A Look at the Greatest NBA Number 1 Picks in Basketball History

Let me tell you something about basketball greatness that's been on my mind lately. When we talk about NBA number one picks, we're discussing the absolute cream of the crop - those rare athletes who carried the weight of expectation from day one. I've spent years watching these players develop, and what fascinates me most isn't just their raw talent, but how they handle the pressure that comes with being chosen first. The truth is, being a number one pick is both a blessing and a curse - you get immediate recognition, but you also face scrutiny that would break most ordinary players.

I was reminded of this watching Rondae Hollis-Jiserson's recent performance in the TNT season opener against San Miguel. Now here's a player who wasn't a number one pick in the NBA, but watching him dominate with 35 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists made me think about what separates good players from truly great ones. His triple-double performance, leading Tropang Giga to a commanding 115-95 lead in the fourth quarter, demonstrated that championship mentality we often see in the most successful first picks. It's that ability to take over games in multiple ways that makes the difference.

When I look back at the greatest number one picks in history, three names immediately come to mind for me personally - LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. What sets these players apart isn't just their statistical achievements, though those are staggering enough. LeBron came into the league with more hype than any player I've ever seen, and somehow he exceeded it. Think about that for a second - we're talking about a teenager who was literally called "The Chosen One" on a Sports Illustrated cover, and he actually lived up to it. That's almost unheard of in professional sports.

What I find particularly compelling about these elite number one picks is their longevity and consistency. Kareem played 20 seasons at an elite level, winning six championships and six MVP awards along the way. Tim Duncan, who I consider the greatest power forward ever, maintained his fundamental excellence for nearly two decades, winning five championships with the Spurs. These weren't flash-in-the-pan talents - they built legacies that endured.

Now, I know some fans might argue for other names, and that's what makes these discussions so interesting. Should Magic Johnson be in this conversation? Absolutely. What about Shaquille O'Neal? Without question. But for me, the truly transcendent number one picks are those who changed how the game was played while maintaining championship-level performance throughout their careers.

The business side of being a number one pick is something I think many fans underestimate. These players aren't just athletes - they become franchise cornerstones expected to transform losing cultures into winning ones. When LeBron arrived in Cleveland, the Cavaliers' valuation was around $300 million. By the time he left for the second time, the franchise was worth over $1.5 billion. That's the economic impact we're talking about with successful number one picks.

What I've noticed separates the all-time great picks from the merely good ones is their basketball IQ. It's not just about physical gifts - though they certainly have those in abundance. It's their understanding of spacing, timing, and game situations that elevates them. Watching Tim Duncan operate in the post was like watching a chess master at work - he was always three moves ahead of everyone else.

The international number one picks deserve special mention too. Yao Ming wasn't just a basketball player - he became a cultural bridge between China and the United States. His impact transcended the sport in ways we rarely see. Similarly, Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized the power forward position with his shooting ability, forcing defenses to adapt to a style they'd never seen before.

I sometimes wonder how much pressure these young men face when they're drafted first overall. Imagine being 19 or 20 years old and suddenly having an entire franchise's hopes resting on your shoulders. The fact that any of them succeed at all is remarkable, let alone reaching the heights of the players we're discussing.

The evolution of the number one pick is fascinating to track across different eras. In the 60s and 70s, teams typically selected traditional big men first. Then came the era of versatile forwards and guards in the 80s and 90s. Today, we're seeing more international players and positionless athletes going first. The game changes, and the type of player valued most changes with it.

What continues to amaze me is how these players handle failure and criticism. LeBron faced enormous backlash after "The Decision," yet he persevered and eventually brought Cleveland the championship they'd been waiting 52 years for. That kind of resilience is what separates the good from the great in any field, not just basketball.

As I reflect on these incredible athletes, I'm struck by how their impact extends beyond statistics and championships. They inspire generations of young players, change how the game is played globally, and create memories that last lifetimes. The greatest number one picks aren't just basketball players - they become part of the sport's living history, their legacies woven into the very fabric of the game we love.