In the world of the NBA, possessing a #1 draft pick is akin to holding a golden ticket. It offers teams a unique opportunity to redefine their future by selecting a player poised to become the cornerstone of the franchise. Over the decades, several teams have repeatedly found themselves in this enviable position. This article lists and explores the 10 teams with most #1 picks in NBA history, detailing their picks and the profound impacts these players have had on their teams and the league at large.
10. Atlanta Hawks (4 #1 Picks)
The Atlanta Hawks recently made headlines by securing their fourth #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. With this selection, they join an exclusive group of teams with most #1 picks in NBA history. Their previous #1 picks are:
- 1952: Mark Workman
- 1955: Dick Ricketts
- 1975: David Thompson
- 2024: To be determined
Each of these picks brought hope and potential to the franchise. While not all selections translated into success, each played a part in shaping the direction of the Hawks through various eras, demonstrating the mixed blessings of top draft picks.
9. Milwaukee Bucks (4 #1 Picks)
The Milwaukee Bucks have utilized their #1 picks to select players who would go on to achieve greatness:
- 1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- 1977: Kent Benson
- 1994: Glenn Robinson
- 2005: Andrew Bogut
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, especially, is a testament to the transformative potential of a #1 pick, leading the Bucks to an NBA championship and becoming one of the greatest players in league history.
8. New York Knicks (4 #1 Picks)
The New York Knicks have had a storied history with their top draft selections:
- 1963: Art Heyman
- 1964: Jim Barnes
- 1966: Cazzie Russell
- 1985: Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing’s arrival marked a renaissance period for the Knicks, highlighting how a #1 pick can revitalize one of the league’s marquee franchises.
7. Orlando Magic (4 #1 Picks)
The Orlando Magic have made significant use of their top picks to draft players who became the face of the franchise:
- 1992: Shaquille O’Neal
- 1993: Chris Webber (traded immediately)
- 2004: Dwight Howard
- 2022: Paolo Banchero
Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard, in particular, helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals, underscoring the impact a #1 pick can have on a team’s fortunes.
6. Philadelphia 76ers (4 #1 Picks)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ use of the #1 pick has been pivotal in their quest for competitive relevance:
- 1973: Doug Collins
- 1996: Allen Iverson
- 2016: Ben Simmons
- 2017: Markelle Fultz
Allen Iverson, an MVP and one of the most iconic players in NBA history, exemplifies the potential superstar power of the #1 pick.
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5. Portland Trail Blazers (4 #1 Picks)
The Trail Blazers have had a mixed record with their #1 selections, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the draft:
- 1972: LaRue Martin
- 1974: Bill Walton
- 1978: Mychal Thompson
- 2007: Greg Oden
Bill Walton led the team to an NBA championship, but injuries hindered what could have been a more storied career, a recurring theme with Portland’s #1 picks.
4. Sacramento Kings (5 #1 Picks)
Originally the Cincinnati Royals, the Sacramento Kings have a long history with the #1 pick, often selecting game-changing talents:
- 1956: Si Green
- 1957: Hot Rod Hundley
- 1959: Bob Boozer
- 1960: Oscar Robertson
- 1989: Pervis Ellison
Oscar Robertson is one of the all-time greats, and his selection highlights the historic potential of securing the top draft spot.
3. Houston Rockets (5 #1 Picks)
The Houston Rockets have frequently found franchise-altering talent with their #1 picks, contributing significantly to their competitive successes:
- 1968: Elvin Hayes
- 1976: John Lucas
- 1983: Ralph Sampson
- 1984: Hakeem Olajuwon
- 2002: Yao Ming
Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming both became pillars for the Rockets, with Olajuwon leading them to two NBA championships.
2. Washington Wizards (6 #1 Picks)
The Washington Wizards have had the most #1 picks in NBA history but with varied outcomes:
- 1953: Ray Felix
- 1954: Frank Selvy
- 1961: Walt Bellamy
- 1962: Bill McGill
- 2001: Kwame Brown
- 2010: John Wall
While some picks, like John Wall, have shone brightly, others have not met expectations, illustrating the gamble involved in the draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (6 #1 Picks)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have also maximized their opportunities with six #1 picks, each shaping the team’s trajectory in profound ways:
- 1971: Austin Carr
- 1986: Brad Daugherty
- 2003: LeBron James
- 2011: Kyrie Irving
- 2013: Anthony Bennett
- 2014: Andrew Wiggins
LeBron James, arguably the most consequential #1 pick in NBA history, led the Cavaliers to their first championship, highlighting the transformative power of these selections.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the 10 teams with most #1 picks in NBA history, it’s clear that while the #1 pick offers immense potential, its impact can vary dramatically. These franchises have experienced both the highs and lows of draft fortune, each learning and adapting through their selections. The history of these picks not only tells the story of individual players and teams but also illustrates the ever-evolving narrative of the NBA itself.
