LeBron James is often regarded as the greatest player in basketball history and, by extension, the top No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Picks preceding James also warrant discussion, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, James has distinguished himself throughout his 22-year career in the NBA.

Best No. 1 Picks Since LeBron

Who are the standout No. 1 picks since LeBron was chosen first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003? Here’s Nick Wright’s compilation on First Things First:

Notable Omissions

• Andrew Bogut (2005)
• Andrea Bargnani (2006)
• Greg Oden (2007)
• John Wall (2010)
• Anthony Bennett (2013)
• Andrew Wiggins (2014)
• Ben Simmons (2016)
• Markelle Fultz (2017)
• DeAndre Ayton (2018)
• Zion Williamson (2019)
• Cade Cunningham (2021)
• Paolo Banchero (2022)
• Zaccharie Risacher (2024)

Nick Wright’s Picks:

1. Blake Griffin (2009) - Drafted by LA Clippers, 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 2010-11 ROY
2. Karl-Anthony Towns (2015) - Drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves, 5x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 2015-16 ROY
3. Derrick Rose (2008) - Drafted by Chicago Bulls, 2010-11 MVP, 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 2008-09 ROY
4. Kyrie Irving (2011) - Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers, 2016 NBA champ, 9x All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 2011-12 ROY
5. Anthony Edwards (2020) - Drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves, 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA
6. Dwight Howard (2004) - Drafted by Orlando Magic, 1x NBA champ, 8x All-Star, 8x All-NBA, 3x DPOY, 5x All-Defensive
7. Anthony Davis (2012) - Drafted by New Orleans Hornets, 1x NBA champ, 10x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive
8. Victor Wembanyama (2023) - Drafted by San Antonio Spurs, 1x All-Star, 1x ROY, 1x All-Defensive