NBA Draft: Greatest Selection Made at Every Single Pick
The NBA draft fills the league with new and exciting talent each and every year, but not every pick pans out.
Busts usually reign supreme, some years (cough 2000 cough) more so than others. But there are always drafts like the one that took place in 2003 where a bevy of superstars is introduced into the Association.
There's a certain prestige that comes with being a higher pick, but sometimes the lower ones work out just as well.
In fact, as you'll soon find out, quite a few stars have slipped down to the depths of the 30s, 40s or even 50s.
Once you click onto the next slide, you'll find yourself immersed in NBA history as you take a look through the greatest players ever produced by each pick in the NBA draft, starting with No. 60 and finishing with No. 1.
Enjoy!
No. 60 Through No. 56
1 of 37No. 60: Drazen Petrovic (Portland Trail Blazers in 1986)
Career Stats: 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, One-time All-NBA
No. 59: Pat Cummings (Milwaukee Bucks in 1978)
Career Stats: 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 58: Tom Owens (Houston Rockets in 1971)
Career Stats: 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 57: Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs in 1999)
Career Stats: 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time Sixth Man of the Year, Two-time All-NBA, Two-time All-Star, Three-time NBA Champion
No. 56: Mickey Johnson (Portland Trail Blazers in 1974)
Career Stats: 14.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 55 Through No. 51
2 of 37No. 55: Luis Scola (San Antonio Spurs in 2002)
Career Stats: 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 54: Bayard Forrest (Phoenix Suns in 1975)
Career Stats: 4.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.5 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 53: Anthony Mason (Portland Trail Blazers in 1988)
Career Stats: 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time Sixth Man of the Year, One-time All-Defensive, One-time All-NBA, One-time All-Star
No. 52: Rasual Butler (Miami Heat in 2002)
Career Stats: 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 51: Kyle Korver (New Jersey Nets in 2003)
Career Stats: 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 50 Through No. 46
3 of 37No. 50: Larry Kenon (Detroit Pistons in 1973)
Careers Stats: 17.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: Five-time ABA/NBA All-Star, One-time ABA Champion
No. 49: Andray Blatche (Washington Wizards in 2005)
Career Stats: 10.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 48: Cedric Ceballos (Phoenix Suns in 1990)
Career Stats: 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star
No. 47: Mo Williams (Utah Jazz in 2003)
Career Stats: 13.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star
No. 46: Jeff Hornacek (Phoenix Suns in 1986)
Career Stats: 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star
No. 45 Through No. 41
4 of 37No. 45: Bob Dandridge (Milwaukee Bucks in 1969)
Career Stats: 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Defensive, One-time All-NBA, Four-time All-Star, Two-time NBA Champion
No. 44: Malik Rose (Charlotte Hornets in 1996)
Career Stats: 6.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game
Accolades: Two-time NBA Champoin
No. 43: Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks in 2000)
Career Stats: 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-NBA, One-time All-Star
No. 42: Stephen Jackson (Phoenix Suns in 1997)
Career Stats: 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time NBA Champion
No. 41: Cuttino Mobley (Houston Rockets in 1998)
Career Stats: 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 40 Through No. 36
5 of 37No. 40: George Gervin (Phoenix Suns in 1974)
Career Stats: 25.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game
Accolades: Nine-time All-ABA/NBA, Four-time Scoring Champion, 12-time ABA/NBA All-Star
No. 39: Kevin Porter (Baltimore Bullets in 1972)
Career Stats: 11.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 38: Chris Duhon (Chicago Bulls in 2004)
Career Stats: 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 37: Nick Van Exel (Los Angeles Lakers in 1993)
Career Stats: 14.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star
No. 36: Maurice Cheeks (Philadelphia 76ers in 1978)
Career Stats: 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: Five-time All-Defensive, Four-time All-Star, One-time NBA Champion
No. 35 Through No. 31
6 of 37No. 35: DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers in 2008)
Career Stats: 5.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals, 1.3 blocks per game
Accolades: None of note
No. 34: Carlos Boozer (Cleveland Cavaliers in 2002)
Career Stats: 17.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-NBA, Two-time All-Star
No. 33: Bob Love (Cincinnati Royals in 1965)
Career Stats: 17.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-Defensive, Two-time All-NBA, Three-time All-Star
No. 32: Rashard Lewis (Seattle SuperSonics in 1998)
Career Stats: 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: Two-time All-Star
No. 31: Danny Ainge (Boston Celtics in 1981)
Career Stats: 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star, Two-time NBA Champion
No. 30: Gilbert Arenas (Golden State Warriors in 2001)
7 of 37Career Stats: 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-NBA, Three-time All-Star
As talented as he is controversial, Gilbert Arenas was a true superstar during his prime with the Washington Wizards. He's just a shell of his old self now, but he'll go down as when of the better scorers of the past decade.
No. 29: Dennis Johnson (Seattle SuperSonics in 1976)
8 of 37Career Stats: 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: Nine-time All-Defensive, Two-time All-NBA, Five-time All-Star, One-time Finals MVP, Three-time NBA Champion
Dennis Johnson took a while to get adjusted to the pace of the NBA, but as soon as he did, he started to blossom into one of the best point guards in the league. He was virtually unstoppable on both ends of the floor during his heyday with the Boston Celtics.
No. 28: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs in 2001)
9 of 37Career Stats: 16.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-NBA, Three-time All-Star, One-time Finals MVP, Three-time NBA Champion
Tony Parker, the talented French point guard, has been one of the mainstays on the San Antonio Spurs during their decade of dominance. He's never the best in the league, but he's also never far from that title.
No. 27: Dennis Rodman (Detroit Pistons in 1986)
10 of 37Career Stats: 7.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: Eight-time All-Defensive, Two-time All-NBA, Two-time All-Star, Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Five-time NBA Champion
Dennis Rodman, or the worm, was a part of both the Bad Boys dynasty in Detroit and then the second three-peat with the Bulls. Pound for pound, he's one of the greatest rebounders of all time.
No. 26: Vlade Divac (Los Angeles Lakers in 1986)
11 of 37Career Stats: 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Star
Vlade Divac was one of the most well-rounded big men in NBA history, but his calling card had to be his superb passing skills. Divac will always be remembered as one of the best foreign players of all time.
No. 25: Mark Price (Dallas Mavericks in 1986)
12 of 37Career Stats: 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Four-time All-NBA, Four-time All-Star
Mark Price's greatest contribution to NBA history was the fact that he was the first player to actively split double-teams when he had the ball, an idea that would revolutionize how the point guard position was played. One of the best free-throw shooters ever, Price was always more talented than athletic.
No. 24: Latrell Sprewell (Golden State Warriors in 1992)
13 of 37Career Stats: 18.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game
Accolades: One-time All-Defensive, One-time All-NBA, Four-time All-Star
Latrell Sprewell will always be remembered for choking P.J. Carlesimo, refusing a $21-million contract because it wasn't enough money to feed his family and many other off-court incidents. But make no mistake about it, Spree was a talent on the basketball court.
No. 23: Alex English (Milwaukee Bucks in 1976)
14 of 37Career Stats: 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, One-time Scoring Champion, Three-time All-NBA, Eight-time All-Star
One of the more underrated scorers of the last thirty years, Alex English could put the ball in the hoop seemingly at will. But his most impressive accomplishment had to be making that Denver Nuggets jersey one of the top sellers in the NBA.
No. 22: George McGinnis (Philadelphia 76ers in 1973)
15 of 37Career Stats: 20.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game
Accolades: Five-time All-ABA/NBA, Six-time ABA/NBA All-Star, One-time ABA MVP, Two-time ABA Champion
It amazes me that George McGinnis is not a member of the Hall of Fame. A member of the ABA All-time team, McGinnis is one of the greatest scorers of all time and one of just four players to have his jersey number retired by the Indiana Pacers.
No. 21: Rajon Rondo (Phoenix Suns in 2006)
16 of 37Career Stats: 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-Defensive, Two-time All-Star, One-time NBA Champion
One of the greatest passers in the modern game, Rajon Rondo is still developing. If he ever adds a reliable jump shot to his offensive arsenal, he'd be quite scary indeed.
No. 20: Larry Nance (Phoenix Suns in 1981)
17 of 37Career Stats: 17.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-Defensive, Three-time All-Star
The High-Ayatolla of Slamola won the first NBA Slam Dunk Competition back in 1984 and was incredible talented defensive player with great efficiency on the offensive end of the court. Larry Nance actually retired with more blocked shots than any other non-center in league history.
No. 19: Nate Archibald (Cincinnati Royals in 1970)
18 of 37Career Stats: 18.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Five-time All-NBA, Six-time All-Star, One-time NBA Champion
One of the best point guards in Boston Celtics' history, Tiny Archibald possessed blazing speed and an unselfish desire to share the rock with as many teammates as possible, but only when it helped his team.
No. 18: Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons in 1985)
19 of 37Career Stats: 16.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Five-time All-Defensive, Three-time All-NBA, Five-time All-Star, One-time Finals MVP, Two-time NBA Champion
Joe Dumars was one of the most versatile players of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He and Isiah Thomas formed one of the most potent backcourts in the history of the NBA during their title-winning days in Detroit.
No. 17: Shawn Kemp (Seattle SuperSonics in 1989)
20 of 37Career Stats: 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-NBA, Six-time All-Star
The Reign Man was one of the most explosive dunkers in the history of this sport. His powerful jams were constant momentum changers during the glory days of the Seattle SuperSonics.
No. 16: John Stockton (Utah Jazz in 1984)
21 of 37Career Stats: 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Five-time All-Defensive, 11-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Star
John Stockton was a pretty decent point guard. His career assists total is one record in the NBA that will absolutely never be broken. The only thing missing from Stockton's resume is a title.
No. 15: Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns in 1996)
22 of 37Career Stats: 14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Seven-time All-NBA, Seven-time All-Star, Two-time MVP
It's only fitting to have Steve Nash right next to John Stockton on this slideshow because the Canadian is the closest thing we've seen to the all-time assist leader since he retired. Nash, who I recently compared to a fast-moving galapagos tortoise has been one of the elite guards in the league for a long time now.
No. 14: Clyde Drexler (Portland Trail Blazers in 1983)
23 of 37Career Stats: 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Five-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Star, One-time NBA Champion
Known for his athleticism and hang-time, Clyde the Glide dominated the league during the late 1980s and most of the 1990s. A premier offensive threat, Drexler could score in countless ways, but none with more flair than the slam dunk.
No. 13: Kobe Bryant (Charlotte Hornets in 1996)
24 of 37Career Stats: 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game
Accolades: 11-time All-Defensive, 13-time All-NBA, Two-time Scoring Champion, 13-time All-Star, One-time MVP, Two-time Finals MVP, Five-time NBA Champion
Kobe Bryant is simply an incredible basketball player. As polarizing as he is, no one can deny his greatness. A deadly offensive player, Bryant is also a premier defender and his resume is almost without equal.
No. 12: Julius Erving (Milwaukee Bucks in 1972)
25 of 37Career Stats: 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 12-time All-ABA/NBA, 16-time ABA/NBA All-Star, Four-time ABA/NBA MVP, Three-time ABA/NBA Champion
The man credited with modernizing basketball into its current above-the-rim style, Dr. J was an incredible offensive talent with unmatched creativity in the air. One of the greatest scorers to ever touch a basketball, Julius Erving is a legend. I simply cannot believe he slipped to No. 12 in the 1972 NBA draft.
No. 11: Reggie Miller (Indiana Pacers in 1987)
26 of 37Career Stats: 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.2 blocks per game
Accolades: Three-time All-NBA, Five-time All-Star
Until Ray Allen came around, Reggie Miller was the all-time leader in three-point field goals made. He drilled countless clutch shots and never hesitated to rub that fact in Spike Lee's face.
No. 10: Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics in 1998)
27 of 37Career Stats: 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks per game
Accolades: Four-time All-NBA, Nine-time All-Star, One-time Finals MVP, One-time NBA Champion
Paul Pierce is one of the more historically-underrated players currently playing in the NBA. He's been a top-tier player in this league for a decade now and has emerged as one of the best players in the storied history of the Boston Celtics' franchise. The Truth is that he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer as soon as he's eligible.
No. 9: Dirk Nowitzki (Milwuakee Bucks in 1998)
28 of 37Career Stats: 23.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game
Accolades: 11-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Star, One-time MVP, One-time Finals MVP, One-time NBA Champion
Dirk Nowitzki's legacy received a tremendous boost when he led his Dallas Mavericks on an incredible run through the 2011 NBA Playoffs, culminating in a championship after defeating the Miami Heat. His legacy was already pretty solid; this was just the icing on top of the proverbial cake.
No. 8: Willis Reed (New York Knicks in 1964)
29 of 37Career Stats: 18.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, One-time All-Defensive, Five-time All-NBA, Seven-time All-Star, One-time MVP, Two-time Finals MVP, Two-time NBA Champion
Willis Reed will always be remembered for two things. The first is the terrific career that he had on both ends of the court. The second is the moment he hobbled into Madison Square Garden during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals before scoring the Knicks' first two field goals and inspiring Walt Frazier to put up 36 points.
No. 7: John Havlicek (Boston Celtics in 1962)
30 of 37Career Stats: 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.3 blocks per game
Accolades: Eight-time All-Defensive, 11-time All-NBA, 13-time All-Star, One-time Finals MVP, Eight-time NBA Champion.
John Havlicek stole the ball. And he won eight championships. There is no argument here.
No. 6: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics in 1978)
31 of 37Career Stats: 22.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Three-time All-Defensive, 10-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Star, Three-time MVP, Two-time Finals MVP, Three-time NBA Champion.
Larry Bird is arguably one of the top five players to ever pick up a basketball. The Boston Celtics legend was a very versatile player known for his clutch play and relentless effort. He was also a prolific trash talker, even though he may not have looked the part.
No. 5: Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995)
32 of 37Career Stats: 19.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game
Accolades: 11-time All-Defensive, Nine-time All-NBA, 14-time All-Star, One-time Defensive Player of the Year, One-time MVP, One-time NBA Champion
Kevin Garnett may no longer be the player he was back during his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he still brings a lot of talent and intensity to the court on a daily basis. The Big Ticket will go down as one of the two best power forwards of the modern era.
No. 4: Dolph Schayes (New York Knicks in 1948)
33 of 37Career Stats: 18.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, unknown blocks and unknown steals per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 12-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Star, One-time NBA Champion
Dolph Schayes was one of the first true superstars of the NBA. If you don't know too much about him, you should probably do a bit of looking up after you finish this slideshow.
Schayes played with the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers (the former is the predecessor to the latter) throughout his entire career, one that saw him utilizing his high-arcing shot quite a few times.
No. 3: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls in 1984)
34 of 37Career Stats: 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, Nine-time All-Defensive, 11-time All-NBA, One-time Defensive Player of the Year, 10-time Scoring Champion, 14-time All-Star, Five-time MVP, Six-time Finals MVP, Six-time NBA Champion
Did you really think that the greatest player of all time wasn't going to be the guy representing the pick at which he was drafted?
No. 2: Bill Russell (St. Louis Hawks in 1956)
35 of 37Career Stats: 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, unknown steals and unknown blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, One-time All-Defensive, 11-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Star, Five-time MVP, 11-time NBA Champion.
At the end of the day, the biggest goal in the sport of basketball is to win a championship. No player was more successful at achieving that goal than Bill Russell, whose 11 championship rings will most likely never be equaled.
No. 1: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks in 1969)
36 of 37Career Stats: 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.6 blocks per game
Accolades: Hall of Famer, 11-time All-Defensive, 15-time All-NBA, 19-time All-Star, Six-time MVP, Two-time Finals MVP, Six-time NBA Champion
This was the toughest decision of all, one that came down to two legends who both wore the purple and gold jerseys of the Los Angeles Lakers. In the end, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, just narrowly edged out Magic Johnson for the spot.
With the sky hook and trademark goggles, the man formerly known as Lew Alcindor, as he was when he was drafted in 1969, is the best No. 1 overall pick of all time.
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37 of 37Adam Fromal is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer. Follow him on Twitter.
