NBA · 1 year ago

Ranking the Last 10 First Overall NBA Draft Picks

John Canady

Host · Writer

Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Markelle Fultz may be the most disappointing pick on this list. The former Washington star was considered a can’t-miss draft pick when entering the 2017 NBA Draft. Fultz was an explosive scorer and sharpshooter in college. However, after an injury, Fultz could never showcase his potential after having to relearn his shooting motion while dealing with other injuries. Fultz has become a role player for the Orlando Magic after a short stint in Philadelphia.
Ranking the Last 10 First Overall NBA Draft Picks
With the 2024 NBA Draft officially underway, we look back at the No. 1 overall picks over the last decade. From versatile big men to explosive scoring guards, the NBA has seen many talented players enter the league. Looking back, here’s how each top pick ranks.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama was rumored to be among the most generational talents to enter the league before last year's NBA Draft. With teams actively tanking at the end of the 2022–23 season, hoping to be awarded the No. 1 overall pick to select the Frenchman, it showed just how teams viewed the big man. Fast forward to now, following his rookie year with the Spurs, and the seven-foot-four superstar proved what the hype was about with one of the best rookie seasons ever. As a two-way monster, Wemby will be a nightmare for opposing teams and the face of the franchise for the Spurs moving forward.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards as the top draft pick in 2020. Compared to other talented players such as LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton, the Georgia product entered the league with high expectations. Since then, Edwards has lived up to the hype and even more. The versatile guard has developed into an explosive scorer and a defensive menace up to this point. Fresh off leading his team to the Western Conference Finals, the former SEC rookie of the year winner has carried over his dominance to the pros and looks to continue to build on his career year.
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson is yet another player labeled as a generational talent coming out of college. The Duke product took the nation by storm with his highlight dunks and loud blocks dating back to high school. However, he continued his impressive play throughout college and improved as a ball-handler and all-around player. Now, with the Pelicans, he’s become the superstar the team hoped he could be. The only problem for Williamson has been his ability to stay healthy. However, when the South Carolina native is on the floor, he’s a game-changer.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns is one of two No. 1 overall draft picks the Timberwolves have selected within the last decade. The big man was an absolute force during his time in Kentucky, bringing the same impact to Minnesota after being selected. Towns averaged 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, two assists, and 1.7 blocks while starting all 82 games during his Rookie of the Year campaign. Not only is the seven-footer known as one of the best centers in the league but he’s also considered one of the best shooters in the NBA.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero was drafted by the Orlando Magic as the team looked to change the culture and trajectory of their franchise. Leading into draft night, the team’s selection was still up in the air, but right before the draft, the front office zeroed in on the Duke star, and he immediately impacted the team. From selecting at No. 1 overall to reaching the playoffs this past season, the turnaround has to do with the team, but it all started with Banchero. As he develops into an offensive playmaker, the future looks bright in Orlando.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham was selected No. 1 overall after an impressive season at Oklahoma State. Since entering the league, Cunningham has been as advertised despite the Pistons' lack of success. Fortunately for Detroit, the front office seems to have hit on the team's top selection in 2021. Now, if the Pistons can surround their young point guard with the talent to elevate his game to another level, they can return to their winning ways.
Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft over players such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young. The Arizona star was a dominant center in college, and the Suns hoped he’d do the same in Phoenix. While Ayton had good numbers during his time with the Suns, he never flourished with the team under former head coach Monty Williams. After being dealt to the Trail Blazers last season, the big man continued to be a double-double machine he’s been his whole career.
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons was advertised as the next LeBron James when he entered the league as the top overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. The near-seven-foot point guard thrived as a facilitator and made a reputation as a great defender. However, after four impressive seasons in Philadelphia, Simmons was dealt to Brooklyn after things went south with the 76ers franchise. Since then, the LSU product hasn’t been himself since returning to play with the Nets. However, at only 27 years old, Simmons still has the talent and youth to be an impact player in the right system.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher is the most recent No. 1 overall draft pick after being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft. The versatile wing may not be the level of talent the rest of these picks were entering the league, but he has the potential to be just as good, or even better than many of them. With his size and ability to shoot and defend, along with his basketball IQ, Risacher has all the tools to succeed in Atlanta.
Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Markelle Fultz may be the most disappointing pick on this list. The former Washington star was considered a can’t-miss draft pick when entering the 2017 NBA Draft. Fultz was an explosive scorer and sharpshooter in college. However, after an injury, Fultz could never showcase his potential after having to relearn his shooting motion while dealing with other injuries. Fultz has become a role player for the Orlando Magic after a short stint in Philadelphia.
Ranking the Last 10 First Overall NBA Draft Picks
With the 2024 NBA Draft officially underway, we look back at the No. 1 overall picks over the last decade. From versatile big men to explosive scoring guards, the NBA has seen many talented players enter the league. Looking back, here’s how each top pick ranks.

Ranking the Last 10 First Overall NBA Draft Picks

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