Ranking the No. 1 overall NBA Draft picks of the 21st century

The 2025 No. 1 overall pick has yet to step onto the NBA court, so putting him anywhere on the list wouldn’t be fair to him. That being said, Flagg heads into an ideal situation in Dallas where he’ll be able to utilize his skillset with some highly talented teammates. The Duke phenom won the Naismith Trophy for being the top player in all of college as a freshman.

Still far too early into his career, Risacher finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2025. His first year in Atlanta saw him average 12.6 points per game. 

It was a surprise when Cleveland chose him first out of UNLV. He failed to back up the Cavs’ bold decision, only lasting four years in the Association with just four starts, and none as a rookie. He posted just 4.4 points per game over 151 contests.

He was able to hang around the league for 12 years, but he was only ever a starter for two of those years, and even those never saw him star more than 57 games in a season. Across seven organizations, he averaged 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

The Italian big enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with 11.6 points point game, losing out to Brandon Roy for Rookie of the Year in the 2006-07 season. He later produced a few seasons averaging more than 17 points a night, including 21.4 in 2010-11.

Sadly, injuries derailed his career before it could ever get going. He missed four seasons in their entirety due to knee problems over his seven years in the league. The 2009-10 seasons saw flashes of what-could-have-been after averaging 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Fultz had a rough start to his NBA career, as the "big three" of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Fultz never materialized into anything significant. He also seemingly forgot how to properly shoot a basketball, which is not ideal. But he was able to steady the ship somewhat after being dealt to Orlando, but the Sixers' front office wishes they could go back in time and select Jayson Tatum No. 1 overall instead. 

The 7-foot Australian had a long 14-year career that was highlighted by an NBA championship in 2015 with Golden State. He never was “the guy” on any of his teams, but he enjoyed a respectable career that saw a six-year stretch in which he was a double-digit scorer who had three seasons in that span averaging a double-double. 

The big man was the top pick in a first-round class that included names like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander. Because of that, Ayton oftentimes gets viewed less than he probably should. He’s averaging a double-double over his time with 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds a night. He doesn’t have any All-Star recognition like any of the other names from that draft class.

It hasn’t been perfect for Wiggins after having such huge expectations coming out of Kansas. That being said, he has an All-Star year under his belt, along with being the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year. He was a member of Golden State’s championship team in 2022. He’s a career 18-point scorer through 11 seasons.

There’s a uniqueness that Williamson presents on the court due to his stature. While not massive in height, he makes up for it with muscle, which is how Williamson has found himself in two All-Star games. He’s a career 24-point scorer who has the potential to rack up triple-doubles.

Another Philadelphia top pick that couldn’t get the team over the hump, Simmons’s controversial tenure did at least warrant some mini success stories. He was a three-time All-Star and always was a force on the defensive end.

The Duke forward has put up 20-plus point seasons in all three of his seasons, topping out at 25.9 in 2025. The 2024 All-Star stuffs the box score with 7.1 and 4.6 assists per game over his career.

One of the best young guards in the game, Cunningham has helped rebuild the Detroit Pistons. The 2022 Rookie of the Year has increased his scoring every season after putting up more than 26 in the 2024-25 season, even earning MVP votes and a nod on the All-NBA third team.

The shifty Kentucky product was a force between 2014 and 2016 with three straight seasons averaging a double-double, including an impressive 23.1 points and 10.7 assists stat line in the 2016-17 season.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick was a generational talent coming out of France. The Spurs saw him parlay that into being the Rookie of the Year, becoming an All-Star in his first year, and leading the league in blocks in each of his first two seasons.

This rising star has become the face of Minnesota basketball. He’s been an All-Star in three of his first five seasons after earning Rookie of the Year honors. He’s also received MVP votes both 2024 and 2025.

A modern-day big man, Towns’ scoring ability has helped him become a stalwart in today’s game. The five-time All-Star is averaging more than 23 points in his career and has averaged a double-double in seven of his 10 seasons.

A walking highlight reel thanks to some of the most iconic dunks, Griffin was a six-time All-Star. His first two seasons saw him average a double-double.

Ming’s career was not as long as others, but that didn’t stop him from earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. An eight-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Ming finished his nine-year career with 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. 

It’s hard not to look back on Rose’s career and ask “What if?” Despite injuries and a lost 2012-13 season, Rose’s resume is super impressive. He was a three-time All-Star after winning Rookie of the Year. His greatest milestone was earning MVP honors after putting up 25 points per game in the 2010-11 season.

This nine-time All-Star is a menace on both ends of the court with three separate seasons leading the league in blocks. He was voted onto the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, which showcased the best of the best to ever step on the hardwood. He also has five All-NBA teams under his belt.

Despite a shortened career at Duke, Irving has lived up to the hype as a pro. He won a title with the team that drafted him in Cleveland, and he has gone on to rack up nine All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors. He has multiple seasons averaging 27-plus points in his 14-year career.

Easily recognizable with his superhero-like shoulders, Howard muscled his way to eight All-Star bids and was voted Defensive Player of the Year three times in his career. He helped lead Orlando to a Finals spot in 2009 and topped the league’s rebounding chart twice.

What else is there left to say about The Kid from Akron? James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 2025 and is continuing to pile up the numbers. He’s won four Finals MVPs, has earned 21 All-Star selections, and has six All-Defensive honors. There may not be a better No. 1 overall pick in any sport than LeBron.