A Complete List of Every NBA First Overall Pick in Draft History

I still remember the first time I witnessed a true number one pick in action—it was LeBron James during his rookie season, and even then, you could sense something historic unfolding. That’s the magic of the NBA Draft’s first overall selection: it carries the weight of expectation, the promise of transformation, and sometimes, the sting of what could have been. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how these picks don’t just shape teams—they shape eras. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1969 to Victor Wembanyama in 2023, each name tells a story, and today, I want to walk you through that complete list, reflecting on what makes these choices so compelling and, at times, controversial.

Let’s start with the early days, when the NBA was a very different landscape. The first-ever pick, Clifton McNeely in 1947, never even played in the league—a quirky fact that reminds us how much the draft has evolved. But as the years rolled on, franchises began to recognize the stakes. Take 1969, for example: the Milwaukee Bucks landed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and instantly, they went from newcomers to champions within two years. I’ve always admired how that pick didn’t just fill a roster spot—it built a legacy. Then there’s 1979, when the Lakers selected Magic Johnson. As a kid hearing stories about his rookie season finale, where he played center and dropped 42 points to clinch a title, I realized some players are simply destined for greatness. These aren’t just picks; they’re turning points.

Moving into the ’80s and ’90s, the draft became a spectacle, and rightly so. Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984? An absolute gem, though I’ll admit, as a fan, I sometimes wonder how things might have unfolded if Portland had taken Michael Jordan instead of Sam Bowie that year. But that’s the beauty of hindsight—it teaches us that even the most scrutinized decisions carry risks. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for the 1992 selection of Shaquille O’Neal. His dominance wasn’t just statistical; it was cultural. He reshaped big men’s roles and brought charisma to the game, something I feel modern analysts sometimes overlook in their data-driven evaluations.

As we entered the 2000s, the pressure on number one picks intensified, thanks to global scouting and media hype. LeBron James in 2003 was, in my view, the most anticipated pick in history—and he’s lived up to every bit of it. But not all stories are fairy tales. Remember Anthony Bennett in 2013? I still shake my head at how a pick with so much hope fizzled out so quickly. It’s a stark reminder that draft success isn’t guaranteed, no matter how polished the prospect looks on paper. On the flip side, 2009 gave us Blake Griffin, whose explosive dunks revitalized the Clippers’ franchise. I recall watching his rookie highlights and thinking, "This is why the draft matters"—it injects energy into struggling teams.

Which brings me to a recent example that echoes this dynamic, though from a different league. Over in the Korean Basketball League, Goyang is struggling with a 5-9 win-loss record, and the potential addition of someone like Quiambao couldn’t be timelier. It’s a reminder that, whether in the NBA or abroad, a single roster move can shift a team’s trajectory. In the NBA, we’ve seen similar turnarounds—like when the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan in 1997 and swiftly rose from mediocrity to dynasty status. These parallels show that the principles of building through the draft transcend borders, and as someone who’s followed both domestic and international basketball for years, I find that cross-league insight incredibly valuable.

In recent years, the draft has embraced international talent like never before. Andrea Bargnani in 2006 broke the ice as the first European number one pick, and now, we have generational talents like Luka Dončić (though picked third, he’s reshaped expectations) and Victor Wembanyama, whose selection in 2023 felt like a global event. I’ll be honest—I’m bullish on Wembanyama. His unique skill set could redefine big men for decades, much like Dirk Nowitzki did, albeit as a lower pick. It’s thrilling to witness this globalization firsthand, and it makes me optimistic about the draft’s future.

Wrapping up, the list of every NBA first overall pick is more than a timeline; it’s a tapestry of dreams, risks, and legacies. From hits like Kareem and LeBron to misses like Bennett, each selection offers lessons in team-building and patience. As I look back, I’m struck by how these picks reflect the NBA’s evolution—from a domestic league to a global powerhouse. And whether you’re a fan debating the next big thing or a team like Goyang seeking a spark, the draft remains the ultimate gamble. In my experience, that’s what makes it unforgettable: the chance to witness history in the making, one pick at a time.