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The 2025-26 NBA season was indeed memorable as the New York Knicks captured their first championship in 53 years. After decades of heartbreaks and near misses, the Knicks finally returned to the top of the basketball world. The league’s focus has now shifted toward the 2026 NBA Draft.
The draft will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., with the first round taking place on Tuesday, June 23 and the second round to follow on June 24.
This year, the Washington Wizards hold the coveted first overall selection after winning the NBA Draft Lottery. The organization faces a franchise-defining decision between elite prospects Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. At the moment, Peterson has the momentum as the top-ranked prospect due to his elite shot creation and scoring ability, per ESPN. Whereas Dybantsa’s athleticism and two-way upside continue to make his case for the No. 1 spot.
For the Wizards, what matters now is turning their prized pick into an elite NBA star. This philosophy is essential in the modern NBA draft era, where generational talents such as LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and many more reshaped their franchises.
MORE: Knicks Championship parade ranks among largest in sports history, which is number one?
Here are the top No. 1 draft picks of the modern NBA. For the purposes of this list, we define the modern era as 1979-present. The 1979-80 campaign was the year Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ushered in a new age of pro basketball. It also was the first year of the 3-point shot. And we’re withholding judgment on recent No. 1 picks such as Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards until their body of work is more complete.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The 41-year-old LeBron James holds the record for most regular seasons played by any player at 23, not to mention the all-time NBA scoring record with 43,440 points. James is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP and a 22-time All-Star. He is indeed one of the best players in NBA history. The free agent has been linked back to the Cavaliers in the twilight of his career. James brought Cleveland its lone NBA championship in his second stint with the Cavs in 2016.
Magic Johnson at the unveiling of the statue of former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Standout Michigan State Spartans product Magic Johnson was chosen No. 1 on June 25, 1979, by the Lakers. Throughout Johnson’s 13-season career, he won five NBA championships and three NBA MVP awards. He remains a revolutionary personality in NBA history. Johnson helped increase interest in the NBA through a 1980s rivalry with the Boston Celtics and fellow 1979 draftee Larry Bird. He announced his retirement in 1991 before returning to play 32 games for the 1995-96 Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs Hall of Famer Tim Duncan walks to his seat before the second half of a 2026 NBA Playoffs game. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Tim Duncan spent his entire career with San Antonio, leading the Spurs to five championships and earning 15 All-Star selections. He retired in 2016. Duncan collected three NBA Finals MVP awards and two NBA MVP awards.
NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon attends the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night in Cleveland. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP both times. In fact, he is the only player to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in the same season (1993-84). Olajuwon played his final NBA season with the Toronto Raptors in 2001-2002 after 14 seasons with the Rockets.
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, performs before the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Famous NBA personality Shaquille O’Neal carried the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, where they were swept by Olajuwon’s Rockets. In 1996, Shaq joined the Lakers, winning NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. It doesn’t end there. Shaq won another NBA title in 2006 with Miami Heat. a 15-time All-Star, O’Neal won three Finals MVP honors and won the scoring championship twice. After retiring in 2011, he found success in feature films and as a voice artist and now is a panelist on “Inside the NBA.”
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson uses his iPhone during the second half of a Spurs game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
David Robinson, known as “The Admiral” for his standout college career at Navy, helped Duncan and the Spurs win their 1999 and 2003 NBA championships. He was the 1995 NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He also won a scoring championship, rebounding championship and blocks championship during a 14-year career in San Antonio.
Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson speaks during the unveiling of a statue honoring him in a ceremony at Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
At 6-foot, Allen Iverson is the shortest No. 1 pick ever to play in the NBA. With an average of 23.5 points per game, Iverson bagged the 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year award. He was the 2011 NBA MVP and a four-time scoring champion and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 after a 14-year career with the 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) before the game against the Golden State Warriors. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Dwight Howard went straight from his high school, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, to the NBA at age 18. Howard won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009-2011. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won five rebounding titles and two blocks crowns in his career, which lasted for 18 years and saw him play for seven teams. Howard won an NBA title with the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers.
Derrick Rose speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony after an NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtiics. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago’s hometown hero Derrick Rose was awarded the 2008-2009 NBA Rookie of the Year honor. He led the Bulls to the playoffs five times, and posted 36 points against Celtics in his postseason debut. In 2010-11, he became the youngest MVP at 22 years, seven months. Rose’s performance and contribution brought back Bulls into elite contender status for the first time since the Michael Jordan era.
New York Knicks ambassador Patrick Ewing, right, and Knicks great Walt Frazier, center, present New York guard Jalen Brunson (11), left, with the 2026 Eastern Conference MVP trophy. | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Patrick Ewing came to symbolize all the near-misses during the 1990s for the Knicks. But that ignores his contributions during a Hall of Fame 17-year career. The 1985-86 NBA Rookie of the Year racked up 11 All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA honors. Starting in Ewing’s third season, New York made 13 consecutive postseason appearances, advancing to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999.
MORE: 11 biggest all-time NBA Draft steals who became franchise cornerstones
From LeBron’s longevity to Ewing’s impact, these first-overall picks show how the NBA keeps evolving through generational talent, global reach and rising expectations. Even today, the league is driven by versatile stars who redefine leadership, scoring and winning. Their legacies remain the benchmark for every new top pick stepping into a faster, deeper and more competitive NBA.
Continue reading...
The draft will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., with the first round taking place on Tuesday, June 23 and the second round to follow on June 24.
This year, the Washington Wizards hold the coveted first overall selection after winning the NBA Draft Lottery. The organization faces a franchise-defining decision between elite prospects Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. At the moment, Peterson has the momentum as the top-ranked prospect due to his elite shot creation and scoring ability, per ESPN. Whereas Dybantsa’s athleticism and two-way upside continue to make his case for the No. 1 spot.
For the Wizards, what matters now is turning their prized pick into an elite NBA star. This philosophy is essential in the modern NBA draft era, where generational talents such as LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and many more reshaped their franchises.
MORE: Knicks Championship parade ranks among largest in sports history, which is number one?
Here are the top No. 1 draft picks of the modern NBA. For the purposes of this list, we define the modern era as 1979-present. The 1979-80 campaign was the year Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ushered in a new age of pro basketball. It also was the first year of the 3-point shot. And we’re withholding judgment on recent No. 1 picks such as Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards until their body of work is more complete.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (2003)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The 41-year-old LeBron James holds the record for most regular seasons played by any player at 23, not to mention the all-time NBA scoring record with 43,440 points. James is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP and a 22-time All-Star. He is indeed one of the best players in NBA history. The free agent has been linked back to the Cavaliers in the twilight of his career. James brought Cleveland its lone NBA championship in his second stint with the Cavs in 2016.
2. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers (1979)
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Magic Johnson at the unveiling of the statue of former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Standout Michigan State Spartans product Magic Johnson was chosen No. 1 on June 25, 1979, by the Lakers. Throughout Johnson’s 13-season career, he won five NBA championships and three NBA MVP awards. He remains a revolutionary personality in NBA history. Johnson helped increase interest in the NBA through a 1980s rivalry with the Boston Celtics and fellow 1979 draftee Larry Bird. He announced his retirement in 1991 before returning to play 32 games for the 1995-96 Lakers.
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (1997)
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San Antonio Spurs Hall of Famer Tim Duncan walks to his seat before the second half of a 2026 NBA Playoffs game. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Tim Duncan spent his entire career with San Antonio, leading the Spurs to five championships and earning 15 All-Star selections. He retired in 2016. Duncan collected three NBA Finals MVP awards and two NBA MVP awards.
4. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets (1984)
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NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon attends the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night in Cleveland. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP both times. In fact, he is the only player to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in the same season (1993-84). Olajuwon played his final NBA season with the Toronto Raptors in 2001-2002 after 14 seasons with the Rockets.
5. Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic (1992)
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Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, performs before the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Famous NBA personality Shaquille O’Neal carried the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, where they were swept by Olajuwon’s Rockets. In 1996, Shaq joined the Lakers, winning NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. It doesn’t end there. Shaq won another NBA title in 2006 with Miami Heat. a 15-time All-Star, O’Neal won three Finals MVP honors and won the scoring championship twice. After retiring in 2011, he found success in feature films and as a voice artist and now is a panelist on “Inside the NBA.”
6. David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs (1987)
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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson uses his iPhone during the second half of a Spurs game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
David Robinson, known as “The Admiral” for his standout college career at Navy, helped Duncan and the Spurs win their 1999 and 2003 NBA championships. He was the 1995 NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He also won a scoring championship, rebounding championship and blocks championship during a 14-year career in San Antonio.
7. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers (1996)
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Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson speaks during the unveiling of a statue honoring him in a ceremony at Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
At 6-foot, Allen Iverson is the shortest No. 1 pick ever to play in the NBA. With an average of 23.5 points per game, Iverson bagged the 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year award. He was the 2011 NBA MVP and a four-time scoring champion and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 after a 14-year career with the 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.
8. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (2004)
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Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) before the game against the Golden State Warriors. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Dwight Howard went straight from his high school, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, to the NBA at age 18. Howard won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009-2011. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won five rebounding titles and two blocks crowns in his career, which lasted for 18 years and saw him play for seven teams. Howard won an NBA title with the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers.
9. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (2008)
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Derrick Rose speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony after an NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtiics. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago’s hometown hero Derrick Rose was awarded the 2008-2009 NBA Rookie of the Year honor. He led the Bulls to the playoffs five times, and posted 36 points against Celtics in his postseason debut. In 2010-11, he became the youngest MVP at 22 years, seven months. Rose’s performance and contribution brought back Bulls into elite contender status for the first time since the Michael Jordan era.
10. Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks (1985)
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New York Knicks ambassador Patrick Ewing, right, and Knicks great Walt Frazier, center, present New York guard Jalen Brunson (11), left, with the 2026 Eastern Conference MVP trophy. | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Patrick Ewing came to symbolize all the near-misses during the 1990s for the Knicks. But that ignores his contributions during a Hall of Fame 17-year career. The 1985-86 NBA Rookie of the Year racked up 11 All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA honors. Starting in Ewing’s third season, New York made 13 consecutive postseason appearances, advancing to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999.
MORE: 11 biggest all-time NBA Draft steals who became franchise cornerstones
Conclusion
From LeBron’s longevity to Ewing’s impact, these first-overall picks show how the NBA keeps evolving through generational talent, global reach and rising expectations. Even today, the league is driven by versatile stars who redefine leadership, scoring and winning. Their legacies remain the benchmark for every new top pick stepping into a faster, deeper and more competitive NBA.
Continue reading...
