NBA Draft History: Top 10 picks who became legends

The NBA draft is an annual event where teams select the best young talents from college and overseas to join their rosters. Some of these picks go on to become stars, while others fade into obscurity. However, there are a few picks who transcend the expectations and become legends of the game. Today, we will rank the top 10 picks of all time based on their achievements and impact on NBA history. We will use the data from Basketball-Reference.com¹, which is one of the most comprehensive sources of basketball statistics and history.

10. Anthony Davis: The versatile big man

Davis was the first pick in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets, after a dominant freshman season at Kentucky. He quickly became one of the best big men in the league, with his ability to score, rebound, defend and pass. He has made eight All-Star teams, four All-NBA First Teams, led the league in blocks three times and won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

9. Allen Iverson: The explosive scorer

Iverson was the first pick in 1996 by the Philadelphia 76ers, after a stellar career at Georgetown. He was a scoring machine, who used his speed and explosiveness to get past any defender. He won four scoring titles, made 11 All-Star teams, seven All-NBA teams, an MVP award and a Finals MVP award.

8. Kyrie Irving: The clutch shooter

Irving was the first pick in 2011 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, after playing only 11 games at Duke due to injury. He showed his shooting skills and scoring ability from day one, and became one of the best point guards in the league. He has made seven All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams, won a championship with the Cavaliers and a Rookie of the Year award.

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7. David Robinson: The admiral

Robinson was the first pick in 1987 by the San Antonio Spurs, after serving two years in the Navy following his graduation from the Naval Academy. He was a dominant center, who excelled in scoring, rebounding and blocking. He made 10 All-Star teams, four All-NBA First Teams, won two championships with the Spurs, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and an MVP award.

6. Hakeem Olajuwon: The dream

Olajuwon was the first pick in 1984 by the Houston Rockets, after leading Houston to three consecutive Final Fours. He was one of the greatest centers of all time, who had amazing skills and moves in the post. He made 12 All-Star teams, six All-NBA First Teams, won two championships with the Rockets, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, two Finals MVP awards and an MVP award.

5. Tim Duncan: The big fundamental

Duncan was the first pick in 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, after winning two national championships at Wake Forest. He was a simple and effective player, who always delivered in clutch moments. He made 15 All-Star teams, 10 All-NBA First Teams, won five championships with the Spurs, three Finals MVP awards and two MVP awards.

4. Shaquille O’Neal: The diesel

O’Neal was the first pick in 1992 by the Orlando Magic, after dominating at LSU. He was one of the most powerful and intimidating players ever, who could score, rebound and defend at will. He made 15 All-Star teams, eight All-NBA First Teams, won four championships with the Lakers and the Heat, three Finals MVP awards and an MVP award.

3. LeBron James: The king

James was the first pick in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, after being hailed as the next big thing since high school. He has been one of the greatest players of all time, who has basketball talent and leadership ability like no other. He has made 18 All-Star teams, 13 All-NBA First Teams, won four championships with the Heat, the Cavaliers and the Lakers, four Finals MVP awards and four MVP awards.

2. Wilt Chamberlain: The stilt

Chamberlain was the first pick in 1959 by the Philadelphia Warriors, after setting records at Kansas and in the Harlem Globetrotters. He was one of the most dominant players ever, who could score and rebound at an unprecedented rate. He made 13 All-Star teams, seven All-NBA First Teams, won two championships with the Warriors and the Lakers, four MVP awards and a Finals MVP award.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The skyhook

Abdul-Jabbar was the first pick in 1969 by the Milwaukee Bucks, after winning three national championships at UCLA. He was one of the most skilled and graceful players ever, who had a signature shot that was almost impossible to stop. He made 19 All-Star teams, 10 All-NBA First Teams, won six championships with the Bucks and the Lakers, six MVP awards and two Finals MVP awards.

These 10 picks have shaped NBA history with their unique ways of playing the game. Their talent and hard work made them immortal legends. Their presence added brilliance to the NBA, shining in the basketball night sky. Whether it is Davis’ versatility, Iverson’s speed, or James’ dominance, each star has contributed to the basketball world with their glorious chapters. This list not only represents their individual brilliance, but also represents the NBA’s brilliance as a sports legend.

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