heights to become one of the most recognized names globally. His journey started in earnest at Louisiana State University, where his prodigious talent in basketball caught the attention of the sporting world. O'Neal's professional career started when he was drafted by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. His impact was immediate and profound, winning the Rookie of the Year award. His towering presence and unique skill set helped him dominate the center position for years, leading the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat to four NBA championships. With a career spanning nearly two decades, O'Neal retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that included multiple All-Star appearances, three Finals MVP awards, and an induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Beyond the court, O'Neal has made a name for himself in various other fields. He proved to be a charismatic media personality, hosting sports programs and appearing in numerous films and TV shows. His music career, though brief, resulted in a platinum-selling album. As an entrepreneur, O'Neal has been involved in various successful ventures, including ownership stakes in professional sports teams. Even in philanthropy, his efforts have been notable, with significant contributions to causes such as education and children's welfare.
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  • Tim Duncan
    5

    Tim Duncan

    Age: 48
    6,973 votes
    1997 San Antonio Spurs (Wake Forest)
    Tim Duncan, a prominent figure in the world of basketball, is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the sport. Born on April 25, 1976, in Christiansted, U.S Virgin Islands, Duncan's athletic journey began not on the court, but in the pool, as he aspired to become an Olympic-level swimmer. His path took a drastic turn following the destruction of his local pool by Hurricane Hugo and his mother's untimely death. Duncan found solace in basketball, a decision that would lead him towards an extraordinary career. Duncan attended Wake Forest University where he made a name for himself in collegiate basketball. He was named ACC Player of the Year twice, and was also recognized as an All-American. Post-graduation, Duncan was selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. This marked the beginning of a fruitful professional career, which saw Duncan earning the title of NBA Rookie of the Year. Over his 19-year tenure with the Spurs, Duncan led them to five NBA championships, and was twice named MVP of the league. Renowned for his calm demeanor and consistent performance, Tim Duncan revolutionized the power forward position with his unique blend of skills. He was a 15-time All-Star and received the honor of All-NBA First Team ten times. Duncan also earned a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020, a testament to his impact on the sport. Despite retiring from professional play in 2016, Duncan's legacy continues to resonate within basketball circles, inspiring countless aspiring athletes around the globe.
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  • Hakeem Olajuwon
    6

    Hakeem Olajuwon

    Age: 61
    6,111 votes
    1984 Houston Rockets (Houston)
    Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a retired professional basketball player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his exceptional agility and skill despite his towering height of 7 feet, Olajuwon has been a force to reckon with in the world of basketball. His journey from Nigeria to becoming one of the most influential players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless determination. Olajuwon's basketball journey began at the University of Houston, where he played for the Cougars and led the team to three straight Final Four appearances. His performance caught the attention of the NBA, and he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. Over his illustrious 18-year career, Olajuwon has had numerous achievements, including two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He also made twelve All-Star appearances and was named to the All-NBA First Team six times. Known for his Dream Shake, consisting of feints and spin moves, Olajuwon revolutionized the center position in basketball. His footwork, derived from his soccer and handball background, coupled with his ability to score, rebound, and block shots, made him one of the most complete players in the history of the sport. Off the court, Olajuwon is also remembered for his philanthropy. He established the Dream Foundation, which focuses on projects that improve living conditions in his native Nigeria and other parts of Africa. In 2008, he was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
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  • Oscar Robertson
    7

    Oscar Robertson

    Age: 85
    5,102 votes
    1960 Cincinnati Royals (Cincinnati)
    Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24, 1938), nicknamed "The Big O", is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. The 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 205 lb (93 kg) Robertson played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and one-time winner of the MVP award in 14 seasons. In 1962, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. In the 1970–71 NBA season, he was a key player on the team that brought the Bucks their only NBA title to date. His playing career, especially during high school and college, was plagued by racism.Robertson is a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted in 1980 for his individual career, and in 2010 as a member of the 1960 United States men's Olympic basketball team and president of the National Basketball Players Association. He also was voted one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. The United States Basketball Writers Association renamed their College Player of the Year Award the Oscar Robertson Trophy in his honor in 1998, and he was one of five people chosen to represent the inaugural National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame class in 2006. He was ranked as the 36th best American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN.Robertson was also an integral part of Robertson v. National Basketball Ass'n of 1970. The landmark NBA antitrust suit, which was filed when Robertson was the president of the NBA Players' Association, led to an extensive reform of the league's strict free agency and draft rules and, subsequently, to higher salaries for all players.
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  • David Robinson
    8

    David Robinson

    Age: 58
    4,718 votes
    1987 San Antonio Spurs (Navy)
    David Maurice Robinson (born August 6, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player, who played center for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for his entire career. Based on his prior service as an officer in the United States Navy, Robinson earned the nickname "The Admiral". Robinson is a 10-time NBA All-Star, the 1995 NBA MVP, a two-time NBA Champion (1999 and 2003), a two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner (1992, 1996), a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2009 for his individual career, 2010 as a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team), and a two-time U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame inductee (2008 individually, 2009 as a member of the 1992 Olympic team). He is widely considered one of the greatest centers in both college basketball and NBA history. To date, Robinson is the only player from the Naval Academy to play in the NBA.
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  • Allen Iverson
    9

    Allen Iverson

    Age: 48
    5,965 votes
    1996 Philadelphia 76ers (Georgetown)
    Allen Iverson, popularly known as The Answer, is a legendary figure in the world of basketball. Born on June 7, 1975, in Hampton, Virginia, Iverson's journey to fame was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite encountering numerous challenges during his early life, including a turbulent upbringing and legal issues during his high school years, Iverson managed to rise above these obstacles and etch his name in the annals of basketball history. Iverson's basketball career began at Georgetown University, where he played for two seasons. His exceptional performance led him to be selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft. During his remarkable 14-year career, Iverson was an 11-time All-Star, won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2001, and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in the same year. His unique playing style, characterized by his quickness, scoring ability, and crossover dribble, revolutionized the game and inspired countless future players. Off the court, Iverson was equally influential. He challenged the NBA's traditional image with his tattoos, cornrows, and hip-hop influenced style, making significant contributions to the merging of sports and pop culture. Despite retiring from professional basketball in 2010, Iverson's impact on the sport, both on and off the court, remains undeniable. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.
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  • Patrick Ewing
    10

    Patrick Ewing

    Age: 61
    4,375 votes
    1985 New York Knicks (Georgetown)
    Patrick Ewing is a Jamaican-American former professional basketball player and coach. Born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, Ewing migrated to the United States at the age of 12. He towered over his peers even as a teenager, leading him to dominate high school basketball in Massachusetts. His exceptional talent was quickly recognized, earning him a scholarship to Georgetown University, where he played for four years before entering the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft. Ewing's NBA career spanned an impressive 17 seasons, with the majority of his time spent playing center for the New York Knicks. During his tenure with the Knicks, Ewing proved himself to be one of the most formidable players in the league, securing 11 All-Star appearances and being named to the All-NBA First Team once and Second Team six times. Despite his individual success, the championship ring proved elusive in Ewing's career. The closest he came was in 1994 when the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals but were ultimately defeated by the Houston Rockets. Post-retirement, Ewing transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic. In 2017, he returned to his alma mater, accepting the position of head coach for the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team. His dedication to the sport is evident in his coaching style, mirroring the tenacity he displayed as a player. Patrick Ewing's legacy, both as a player and a coach, has left a lasting impression on the world of basketball.
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  • Elgin Baylor
    11

    Elgin Baylor

    Age: 89
    3,865 votes
    1958 Minneapolis Lakers (Seattle)
    Elgin Gay Baylor (September 16, 1934 – March 22, 2021) was an American former basketball player, coach, and executive. He played 14 seasons as a small forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in eight NBA Finals. Baylor was a gifted shooter, strong rebounder, and an accomplished passer. Renowned for his acrobatic maneuvers on the court, Baylor regularly dazzled Lakers fans with his trademark hanging jump shots. The No. 1 draft pick in 1958, NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959, 11-time NBA All-Star, and a 10-time member of the All-NBA first team, he is regarded as one of the game's all-time greatest players. In 1977, Baylor was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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  • Anthony Davis
    12

    Anthony Davis

    Age: 31
    4,605 votes
    2012 New Orleans Hornets (Kentucky)
    Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. (born March 11, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays the power forward and center positions. Davis was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA draft by New Orleans, is a six-time NBA All-Star, and has been named to three All-NBA First Teams and three NBA All-Defensive Teams. He also earned a gold medal playing with Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Davis played one season of college basketball for the University of Kentucky, when he was first team All-American and the Consensus National Player of the Year. He also won the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. Davis led the NCAA in blocks and set Southeastern Conference and NCAA Division I freshman single-season blocked shots records. He led Kentucky to a National Championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. Davis left college for the NBA after one season and was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans, then known as the New Orleans Hornets, and was selected that summer to play for the Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. After his rookie season, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. The next season, he became an All-Star for the first time and led the NBA in blocked shots per game. He has since become a six-time All-Star and the youngest player to score at least 59 points in an NBA game. In 2017, he was named the recipient of the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award after setting an All-Star Game scoring record of 52 points en route.
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  • James Worthy
    13

    James Worthy

    Age: 63
    3,579 votes
    1982 Los Angeles Lakers (North Carolina)
    James Ager Worthy (born February 27, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player who is currently a commentator, television host, and analyst. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, "Big Game James" was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA champion, and the 1988 NBA Finals MVP with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A standout at the University of North Carolina, the 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) small forward shared College Player of the Year honors en route to leading the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA Championship. Named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, he was No. 1 pick of the 1982 NBA draft of the defending NBA champion Lakers.
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  • Kyrie Irving
    14

    Kyrie Irving

    Age: 32
    4,618 votes
    2011 Cleveland Cavaliers (Duke)
    Kyrie Andrew Irving (born March 23, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was named NBA Rookie of the Year after being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. A six-time NBA All-Star, Irving was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 2015. He won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. Irving played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils before joining the Cavaliers in 2011. He was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2014. In the 2016 NBA Finals, he made a three-point field goal with 53 seconds remaining in a tied Game 7 to help lead the Cavaliers to a championship over the Golden State Warriors. After losing a rematch against the Warriors in the 2017 Finals, Irving requested a trade and was traded to the Boston Celtics. After two years with the Celtics, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in 2019. He has also played for the United States national team, with which he won gold at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. In 2018, he starred in the film Uncle Drew.
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  • Derrick Rose
    15

    Derrick Rose

    Age: 35
    4,090 votes
    2008 Chicago Bulls (Memphis)
    Derrick Martell Rose (born October 4, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one year of college basketball for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted first overall by his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. After being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, Rose, at age 22, became the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. He has played for the Bulls, Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons over his 13 year career.
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  • Yao Ming
    16

    Yao Ming

    Age: 43
    3,869 votes
    2002 Houston Rockets (China)
    Yao Ming (born September 12, 1980) is a Chinese basketball executive and retired professional basketball player who played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected to start for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game eight times, and was named to the All-NBA Team five times. At the time of his final season, he was the tallest active player in the NBA, at 2.29 m (7 ft 6 in). He is the only player from outside of the United States to lead the NBA in All-Star votes.Yao, who was born in Shanghai, started playing for the Shanghai Sharks as a teenager, and played on their senior team for five years in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), winning a championship in his final year. After negotiating with the CBA and the Sharks to secure his release, Yao was selected by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. He reached the NBA Playoffs four times, and the Rockets won the first-round series in the 2009 postseason, their first playoff series victory since 1997. In July 2011, Yao announced his retirement from professional basketball because of a series of foot and ankle injuries which forced him to miss 250 games in his last six seasons. In eight seasons with the Rockets, Yao ranks sixth among franchise leaders in total points and total rebounds, and second in total blocks.Yao is one of China's best-known athletes, with sponsorships with several major companies. His rookie year in the NBA was the subject of a documentary film, The Year of the Yao, and he co-wrote, along with NBA analyst Ric Bucher, an autobiography titled Yao: A Life in Two Worlds. Known in China as the "Yao Ming Phenomenon" and in the United States as the "Ming Dynasty," Yao's success in the NBA, and his popularity among fans, made him a symbol of a new China that was both more modern and more confident.In April 2016, Yao was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson.In February 2017, Yao was unanimously elected as chairman of Chinese Basketball Association.
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  • Anthony Edwards
    17

    2020 Minnesota Timberwolves (Georgia)

    Anthony Edwards (born August 5, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 225 pounds (102 kg), he plays the shooting guard position.
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  • Chris Webber
    18

    Chris Webber

    Age: 51
    3,226 votes
    1993 Golden State Warriors (Michigan)
    Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III (born March 1, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member, a former NBA Rookie of the Year, and a former number one overall NBA draftee. As a collegiate athlete, he was a first-team All-American and led the Michigan Wolverines' 1991 incoming freshman class known as the Fab Five that reached the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship games as freshmen and sophomores. However, Webber was indicted by a federal grand jury and stripped of his All-American honors by the NCAA as a result of his direct involvement in the Ed Martin scandal. He is also a former National High School Basketball Player of the Year who led his high school Detroit Country Day to three Michigan State High School Basketball Championships, but never won any national championship in college or the NBA.
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  • Bill Walton
    19

    Bill Walton

    Dec. at 71 (1952-2024)
    3,188 votes
    1974 Portland Trail Blazers (UCLA)
    William Theodore Walton III (November 5, 1952 – May 27, 2024) was an American professional basketball player and television sportscaster. He played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
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  • Elvin Hayes
    20

    Elvin Hayes

    Age: 78
    2,603 votes
    1968 San Diego Rockets (Houston)
    Elvin Ernest Hayes (born November 17, 1945) is an American retired professional basketball player and radio analyst for his alma-mater Houston Cougars. He is a member of the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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  • Dwight Howard
    21

    Dwight Howard

    Age: 38
    3,451 votes
    2004 Orlando Magic (Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy)
    Dwight Howard, a professional basketball player from the United States, has become one of the most recognized figures in the sport due to his impressive physical skills and consistent performance. Born on December 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was an exceptional talent from a young age. His career began at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy where he led his team to the 2004 state title and was named the High School Player of the Year by numerous organizations, including USA Today and Naismith. Howard's professional journey started when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft, straight out of high school. His time with the Magic was marked by numerous accolades, including being named to the All-NBA First Team multiple times and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times. His tenure with the Magic culminated in leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2009, a testament to his leadership and prowess. Despite his success with the Magic, Howard's career has been characterized by a series of team changes. He had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards before returning to the Lakers. Throughout these transitions, he remained a dominant player, particularly noted for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. His second stint with the Lakers saw him win the coveted NBA Championship in 2020, solidifying his place as one of the premier centers in the league's history. Dwight Howard's career, marked by both triumphs and trials, serves as an illustration of resilience and commitment to the sport of basketball.
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  • Karl-Anthony Towns
    22

    Karl-Anthony Towns

    3,315 votes
    2015 Minnesota Timberwolves (Kentucky)
    Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. (born November 15, 1995) is a Dominican-American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. Towns was named to the Dominican Republic national team as a 16-year-old. He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and went on to be named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2015–16 season. He has received two All-Star selections.
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  • John Wall
    23

    John Wall

    Age: 33
    3,344 votes
    2010 Washington Wizards (Kentucky)
    Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr. (born September 6, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Wall was chosen with the first overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft by the Wizards after playing one year of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. Wall plays the point guard position and is a five-time NBA All-Star. He was named to his first All-NBA Team in 2017.
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  • David Thompson
    24

    David Thompson

    Age: 69
    2,011 votes
    1975 Atlanta Hawks (North Carolina State)
    David O'Neil Thompson (born July 13, 1954) is an American retired professional basketball player. He played with the Denver Nuggets of both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as the Seattle SuperSonics of the NBA. He was previously a star in college for North Carolina State, leading the Wolfpack to its first NCAA championship in 1974. Thompson is one of the six players to score 70 or more points in an NBA game. Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. Thompson was known for his exceptional leaping ability that enabled him to become one of the game's premier dunkers in the 1970s, which earned him the nickname of "Skywalker". Michael Jordan said, "The whole meaning of vertical leap began with David Thompson." Bill Walton described Thompson as "Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and LeBron James rolled into one".
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  • Blake Griffin
    25

    Blake Griffin

    Age: 35
    3,326 votes
    2009 Los Angeles Clippers (Oklahoma)
    Blake Austin Griffin (born March 16, 1989) is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, when he was named the Consensus National Player of the Year as a sophomore. Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA draft, and has since been a six-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. Griffin played two seasons of college ball for the Sooners before entering the 2009 NBA draft, when he was selected by the Clippers. During the final pre-season game of 2009, he broke his left kneecap, had surgery, and missed the entire 2009–10 season. Griffin made his NBA debut as a rookie the following season, in which he was selected as an All-Star, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. In 2011, Sports Illustrated called him one of the NBA's 15 Greatest Rookies of All Time.
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  • Larry Johnson
    26

    Larry Johnson

    Age: 55
    2,243 votes
    1991 Charlotte Hornets (UNLV)
    Lawrence Demetric Johnson (born March 14, 1969) is an American retired basketball player who spent his professional career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. At an officially listed height of 6'7" (2.01 m) tall, he played at the power forward position, due to his strength.
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  • Bob Lanier
    27

    Bob Lanier

    Age: 75
    1,830 votes
    1970 Detroit Pistons (St. Bonaventure)
    Robert Jerry Lanier Jr. (September 10, 1948 – May 10, 2022) was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association. Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. In 14 NBA seasons, Lanier averaged 20.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 bpg, and 1.1 spg while shooting a stellar 51.4% from the field. He played in eight NBA All-Star Games and was named Most Valuable Player of the 1974 game, although he never played in an NBA Finals during his career. His accomplishments came despite a long history with knee injuries. He had his No. 16 jersey retired by both the Pistons and the Bucks and his No. 31 jersey retired by St. Bonaventure University, for whom he played college basketball. After retiring from playing he was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, and briefly served as their interim head coach. He went on to work as an NBA Cares Global Ambassador.
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  • Zion Williamson
    28

    Zion Williamson

    1,374 votes

    2019 New Orleans Pelicans (Duke)

    Zion Lateef Williamson (born July 6, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Listed at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) and 285 pounds (129 kg), he plays the small forward and power forward positions. Following a dominant freshman-year stint with the Duke Blue Devils, he was selected by the Pelicans first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, Williamson attended Spartanburg Day School, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked among the top five players in the 2018 class. He led his team to three straight state championships and earned South Carolina Mr. Basketball recognition in his senior season. Williamson also left high school as a McDonald's All-American, runner-up for Mr. Basketball USA, and USA Today All-USA first team honoree. In high school, he drew national attention for his slam dunks.
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  • Ralph Sampson
    29

    Ralph Sampson

    Age: 63
    2,052 votes
    1983 Houston Rockets (Virginia)
    Ralph Lee Sampson Jr. (born July 7, 1960) is an American retired basketball player. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A 7-foot-4 phenom, three-time College Player of the Year, and first selection in the 1983 NBA draft, Sampson brought heavy expectations with him to the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA Rookie of the Year, Sampson averaged 20.7 points and 10.9 rebounds for his first three seasons with the Houston Rockets before injuries began to take their toll. Three knee surgeries later he retired as a four-time All-Star, an NBA Rookie of the Year, and an NBA All-Star Game MVP (1985). One of his many career highlights was a buzzer-beating shot to dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers as Western Conference champions in 1986, derailing their hopes for coveted back-to-back NBA titles, and sending the Rockets to their second NBA Finals in the team's history.
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  • Paolo Banchero
    30

    2022 Orlando Magic (Duke)

    Paolo Napoleon James Banchero (born November 12, 2002) is an American-Italian professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Following his freshman season, Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft, where he was selected with the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. In 2022, he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year.
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