| 1 | Zaccharie Risacher Atlanta Hawks, 2024 French forward selected by the Atlanta Hawks from JL Bourg. This 6-foot-9 wing is recognized as a versatile two-way player with a confident shot and strong defensive tools. |
| 2 | Victor Wembanyama San Antonio Spurs, 2023 French power forward/center drafted by the San Antonio Spurs from Metropolitans 92. He is considered a generational prospect due to his unprecedented size, versatility, and defensive prowess. |
| 3 | Paolo Banchero Orlando Magic, 2022 Power forward drafted by the Orlando Magic from Duke. He quickly became a top option for the team, averaging over 20 points per game in his early career and earning the Rookie of the Year award. |
| 4 | Cade Cunningham Detroit Pistons, 2021 Point guard selected by the Detroit Pistons from Oklahoma State. He is known for his polished offensive game and leadership skills, although his second season was significantly impacted by injuries. |
| 5 | Anthony Edwards Minnesota Timberwolves, 2020 Shooting guard picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves from Georgia. He is an athletic and dynamic scorer, recognized for his explosive dunks and continuously developing offensive game. |
| 6 | Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans, 2019 Power forward drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans from Duke University. An incredibly athletic and powerful player, he is known for his highlight-reel dunks and dominant interior scoring. |
| 7 | Deandre Ayton Phoenix Suns, 2018 Center selected by the Phoenix Suns from Arizona. He is a dominant rebounder and scorer in the paint with a strong physical presence. |
| 8 | Markelle Fultz Philadelphia 76ers, 2017 Point guard drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers from Washington. His early career was significantly impacted by injuries and shooting struggles, despite possessing significant talent and playmaking ability. |
| 9 | Ben Simmons Philadelphia 76ers, 2016 Point guard selected by the Philadelphia 76ers from Louisiana State University. He is known for his elite passing, rebounding, and defensive versatility, though his career has faced challenges related to shooting and availability. |
| 10 | Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves, 2015 Center/power forward drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves from the University of Kentucky. He is a versatile big man with excellent shooting range and effective interior scoring ability. |
| 11 | Cooper Flagg Dallas Mavericks, 2025 Small forward drafted by the Dallas Mavericks from Duke University. Known for his well-rounded game, exceptional shot-blocking, and playmaking abilities, Flagg earned national player of the year honors as a freshman. |
| 12 | Andrew Wiggins Cleveland Cavaliers, 2014 Small forward selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers from Kansas, later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is an athletic scorer and defender who notably won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. |
| 13 | Anthony Bennett Cleveland Cavaliers, 2013 Power forward drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers from UNLV. His short and unproductive career led to him being widely considered one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history. |
| 14 | Anthony Davis New Orleans Hornets, 2012 Power forward/center drafted by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) from the University of Kentucky. He is an elite two-way player renowned for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, and has won an NBA championship. |
| 15 | Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers, 2011 Point guard selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers from Duke University. He is renowned for his exceptional ball-handling, scoring ability, and clutch shot-making, and is an NBA champion. |
| 16 | John Wall Washington Wizards, 2010 Point guard drafted by the Washington Wizards from the University of Kentucky. He is an explosive athlete known for his blazing speed, impressive passing, and defensive play. |
| 17 | Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers, 2009 Power forward selected by the Los Angeles Clippers from the University of Oklahoma. He was an incredibly athletic player known for his powerful dunks and significantly improved playmaking ability. |
| 18 | Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls, 2008 Point guard drafted by the Chicago Bulls from the University of Memphis. He became the youngest MVP in NBA history, known for his explosive drives and athleticism, though his career was later impacted by injuries. |
| 19 | Greg Oden Portland Trail Blazers, 2007 Center selected by the Portland Trail Blazers from Ohio State University. His promising career was unfortunately derailed by persistent injuries, leading him to play only four NBA seasons. |
| 20 | Andrea Bargnani Toronto Raptors, 2006 Power forward/center drafted by the Toronto Raptors from Benetton Treviso (Italy). He was the first European player without US college experience to be drafted first overall, known primarily for his shooting ability. |
| 21 | Andrew Bogut Milwaukee Bucks, 2005 Center selected by the Milwaukee Bucks from the University of Utah. This Australian player was known for his passing, rebounding, and defensive presence, and later won an NBA championship. |
| 22 | Dwight Howard Orlando Magic, 2004 Center drafted by the Orlando Magic directly out of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy HS. He was a dominant force known for his athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals. |
| 23 | LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003 Small forward selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers directly out of St. Vincent-St. Mary HS. He is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, with four NBA championships and four MVP awards. |
| 24 | Yao Ming Houston Rockets, 2002 Center drafted by the Houston Rockets from the Shanghai Sharks (China). He is the only Chinese player to be drafted first overall, an incredibly skilled big man whose career was unfortunately cut short by injuries. |
| 25 | Kwame Brown Washington Wizards, 2001 Center drafted by the Washington Wizards directly from Glynn Academy. He became the first high school player ever to be drafted #1 overall, though his NBA career was largely considered disappointing. |
| 26 | Kenyon Martin New Jersey Nets, 2000 Power forward selected by the New Jersey Nets from the University of Cincinnati. He was known for his athleticism, defensive intensity, and high-energy play. |
| 27 | Elton Brand Chicago Bulls, 1999 Power forward drafted by the Chicago Bulls from Duke University. He was a consistent scorer and rebounder, recognized for his fundamental post-game and leadership on the court. |
| 28 | Michael Olowokandi Los Angeles Clippers, 1998 Center selected by the Los Angeles Clippers from the University of the Pacific. This Nigerian player's NBA career did not live up to the high expectations typically associated with a #1 overall pick. |
| 29 | Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs, 1997 Power forward drafted by the San Antonio Spurs from Wake Forest University. Considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time, he won five NBA championships and two MVP awards. |
| 30 | Allen Iverson Philadelphia 76ers, 1996 Point guard/shooting guard drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers from Georgetown University. An iconic and influential player, he was known for his electrifying scoring ability, crossover, and fearlessness, winning an MVP and four scoring titles. |
| 31 | Joe Smith Golden State Warriors, 1995 Power forward selected by the Golden State Warriors from the University of Maryland. He was a consistent player who had a long NBA career but did not reach the superstar status often expected of a #1 overall pick. |
| 32 | Glenn Robinson Milwaukee Bucks, 1994 Small forward drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks from Purdue University. Known as 'Big Dog', he was recognized for his powerful scoring ability and strong physique. |
| 33 | Chris Webber Orlando Magic, 1993 Power forward selected by the Orlando Magic from the University of Michigan and immediately traded to the Golden State Warriors. He was a highly athletic and skilled big man, known for his passing and scoring, and was an integral part of Michigan's 'Fab Five'. |
| 34 | Shaquille O'Neal Orlando Magic, 1992 Center drafted by the Orlando Magic from Louisiana State University. He is one of the most dominant players in NBA history, known for his immense power, charismatic personality, and four NBA championships. |
| 35 | Larry Johnson Charlotte Hornets, 1991 Power forward selected by the Charlotte Hornets from UNLV. An explosive athlete, he was known for his powerful dunks and versatile offensive game, earning him the nickname 'Grandmama'. |
| 36 | Derrick Coleman New Jersey Nets, 1990 Power forward drafted by the New Jersey Nets from Syracuse University. He was a talented scorer and rebounder who could also pass, though his career was often marked by inconsistency. |
| 37 | Pervis Ellison Sacramento Kings, 1989 Center drafted by the Sacramento Kings from the University of Louisville. Nicknamed 'Out of Order' due to frequent injuries, his potential was hampered despite showing flashes of skill. |
| 38 | Danny Manning Los Angeles Clippers, 1988 Power forward selected by the Los Angeles Clippers from the University of Kansas. He was a versatile scorer and passer whose promising career was unfortunately affected by recurring knee injuries. |
| 39 | David Robinson San Antonio Spurs, 1987 Center drafted by the San Antonio Spurs from the U.S. Naval Academy, known as 'The Admiral'. A dominant two-way player, he was an MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time NBA champion. |
| 40 | Brad Daugherty Cleveland Cavaliers, 1986 Center selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers from the University of North Carolina. He was a skilled low-post scorer and passer who earned five All-Star selections before injuries forced an early retirement. |
| 41 | Patrick Ewing New York Knicks, 1985 Center drafted by the New York Knicks from Georgetown University. He was a dominant defensive presence and scorer who consistently led the Knicks to multiple playoff appearances. |
| 42 | Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets, 1984 Center drafted by the Houston Rockets from the University of Houston, known as 'Hakeem the Dream'. An agile and skilled big man, he was a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. |
| 43 | Ralph Sampson Houston Rockets, 1983 Center selected by the Houston Rockets from the University of Virginia. He was a highly anticipated player due to his unique combination of height and athleticism, though injuries unfortunately limited his prime. |
| 44 | James Worthy Los Angeles Lakers, 1982 Small forward drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers from the University of North Carolina. Known as 'Big Game James' for his clutch performances, he was a three-time NBA champion and a Finals MVP. |
| 45 | Mark Aguirre Dallas Mavericks, 1981 Small forward selected by the Dallas Mavericks from DePaul University. He was a prolific scorer known for his offensive versatility and later won two championships with the Detroit Pistons. |
| 46 | Joe Barry Carroll Golden State Warriors, 1980 Center drafted by the Golden State Warriors from Purdue University. He was a talented scorer whose NBA career, despite flashes of brilliance, didn't quite match the expectations of a top pick. |
| 47 | Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers, 1979 Point guard drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers from Michigan State University. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, revolutionizing the point guard position and winning five NBA championships and three MVP awards. |
| 48 | Mychal Thompson Portland Trail Blazers, 1978 Center selected by the Portland Trail Blazers from the University of Minnesota. This Bahamian player was known for his strong rebounding and scoring, and he won two NBA championships with the Lakers. |
| 49 | Kent Benson Milwaukee Bucks, 1977 Center drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks from Indiana University. He was known for his strong college career, including an NCAA championship, but his NBA career was more modest. |
| 50 | John Lucas Houston Rockets, 1976 Point guard selected by the Houston Rockets from the University of Maryland. He was a talented playmaker and scorer who also went on to have a successful career as an NBA coach. |
| 51 | David Thompson Atlanta Hawks, 1975 Small forward drafted by both the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and ABA's Virginia Squires, ultimately choosing the ABA. Known as 'Skywalker', he was celebrated for his incredible athleticism and high-flying dunks. |
| 52 | Bill Walton Portland Trail Blazers, 1974 Center drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers from UCLA. A dominant rebounder and passer, he led the Blazers to an NBA championship, though his career was frequently impacted by injuries. |
| 53 | Doug Collins Philadelphia 76ers, 1973 Shooting guard selected by the Philadelphia 76ers from Illinois State University. An Olympic silver medalist, he was known for his scoring prowess and later became a respected NBA coach. |
| 54 | LaRue Martin Portland Trail Blazers, 1972 Center drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers from Loyola University Chicago. He is widely considered one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history, playing only four seasons in the league. |
| 55 | Austin Carr Cleveland Cavaliers, 1971 Shooting guard selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers from the University of Notre Dame. He was a prolific scorer, particularly known for his offensive firepower during his collegiate career. |
| 56 | Bob Lanier Detroit Pistons, 1970 Center drafted by the Detroit Pistons from St. Bonaventure University. He was a skilled big man recognized for his dominant post-play and leadership throughout his NBA career. |
| 57 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Milwaukee Bucks, 1969 Center drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks from UCLA, initially known as Lew Alcindor. He is one of the NBA's all-time leading scorers, a six-time NBA champion, and a record six-time MVP. |
| 58 | Elvin Hayes San Diego Rockets, 1968 Power forward/center drafted by the San Diego Rockets from the University of Houston. Known as 'The Big E', he was a prolific scorer and rebounder who won an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets. |
| 59 | Jimmy Walker Detroit Pistons, 1967 Shooting guard selected by the Detroit Pistons from Providence College. He was a talented scorer and passer who earned two NBA All-Star selections during his career. |
| 60 | Cazzie Russell New York Knicks, 1966 Shooting guard drafted by the New York Knicks from the University of Michigan. He was a talented scorer who played a key role in helping the Knicks win an NBA championship in 1970. |
| 61 | Fred Hetzel San Francisco Warriors, 1965 Power forward selected by the San Francisco Warriors from Davidson College. He was primarily known for his scoring and rebounding ability demonstrated during his collegiate career. |
| 62 | Jim Barnes New York Knicks, 1964 Power forward drafted by the New York Knicks from Texas Western College. An Olympic gold medalist, he was known for his athleticism and strong rebounding presence. |
| 63 | Art Heyman New York Knicks, 1963 Small forward selected by the New York Knicks from Duke University. He was a talented but often controversial player, recognized for his strong offensive game. |
| 64 | Bill McGill Chicago Zephyrs, 1962 Center drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs from the University of Utah. He was known for his unique 'twirling' jump shot, but his NBA career was relatively short-lived. |
| 65 | Walt Bellamy Chicago Packers, 1961 Center drafted by the Chicago Packers from Indiana University. He was an immediate impact player and a four-time NBA All-Star, known for his consistent scoring and rebounding. |
| 66 | Oscar Robertson Cincinnati Royals, 1960 Point guard drafted by the Cincinnati Royals from the University of Cincinnati, known as 'The Big O'. He was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season and later won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. |
| 67 | Bob Boozer Cincinnati Royals, 1959 Power forward selected by the Cincinnati Royals from Kansas State University. An Olympic gold medalist, he had a solid NBA career and won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. |
| 68 | Elgin Baylor Minneapolis Lakers, 1958 Small forward drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers from Seattle University. He was one of the most exciting and acrobatic scorers in NBA history, a Hall of Famer who revolutionized the game with his athletic style. |
| 69 | Rod Hundley Cincinnati Royals, 1957 Point guard selected by the Cincinnati Royals from West Virginia University. Known as 'Hot Rod', he was celebrated for his flashy playmaking and entertaining style on the court. |
| 70 | Sihugo Green Rochester Royals, 1956 Point guard drafted by the Rochester Royals from Duquesne University. He was recognized as a strong scorer and rebounder for a guard during his time in the league. |
| 71 | Dick Ricketts St. Louis Hawks, 1955 Power forward selected by the St. Louis Hawks from Duquesne University. He was a versatile athlete who uniquely also played professional baseball. |
| 72 | Frank Selvy Baltimore Bullets, 1954 Guard/forward drafted by the Baltimore Bullets from Furman University. He was notably known for his prolific scoring in college, including a historic 100-point game. |
| 73 | Ray Felix Baltimore Bullets, 1953 Center selected by the Baltimore Bullets from Long Island University. He was a strong rebounder and interior presence who notably earned an NBA All-Star selection in his rookie season. |
| 74 | Mark Workman Milwaukee Hawks, 1952 Center drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks from West Virginia University. His NBA career was unfortunately brief, lasting only two seasons. |
| 75 | Gene Melchiorre Baltimore Bullets, 1951 Point guard drafted by the Baltimore Bullets from Bradley University. He never played an NBA game due to a gambling scandal, making him arguably one of the least impactful #1 picks ever. |
| 76 | Chuck Share Boston Celtics, 1950 Center selected by the Boston Celtics from Bowling Green State University, though he did not sign with them. He later played for other teams and won an NBA championship with the St. Louis Hawks. |
| 77 | Howie Shannon Providence Steamrollers, 1949 Guard/forward drafted by the Providence Steamrollers from Kansas State University. He had a short NBA career, playing for only two seasons. |
| 78 | Andy Tonkovich Providence Steamrollers, 1948 Guard selected by the Providence Steamrollers from Marshall University. He played only one season in the BAA, which was the predecessor to the NBA. |
| 79 | Clifton McNeely Pittsburgh Ironmen, 1947 Guard drafted by the Pittsburgh Ironmen from Texas Wesleyan University. He famously never played in the BAA/NBA, choosing instead to pursue a coaching career. |