Yardbarker
x
Who was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft in the year you were born?

Who was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft in the year you were born?

Every true basketball fan would want to know who was the first pick in the NBA Draft the year he or she was born. This list chronicles the No. ! overall pick from each NBA season since 1950. Some players turned out to be worthy of the top selection, while others flamed out and made the teams that chose them regret it.

 

2018: Deandre Ayton

2018: Deandre Ayton
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Suns selected Ayton (who played in Arizona in both high school and college) somewhat controversially over Luka Doncic, who proved he was ready for the NBA right away. That said, Ayton held his own during his rookie season, averaging 16 PPG and 10 RPG while earning All-Rookie First Team honors. But whether or not he was the right selection over Doncic or Trae Young is something only time will tell. 

 

2017: Markelle Fultz

2017: Markelle Fultz
Brad Penner / USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers traded up with the Boston Celtics to move from No. 3 to No. 1 to select Markelle Fultz out of Washington. It was a bizarre rookie season for Fultz, who managed to play just 14 games due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the preseason that affected his shooting mechanics. He did play down the stretch for the 76ers, who made the playoffs behind a strong rookie season from 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, but was eventually dealt to Orlando where Fultz hopes he can rejuvenate his NBA career.

 

2016: Ben Simmons

2016: Ben Simmons
Jerry Lai / USA TODAY Sports

After sitting out the 2016-17 season due to injury, Ben Simmons debuted in 2017-18 to rave reviews and made the 2019 All-Star team as a reserve. In his rookie season, he showed off his absurdly good court vision as a 6-foot-10 point guard and has all the physical tools needed to become one of the NBA’s best. He was named the 2018 Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and nearly a block per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and helping the Sixers reach the postseason.

 

2015: Karl-Anthony Towns

2015: Karl-Anthony Towns
Elsa / Getty Images

Towns left Kentucky after one season and was drafted by the Timberwolves first overall. The center averaged 18.3 points and 10.4 rebounds in his rookie season and has become an All-Star.

 

2014: Andrew Wiggins

2014: Andrew Wiggins
Mike Stobe / Getty Images

Wiggins was drafted by the Cavs before getting traded to the Timberwolves for Kevin Love. He averaged 20.7 points per game in his sophomore season after winning Rookie of the Year in his first season and upped that number in his third season, averaging 23.6 points per game. His numbers regressed the past couple of seasons, but he has shown the athleticism that made him the top pick.

 

2013: Anthony Bennett

2013: Anthony Bennett
Mike Stobe / Getty Images

The first overall pick by Cleveland in a weak 2013 draft, Bennett struggled to be a viable part of an NBA roster. He was traded from the Cavs to Minnesota before his second season and later waived by the T-Wolves and picked up by Toronto. He played 23 games for the Brooklyn Nets in 2016-17 and was out of the league the following season.

 

2012: Anthony Davis

2012: Anthony Davis
Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Davis won a national championship in his only season at Kentucky before being drafted by New Orleans. He's struggled to stay healthy at times but has averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of the past six seasons. He's also led the NBA in blocks three times so far in his career. After trade rumors swirled around him this past season, Davis was finally sent to the Lakers.

 

2011: Kyrie Irving

2011: Kyrie Irving
Mike Stobe / Getty Images

Irving was taken first overall by the Cavs and has averaged 22 points per game over his eight-year career, just concluding his first season with the Celtics. He's also made the All-Star Game six times and was the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year.

 

2010: John Wall

2010: John Wall
Al Bello / Getty Images

The first overall pick by the Wizards, Wall has been one of the NBA's top point guards since his arrival. He's made five consecutive All-Star Games and has averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 assists for his career.

 

2009: Blake Griffin

2009: Blake Griffin
Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

Griffin has been hampered by injuries of late, but he's been a highly productive and flashy player for the Clippers and now Pistons. He's averaged more than 20 points seven of his eight seasons, along with 9.2 rebounds per game for his career. He made the All-Star Game in each of his first five seasons.

 

2008: Derrick Rose

2008: Derrick Rose
Nick Laham / Getty Images

Rose was a star in his first three seasons but hasn't been able to stay fully healthy since then. The 2010-11 NBA MVP, he was last an All-Star in 2011-12 and has bounced around the league since.

 

2007: Greg Oden

2007: Greg Oden
Sam Forencich / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Portland opted to take Oden over Kevin Durant, a mistake now notorious in draft history. Oden wasn't been able to stay healthy during his career, playing only 105 games over six seasons, and he last appeared in an NBA game in 2013-14.

 

2006: Andrea Bargnani

2006: Andrea Bargnani
Ron Turenne / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Bargnani has had a productive career, albeit an injury-prone one. He averaged 14.3 points per game over 10 seasons as a big man for the Raptors, Knicks and Nets. He was the first pick by Toronto in 2006, one pick ahead of LaMarcus Aldridge.

 

2005: Andrew Bogut

2005: Andrew Bogut
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Bogut went first overall to the Bucks out of Utah. He's never been a star but has had a productive 14-year career between Milwaukee, Golden State, Dallas, Cleveland and the Lakers, averaging 9.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for his career.

 

2004: Dwight Howard

2004: Dwight Howard
Steve Freeman / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The first overall pick by Orlando out of high school, Howard quickly became a star for the Magic offensively and defensively. Over eight seasons in Orlando, he averaged 18.4 points, 13 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. His career has waned since leaving the Magic with stops with the Lakers, Rockets, Hawks and Hornets, but he is an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

 

2003: LeBron James

2003: LeBron James
Kirby Lee / Getty Images

LeBron needs no introduction as the best player of his era and potentially the best player to ever put on an NBA uniform when his career is finished. The Akron resident was drafted by Cleveland in 2003. He has three NBA titles under his belt — two with Miami and one with Cleveland — and he made the NBA Finals eight straight seasons and nine overall.

 

2002: Yao Ming

2002: Yao Ming
Chen Xiaowei / NBAE / Getty Images

A Hall of Famer despite playing only 486 games, Ming transcended the game as the first star from Asia. The 7-foot-6 Chinese center was a great player for the Rockets in his first seven seasons before injuries doomed him, averaging 19 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for his career.

 

2001: Kwame Brown

2001: Kwame Brown
The Washington Post / Getty Images

Brown is a popular trivia question as one of the worst first overall picks ever. Michael Jordan's Wizards took him with the top pick out of high school in 2001, though Brown did play with seven teams over his 12-year career, averaging 6.6 points.

 

2000: Kenyon Martin

2000: Kenyon Martin
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Martin had a strong career after going first overall to the Nets in 2000, though he did have his share of injuries. The power forward averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds during his 15-year career.

 

1999: Elton Brand

1999: Elton Brand
MARIO TAMA / AFP / Getty Images

Drafted first overall by the Bulls out of Duke, Brand had a long and productive career despite injuries. He won the Rookie of the Year and made two All-Star Games.

 

1998: Michael Olowokandi

1998: Michael Olowokandi
Tom Hauck / Getty Images

The Kandi Man never turned his raw talent into great play on the court, maxing out with an average of 12.3 points in 2002-03. The center never really panned out for the Clippers but played nine seasons.

 

1997: Tim Duncan

1997: Tim Duncan
Craig Jones / Getty Images

Duncan is a surefire Hall of Famer as one of the best and winningest players ever. Playing 19 seasons in San Antonio, his honors include five NBA championships, 15 All-Star appearances, Rookie of the Year and two NBA MVPs.

 

1996: Allen Iverson

1996: Allen Iverson
Rocky Widner / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Iverson played most of his career with the 76ers after being drafted in 1996 and was arguably the league's best player right after Michael Jordan retired. A prolific scorer, the Hall of Famer averaged 26.7 points per game for his career and won the 2000-01 MVP.

 

1995: Joe Smith

1995: Joe Smith
Sam Forencich / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Picked first overall by Golden State, Smith wasn't nearly as productive after getting traded to Philadelphia in his third season. He still had a good 16-year career, averaging 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

 

1994: Glenn Robinson

1994: Glenn Robinson
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Big Dog was taken by the Bucks after a great career at Purdue. He spent most of his career in Milwaukee, and while he wasn't able to match his college career, he did average a strong 20.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 11 seasons, making two All-Star appearances.

 

1993: Chris Webber

1993: Chris Webber
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Taken by the Magic first overall, Webber was traded to the Warriors for Penny Hardaway in a package deal. Webber won Rookie of the Year for Golden State before getting traded again, this time to Washington. He spent seven of his 15 seasons in Sacramento and averaged 20.7 points and 9.8 rebounds for his career, making five All-Star teams.

 

1992: Shaquille O'Neal

1992: Shaquille O'Neal
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Shaq was taken first overall by Orlando and became arguably the best center the league has ever seen. During his 19 seasons, he averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Shaq won four NBA titles, one MVP and made 15 All-Star Games.

 

1991: Larry Johnson

1991: Larry Johnson
Lou Capozzola / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Charlotte Hornets took LJ first overall out of UNLV. His career was short, but he was a star for the Hornets, making two All-Star appearances and taking home the NBA Rookie of the Year.

 

1990: Derrick Coleman

1990: Derrick Coleman
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images

The Nets got great production out of Coleman over five seasons, averaging 19.9 points and 10.6 rebounds during his time in New Jersey. He won Rookie of the Year after being drafted, but he wasn't nearly as productive after leaving New Jersey.

 

1989: Pervis Ellison

1989: Pervis Ellison
The Sporting News / Getty Images

Ellison was taken first overall by Sacramento and really only had two notable NBA seasons. He was traded after one year with the Kings.

 

1988: Danny Manning

1988: Danny Manning
Andrew D. Bernstein / NBAE / Getty Images

The top pick by the Clippers, Manning made two All-Star Games over his 15-year career as a power forward and averaged more than 20 points per game twice. He's now the head coach at Wake Forest.

 

1987: David Robinson

1987: David Robinson
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Admiral had a Hall of Fame career, spending his 14 years in the NBA with San Antonio. The center averaged 21.1 points and 10.6 rebounds during his career, winning one MVP and two NBA titles.

 

1986: Brad Daugherty

1986: Brad Daugherty
Noren Trotman / NBAE / Getty Images

Drafted by the Cavs out of UNC, Daugherty played only eight NBA seasons but averaged 19 points and 9.5 rebounds. He made five All-Star teams.

 

1985: Patrick Ewing

1985: Patrick Ewing
Dick Raphael / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Drafted first by the Knicks, Ewing was the face of the organization during the '90s. The star center averaged 21 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks for his career. He made 11 All-Star appearances and is a Hall of Famer.

 

1984: Hakeem Olajuwon

1984: Hakeem Olajuwon
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

Drafted by the Rockets two spots ahead of Michael Jordan, Olajuwon is a Hall of Famer in his own right. He played 17 of his 18 seasons in Houston, averaging 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks for his career. Olajuwon won two NBA championships, one MVP and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice.

 

1983: Ralph Sampson

1983: Ralph Sampson
Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Sampson went to the Rockets first overall and played nine seasons during his NBA career. He got off to a great start before getting derailed by injuries, making the All-Star Game in his first four seasons and eventually getting inducted into the Hall of Fame.

 

1982: James Worthy

1982: James Worthy
Wen Roberts / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

A Hall of Fame player who spent his entire 12-year career with the Lakers, Worthy averaged 17.6 points for his career. He won three championships with the Lakers and was the 1988 Finals MVP.

 

1981: Mark Aguirre

1981: Mark Aguirre
Dick Raphael / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Mavs took Aguirre out of DePaul, and he was a productive scorer over 13 seasons. He averaged 20 points and five rebounds, making three All-Star appearances and winning two championships with the Pistons.

 

1980: Joe Barry Carroll

1980: Joe Barry Carroll
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

Golden State got plenty of production out of Carroll after taking him first overall, averaging 20.4 points and 8.3 rebounds over seven seasons for the Warriors. He slowed after leaving the Warriors but still played 10 NBA seasons at center.

 

1979: Magic Johnson

1979: Magic Johnson
Bettmann / Getty Images

One of the best players in NBA history, Magic averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds during his career with the Lakers. He won three MVP Awards and five NBA titles.

 

1978: Mychal Thompson

1978: Mychal Thompson
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

The Trail Blazers took Thompson and got plenty of production out of him at center. He averaged 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds over 13 seasons between Portland, Sacramento and the Lakers. Two of his sons have played in the NBA, with Klay a budding star for Golden State. Another son, Trayce, plays baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization.

 

1977: Kent Benson

1977: Kent Benson
Ronald C. Modra / Sports Imagery / Getty Images

Milwaukee took Benson, where he played for two-plus seasons before getting traded to Detroit. The center averaged 9.1 points and 5.7 rebounds over 11 seasons.

 

1976: John Lucas

1976: John Lucas
NBA Photo Library / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Lucas was taken first by Houston and played 14 seasons in the NBA for six teams. He's now just as famous for his coaching and off-court work.

 

1975: David Thompson

1975: David Thompson
Dick Raphael / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Thompson was a Hall of Famer after playing only nine seasons. Selected first overall by Atlanta, Thompson opted to join the Denver Nuggets of the ABA instead. He averaged 22.7 points per game during his career.

 

1974: Bill Walton

1974: Bill Walton
Bettmann / Getty Images

Portland selected Walton out of UCLA. His career was relatively brief with 10 actual seasons of play over 13 years, but he managed to make the Hall of Fame after averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for his career.

 

1973: Doug Collins

1973: Doug Collins
Bettmann / Getty Images

Better known now as a former head coach, Collins was taken by the 76ers and played eight seasons for the team. He averaged 17.9 points and made four All-Star teams.

 

1972: LaRue Martin

1972: LaRue Martin
Rogers Photo Archive / Getty Images

Portland selected Martin, who played only four seasons. The center averaged only 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

 

1971: Austin Carr

1971: Austin Carr
Bettmann / Getty Images

Carr spent almost all of his career in Cleveland after being drafted by the Cavs. He made one All-Star Game and averaged 15.4 points during his 10-year career.

 

1970: Bob Lanier

1970: Bob Lanier
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

Lanier is now a Hall of Famer and was taken first overall by the Pistons. Over 14 seasons, he averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds.

 

1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Tony Tomsic / WireImage / Getty Images

Kareem, then Lew Alcindor, was taken first overall by the Bucks and played six seasons in Milwaukee before going to the Lakers. He was a six-time NBA champion and six-time MVP and currently ranks first in points, third in rebounds and third in blocks on the all-time lists.

 

1968: Elvin Hayes

1968: Elvin Hayes
Dick Raphael / NBAE / Getty Images

The San Diego Rockets took Hayes first overall. The power forward went on to have a Hall of Fame career, making the All-Star Game in his first 12 seasons and averaging 21 points and 12.5 rebounds.

 

1967: Jimmy Walker

1967: Jimmy Walker
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The first pick of the Pistons, Walker played nine seasons, averaging 16.7 points and making two All-Star appearances.

 

1966: Cazzie Russell

1966: Cazzie Russell
Bettmann / Getty Images

Russell became a Knick to start his career. He played 12 NBA seasons, averaging 15.1 points.

 

1965: Fred Hetzel

1965: Fred Hetzel
NBA Photo Library / Getty Images

The first pick out of Davidson, Hetzel went to the San Francisco Warriors. He played only six seasons in the NBA, averaging 11.2 points.

 

1964: Jim Barnes

1964: Jim Barnes
Dick Raphael / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Knicks selected Barnes first overall in 1964. He played seven seasons for five different teams, averaging 8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds.

 

1963: Art Heyman

1963: Art Heyman
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

Heyman went first to the Knicks and averaged 13 points during his brief career.

 

1962: Bill McGill

1962: Bill McGill
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The first overall pick of the Chicago Zephyrs, McGill played three seasons at center in the NBA and two more in the ABA. He averaged 10.5 points during his professional career.

 

1961: Walt Bellamy

1961: Walt Bellamy
Bettmann / Getty Images

Bellamy made the Hall of Fame after 14 NBA seasons. Drafted by the Chicago Packers, he averaged 20.1 points and 13.7 rebounds as an NBA center.

 

1960: Oscar Robertson

1960: Oscar Robertson
Focus on Sport / Getty Images

Robertson is known as one of the best players in history. The first pick of the Cincinnati Royals in 1960, he led the league in assists six times. He averaged 25.7 points, 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds for his career and is one of only two players to ever average a triple-double in a season, doing so in his second NBA season.

 

1959: Bob Boozer

1959: Bob Boozer
NBA Photo Library / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Cincinnati Royals took Boozer first in 1959, and he went on to play 11 NBA seasons. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds at power forward.

 

1958: Elgin Baylor

1958: Elgin Baylor
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Baylor established himself as one of the league's best players ever over his 14-year career. He averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds, sticking with the Lakers for his entire career, albeit in Minnesota for his first two seasons.

 

1957: Hot Rod Hundley

1957: Hot Rod Hundley
NBA Photo Library / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Hundley was taken by the Rochester Royals but was immediately traded to the Lakers. He played only six NBA seasons.

 

1956: Si Green

1956: Si Green
Teenie Harris Archive / Carnegie Museum of Art / Getty Images

Green was drafted by the Rochester Royals and played seven NBA seasons. He averaged 9.2 points per game.

 

1955: Dick Ricketts

1955: Dick Ricketts
Bettmann / Getty Images

The first overall pick of the St. Louis Hawks, Ricketts played only three NBA seasons.

 

1954: Frank Selvy

1954: Frank Selvy
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

Selvy was selected by the Baltimore Bullets. He was a two-time All-Star over nine seasons.

 

1953: Ray Felix

1953: Ray Felix
NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty Images

The Bullets took Felix first overall out of Long Island University. The center had his best season as a rookie but lasted nine years in the league.

 

1952: Mark Workman

1952: Mark Workman
Bettmann / Getty Images

The Milwaukee Hawks took Workman first overall. He played only two seasons.

 

1951: Gene Melchiorre

1951: Gene Melchiorre
Bettmann / Getty Images

Melchiorre was selected by the Baltimore Bullets but never played after getting banned for point shaving.

 

1950: Chuck Share

1950: Chuck Share
The Stevenson Collection / NBAE / Getty Images

The Celtics took Share first overall. He played nine seasons at center, averaging 8.3 points and 8.4 rebounds.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.