By Rory Vitale 
Being the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft comes with massive expectations — and over the last 25 years, some have delivered greatness, while others have fallen short. With Cooper Flagg now headed to the Dallas Mavericks as the top pick in 2025, we rank every No. 1 selection from 2001 to 2025, from busts to all-time legends.
25. Kwame Brown (2001 – Wizards)
The first high school player taken No. 1 overall, Kwame never lived up to the immense expectations placed on him. He became more remembered for his underachievement than his play.
24. Anthony Bennett (2013 – Cavaliers)
Seen as one of the most shocking No. 1 picks ever, Bennett lasted only four seasons in the NBA with minimal production. His selection remains a cautionary tale for drafting on potential alone.
23. Andrea Bargnani (2006 – Raptors)
The first European player drafted No. 1, Bargnani could shoot but struggled defensively and on the glass. He never became a franchise cornerstone and was inconsistent throughout his career.
22. Zaccharie Risacher (2024 – Hawks)
A versatile French forward with solid two-way potential, Risacher is a high-upside pick with limited pro-level exposure so far. Time will tell if he can rise up this list or remain a developmental gamble.
21. Markelle Fultz (2017 – 76ers)
Once seen as a surefire No. 1 pick, Fultz’s mysterious shooting decline and injuries halted his ascent. He’s become a serviceable guard in Orlando but hasn’t hit star-level expectations.
20. Greg Oden (2007 – Trail Blazers)
A dominant college center, Oden’s career was sadly defined by injuries that limited him to just 105 games. He remains one of the biggest “what could have been” stories in NBA history.
19. Deandre Ayton (2018 – Suns)
Ayton is a reliable scorer and rebounder who helped lead the Suns to the 2021 Finals. However, inconsistency and motor concerns have kept him from stardom.
18. Andrew Bogut (2005 – Bucks)
Bogut didn’t live up to No. 1 billing as a scorer but became a valuable defensive and passing big man. He later played a key role on the 2015 championship Warriors team.
17. Andrew Wiggins (2014 – Cavaliers)
Touted as the next LeBron, Wiggins fell short of that but became a valuable two-way player. He found redemption and a championship with the Warriors in 2022.
16. Ben Simmons (2016 – 76ers)
Simmons flashed All-NBA defense and playmaking early on but collapsed offensively and mentally under playoff pressure. Once viewed as a future superstar, his fall-off has been dramatic.
15. Zion Williamson (2019 – Pelicans)
One of the most athletic and exciting players when healthy, Zion has All-NBA potential but has been plagued by injuries. His dominance in the paint is unmatched when available.
14. Cade Cunningham (2021 – Pistons)
A poised, playmaking guard, Cade has shown flashes of stardom despite Detroit’s struggles. He’s become the Pistons’ best hope for a return to relevance.
13. Paolo Banchero (2022 – Magic)
Banchero won Rookie of the Year and instantly became the face of the Magic. His polished offensive game has laid the foundation for a bright future in Orlando.
12. John Wall (2010 – Wizards)
Wall’s blazing speed and playmaking earned him five All-Star selections and helped elevate Washington to playoff contention. Injuries unfortunately sapped his peak years.
11. Karl-Anthony Towns (2015 – Timberwolves)
Towns is one of the most offensively gifted bigs in the league with elite shooting range. While he hasn’t made a deep playoff run, his individual talent is undeniable.
10. Blake Griffin (2009 – Clippers)
Griffin wowed fans with high-flying dunks and earned six All-Star nods while helping turn the Clippers into contenders. Though injuries slowed him later, his early years were explosive.
9. Cooper Flagg (2025 – Mavericks)
Flagg enters the league as a two-way phenom with sky-high expectations, joining Luka Doncic in Dallas. If his talent translates, he could lead the Mavericks into a new dynasty.
8. Yao Ming (2002 – Rockets)
An international icon and Hall of Famer, Yao was a dominant force when healthy, making eight All-Star appearances. Unfortunately, chronic foot injuries shortened what could have been a legendary career.
7. Anthony Edwards (2020 – Timberwolves)
With a dynamic mix of scoring, athleticism, and charisma, Edwards has rapidly become a face of the league. He led the Timberwolves to their deepest playoff run in two decades.
6. Kyrie Irving (2011 – Cavaliers)
An elite ball-handler and clutch performer, Kyrie hit one of the biggest shots in Finals history to help Cleveland win its only championship. His skill is undeniable, though off-court drama often shadows his career.
5. Derrick Rose (2008 – Bulls)
The youngest MVP in league history, Rose was an electric force before knee injuries curtailed his rise. His perseverance and later resurgence have earned him league-wide respect.
4. Anthony Davis (2012 – Hornets)
Davis is a premier defender and inside scorer who played a critical role in the Lakers’ 2020 title. His elite two-way play makes him one of the best bigs of the era.
3. Dwight Howard (2004 – Magic)
Howard was a dominant force during his prime, earning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and leading the Magic to the 2009 Finals. His rebounding and rim protection were game-changing.
2. Victor Wembanyama (2023 – Spurs)
Already a defensive marvel and offensive mismatch, Wemby took the league by storm in his rookie season. His ceiling appears limitless, with MVP and DPOY potential already evident.
1. LeBron James (2003 – Cavaliers)
One of the greatest athletes in sports history, LeBron has exceeded even the most unrealistic expectations. With four titles, four MVPs, and 20+ seasons of dominance, he’s the ultimate No. 1 pick.
Conclusion
Over the last 25 years, the No. 1 pick has produced everything from Hall of Famers to head-scratchers — a reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. Each top selection enters the league with the hope of transforming a franchise, but only a few truly change the game.
Now, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg in Dallas. If his talent and mindset translate to the NBA, he could soon find himself climbing this list — and perhaps leading the Mavericks into a new golden era.
Angel Atienza-Romero