LeBron James and the Top 5 No. 1 NBA Draft Picks of the Past Decade

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The NBA has been known for producing talents described beyond words. It is the legion of the world's best hoop players. It is where legends are made and dreams are realized. It is where lives change forever.

But before these are achieved, the first step to greatness begins in the annual NBA Draft.

If you think having the ball in their hands with two seconds remaining brings ultimate nerve pains to the stars, think again. The NBA Draft has been one of the most thrilling, shocking and tearful experiences a player would have.

It is where legends and dreams really start. Without a doubt, the most celebrated and anticipated debut of every NBA season is the moment the first draft pick steps into the floor and shows his stuff.

For the past decade, the No. 1 pick position has been utilized to begin a franchise and to create a team that will dominate the league.

And while some have been crawling on their belly suffering the pressure brought in by busting as the top pick, some of them rolled up, dominated and made this list of the best No. 1 picks of the past 10 years.  

Yao Ming

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Not only did Yao Ming dominate down low, the 2002 top pick became the face of the Houston Rockets until injuries shortened his dynasty.

Averaging 13.5 points and 8 rebounds in his rookie year, he started giving the Rockets the blast off that they needed and led them to multiple playoff appearances. 

Blake Griffin

Pool/Getty Images

Blake Griffin waited for a season before exploding the time bomb fused in his body. He is one of the most gifted stars of this NBA time, which made him an All Star and a face of the Los Angeles Clippers while winning the rookie of the year during on the year John Wall was drafted first.

The 2009 top overall pick brings from his arsenal furious dunks that made the world stick their eyes in amazement every time the Blake Show starts.

Derrick Rose

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

"Too fast, Too strong, Too good". Derrick Rose was the Rookie of the Year in 2008-2009, he is the reigning NBA MVP and the one who led the Chicago Bulls to the top seed last season. The top selection of 2008 is arguably the most athletic point guard in the league today.

Using his quickness, strength and skills, he breaks every type of defense there is, which makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. And to note that he is 22, the future looks bright for the NBA. 

Dwight Howard

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Orlando Magic buried the Tracy McGrady era by drafting Dwight Howard fresh from high school. And unlike Washington selecting Kwame Brown, the Magic made the right decision. Now, Dwight Howard is one of the most dominant big man playing the game.

He was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year awardee three times and made the All Star and All NBA team for numerous stints. He is the modern-day Superman who whams boards and carried the franchise to a finals appearance and playoff wins for the past years.

LeBron James

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

I cannot blame the Cleveland Cavaliers for the rage that they have on LeBron James. They felt that they were stabbed at the back, and that is what happens when the best No. 1 pick of the past decade abandons the team that made him.

Anyway, that is right. LeBron James is the best top overall pick of the past decade. He won the MVP twice in 2009 and 2010, led his former squad, the Cavs, in the finals against the Spurs, and just recently, led his Miami Heat to the big show where they lost to the Mavericks.

He is also one of the most gifted players in NBA history which makes him unstoppable anywhere in the court. Though he has yet to win a ring, expect the King from Akron, Ohio, to raise his game and create his own legend.