List of first overall NBA draft picks - wikipedia List of first overall NBA draft picks This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 4 November 2017. LeBron James, drafted out of high school, was one of the most anticipated first overall draft picks. The National Basketball Association 's first overall pick is the player who is selected first among all eligible draftees by a team during the annual National Basketball Association ( NBA ) draft. The first pick is awarded to the team that wins the NBA draft lottery ; in most cases, that team had a losing record in the previous season. The team with the first pick attracts significant media attention, as does the player who is selected with that pick. Eleven first picks have won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award : Oscar Robertson, Kareem Abdul - Jabbar ( record six - time winner ), Bill Walton, Magic Johnson ( three - time winner ), Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan ( two - time winner ), LeBron James ( four - time winner ), and Derrick Rose ( youngest winner ). Since the advent of the draft lottery in 1985, seven number one overall picks have won an NBA title. They are David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Glenn Robinson, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Andrew Bogut, and Kyrie Irving. China 's Yao Ming ( 2002 ) and Italy 's Andrea Bargnani ( 2006 ) are the only two players without competitive experience in the United States to be drafted first overall. Nine other international players with U.S. college experience have been drafted first overall -- Mychal Thompson ( Bahamas ) in 1978, Hakeem Olajuwon ( Nigeria ) in 1984, Patrick Ewing ( Jamaica ) in 1985, Tim Duncan ( U.S. Virgin Islands ) in 1997, Michael Olowokandi ( Nigeria ) in 1998, Andrew Bogut ( Australia ) in 2005, Kyrie Irving ( Australia ) in 2011, Anthony Bennett ( Canada ) in 2013, Andrew Wiggins ( Canada ) in 2014, and Ben Simmons ( Australia ) in 2016. Duncan is an American citizen, but is considered an `` international '' player by the NBA because he was not born in one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia. Ewing had dual Jamaican - American citizenship when he was drafted and Irving and Simmons had dual Australian - American citizenship when they were drafted. Note that the drafts between 1947 and 1949 were held by the Basketball Association of America ( BAA ). The Basketball Association of America became the National Basketball Association after absorbing teams from the National Basketball League in the fall of 1949. Official NBA publications include the BAA Drafts as part of the NBA 's draft history. Contents 1 Key 2 List of first overall picks 3 See also 4 Notes 5 References Key Denotes players who have been selected to the All - Star Game or All - NBA Team ^ * Denotes Hall of Famers PPG Points per game APG Assists per game RPG Rebounds per game Player ( in italic text ) Rookie of the Year List of first overall picks Draft Selected by Player Nationality Position College / high school / former club NBA rookie statistics Ref. PPG RPG APG 1947 Pittsburgh Ironmen McNeely, Clifton Clifton McNeely USA 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- Texas Wesleyan 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 1948 Providence Steamrollers Tonkovich, Andy Andy Tonkovich USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Marshall 7000260000000000000 ♠ 2.6 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 6999600000000000000 ♠ 0.6 1949 Providence Steamrollers Shannon, Howie Howie Shannon USA Center Kansas State 7001134000000000000 ♠ 13.4 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 7000230000000099999 ♠ 2.3 1950 Boston Celtics Share, Charlie Charlie Share USA Center Bowling Green 7000390000000000000 ♠ 3.9 7000530000000000000 ♠ 5.3 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1.0 1951 Baltimore Bullets Melchiorre, Gene Gene Melchiorre USA Guard Bradley 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 1952 Milwaukee Hawks Workman, Mark Mark Workman USA Center West Virginia 7000510000000099999 ♠ 5.1 7000300000000000000 ♠ 3.0 6999600000000000000 ♠ 0.6 1953 Baltimore Bullets Felix, Ray Ray Felix ^ USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Long Island 7001176000000000000 ♠ 17.6 7001133000000000000 ♠ 13.3 7000110000000000000 ♠ 1.1 1954 Baltimore Bullets Selvy, Frank Frank Selvy ^ USA foa ! Forward / Center Furman 7001190000000000000 ♠ 19.0 7000550000000000000 ♠ 5.5 7000350000000000000 ♠ 3.5 1955 Milwaukee Hawks Ricketts, Dick Dick Ricketts USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Duquesne 7000890000000000000 ♠ 8.9 7000720000000000000 ♠ 7.2 7000300000000000000 ♠ 3.0 1956 Rochester Royals Green, Sihugo Sihugo Green USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Duquesne 7001115000000000000 ♠ 11.5 7000520000000000000 ♠ 5.2 7000360000000000000 ♠ 3.6 1957 Cincinnati Royals Hundley, Rod Rod Hundley ^ USA Guard West Virginia 7000700000000000000 ♠ 7.0 7000290000000000000 ♠ 2.9 7000190000000000000 ♠ 1.9 1958 Minneapolis Lakers Baylor, Elgin Elgin Baylor ^ * USA Forward Seattle 7001249000000000000 ♠ 24.9 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15.0 7000410009999999999 ♠ 4.1 1959 Cincinnati Royals Boozer, Bob Bob Boozer ^ USA Forward Kansas State 7000840000000000000 ♠ 8.4 7000620000000000000 ♠ 6.2 7000140000000099999 ♠ 1.4 1960 Cincinnati Royals Robertson, Oscar Oscar Robertson ^ * USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Cincinnati 7001305000000000000 ♠ 30.5 7001101000000000000 ♠ 10.1 7000970000000099999 ♠ 9.7 1961 Chicago Packers Bellamy, Walt Walt Bellamy ^ * USA Center Indiana 7001316000000000000 ♠ 31.6 7001190000000000000 ♠ 19.0 7000270000000000000 ♠ 2.7 1962 Chicago Zephyrs McGill, Bill Bill McGill USA foa ! Forward / Center Utah 7000740000000000000 ♠ 7.4 7000270000000000000 ♠ 2.7 6999600000000000000 ♠ 0.6 1963 New York Knicks Heyman, Art Art Heyman USA Forward / Guard Duke 7001154000000000000 ♠ 15.4 7000400000000000000 ♠ 4.0 7000340000000000000 ♠ 3.4 1964 New York Knicks Barnes, Jim Jim Barnes USA Center / Forward Texas Western 7001155000000000000 ♠ 15.5 7000970000000099999 ♠ 9.7 7000120000000000000 ♠ 1.2 1965 San Francisco Warriors Hetzel, Fred Fred Hetzel USA foa ! Forward / Center Davidson 7000680000000000000 ♠ 6.8 7000520000000000000 ♠ 5.2 6999500000000000000 ♠ 0.5 1966 New York Knicks Russell, Cazzie Cazzie Russell ^ USA Forward / Guard Michigan 7001113000000000000 ♠ 11.3 7000330000000000000 ♠ 3.3 7000240000000000000 ♠ 2.4 1967 Detroit Pistons Walker, Jimmy Jimmy Walker ^ USA Guard Providence 7000880000000000000 ♠ 8.8 7000170000000000000 ♠ 1.7 7000280000000099999 ♠ 2.8 1968 San Diego Rockets Hayes, Elvin Elvin Hayes ^ * USA Center / Forward Houston 7001284000000000000 ♠ 28.4 7001171000000000000 ♠ 17.1 7000140000000099999 ♠ 1.4 1969 Milwaukee Bucks Alcindor, Lew Lew Alcindor ^ * USA Center UCLA 7001288000000000000 ♠ 28.8 7001145000000000000 ♠ 14.5 7000410009999999999 ♠ 4.1 1970 Detroit Pistons Lanier, Bob Bob Lanier ^ * USA Center St. Bonaventure 7001156000000000000 ♠ 15.6 7000810000000000000 ♠ 8.1 7000180000000000000 ♠ 1.8 1971 Cleveland Cavaliers Carr, Austin Austin Carr ^ USA Guard Notre Dame 7001212000000000000 ♠ 21.2 7000350000000000000 ♠ 3.5 7000340000000000000 ♠ 3.4 1972 Portland Trail Blazers Martin, LaRue LaRue Martin USA Center Loyola ( Illinois ) 7000440000000000000 ♠ 4.4 7000460000000099999 ♠ 4.6 6999500000000000000 ♠ 0.5 1973 Philadelphia 76ers Collins, Doug Doug Collins ^ USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Illinois State 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8.0 7000180000000000000 ♠ 1.8 7000160000000000000 ♠ 1.6 Portland Trail Blazers Walton, Bill Bill Walton ^ * USA Center UCLA 7001128000000000000 ♠ 12.8 7001126000000000000 ♠ 12.6 7000480000000000000 ♠ 4.8 Atlanta Hawks Thompson, David David Thompson ^ * USA Forward / Guard NC State 7001260000000000000 ♠ 26.0 7000630000000000000 ♠ 6.3 7000370000000000000 ♠ 3.7 1976 Houston Rockets Lucas, John John Lucas USA Guard Maryland 7001111000000000000 ♠ 11.1 7000270000000000000 ♠ 2.7 7000560000000099999 ♠ 5.6 1977 Milwaukee Bucks Benson, Kent Kent Benson USA Center Indiana 7000770000000000000 ♠ 7.7 7000430000000000000 ♠ 4.3 7000140000000099999 ♠ 1.4 1978 Portland Trail Blazers Thompson, Mychal Mychal Thompson BHS foa ! Forward / Center Minnesota 7001147000000000000 ♠ 14.7 7000830000000000000 ♠ 8.3 7000240000000000000 ♠ 2.4 1979 Los Angeles Lakers Johnson, Magic Magic Johnson ^ * USA guaa ! Guard / Forward Michigan State 7001180000000000000 ♠ 18.0 7000770000000000000 ♠ 7.7 7000730000000000000 ♠ 7.3 1980 Golden State Warriors Carroll, Joe Barry Joe Barry Carroll ^ USA Center Purdue 7001189009999900000 ♠ 18.9 7000930000000000000 ♠ 9.3 7000140000000099999 ♠ 1.4 1981 Dallas Mavericks Aguirre, Mark Mark Aguirre ^ USA Forward DePaul 7001187000000000000 ♠ 18.7 7000490000000000000 ♠ 4.9 7000320000000000000 ♠ 3.2 1982 Los Angeles Lakers Worthy, James James Worthy ^ * USA Forward North Carolina 7001134000000000000 ♠ 13.4 7000520000000000000 ♠ 5.2 7000170000000000000 ♠ 1.7 Houston Rockets Sampson, Ralph Ralph Sampson ^ * USA Center Virginia 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21.0 7001111000000000000 ♠ 11.1 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2.0 1984 Houston Rockets Olajuwon, Hakeem Hakeem Olajuwon ^ * NGA Center Houston 7001206000000000000 ♠ 20.6 7001119000000000000 ♠ 11.9 7000140000000099999 ♠ 1.4 1985 New York Knicks Ewing, Patrick Patrick Ewing ^ * USA Center Georgetown 7001200000000000000 ♠ 20.0 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9.0 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2.0 1986 Cleveland Cavaliers Daugherty, Brad Brad Daugherty ^ USA Center North Carolina 7001157000000000000 ♠ 15.7 7000810000000000000 ♠ 8.1 7000380000000000000 ♠ 3.8 San Antonio Spurs Robinson, David David Robinson ^ * USA Center Navy 7001243000000000000 ♠ 24.3 7001120000000000000 ♠ 12.0 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2.0 1988 Los Angeles Clippers Manning, Danny Danny Manning ^ USA Forward Kansas 7001167000000000000 ♠ 16.7 7000660000000000000 ♠ 6.6 7000310000000000000 ♠ 3.1 1989 Sacramento Kings Ellison, Pervis Pervis Ellison USA Center Louisville 7000800000000000000 ♠ 8.0 7000580000000000000 ♠ 5.8 7000190000000000000 ♠ 1.9 1990 New Jersey Nets Coleman, Derrick Derrick Coleman ^ USA foa ! Forward / Center Syracuse 7001184009999900000 ♠ 18.4 7001103000000000000 ♠ 10.3 7000220000000000000 ♠ 2.2 1991 Charlotte Hornets Johnson, Larry Larry Johnson ^ USA Forward UNLV 7001192000000000000 ♠ 19.2 7001110000000000000 ♠ 11.0 7000360000000000000 ♠ 3.6 1992 Orlando Magic Oneal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal ^ * USA Center LSU 7001234000000000000 ♠ 23.4 7001139000000000000 ♠ 13.9 7000190000000000000 ♠ 1.9 1993 Orlando Magic Webber, Chris Chris Webber ^ USA Forward Michigan 7001175000000000000 ♠ 17.5 7000910000000000000 ♠ 9.1 7000360000000000000 ♠ 3.6 1994 Milwaukee Bucks Robinson, Glenn Glenn Robinson ^ USA Forward Purdue 7001219000000000000 ♠ 21.9 7000640000000000000 ♠ 6.4 7000250000000000000 ♠ 2.5 1995 Golden State Warriors Smith, Joe Joe Smith USA Forward Maryland 7001153000000000000 ♠ 15.3 7000870000000099999 ♠ 8.7 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1.0 Philadelphia 76ers Iverson, Allen Allen Iverson ^ * USA Guard Georgetown 7001235000000000000 ♠ 23.5 7000410009999999999 ♠ 4.1 7000750000000000000 ♠ 7.5 1997 San Antonio Spurs Duncan, Tim Tim Duncan ^ USA foa ! Forward / Center Wake Forest 7001211000000000000 ♠ 21.1 7001119000000000000 ♠ 11.9 7000270000000000000 ♠ 2.7 1998 Los Angeles Clippers Olowokandi, Michael Michael Olowokandi NGA Center Pacific 7000890000000000000 ♠ 8.9 7000790000000000000 ♠ 7.9 6999600000000000000 ♠ 0.6 1999 Chicago Bulls Brand, Elton Elton Brand ^ USA Forward Duke 7001201000000000000 ♠ 20.1 7001100000000000000 ♠ 10.0 7000190000000000000 ♠ 1.9 2000 New Jersey Nets Martin, Kenyon Kenyon Martin ^ USA Forward Cincinnati 7001120000000000000 ♠ 12.0 7000740000000000000 ♠ 7.4 7000190000000000000 ♠ 1.9 2001 Washington Wizards Brown, Kwame Kwame Brown USA Center Glynn Academy HS ( Brunswick, Georgia ) 7000450000000000000 ♠ 4.5 7000350000000000000 ♠ 3.5 6999800000000000000 ♠ 0.8 2002 Houston Rockets Yao Ming, Yao Ming ^ * CHN Center Shanghai Sharks ( China ) 7001135000000000000 ♠ 13.5 7000820009999999999 ♠ 8.2 7000170000000000000 ♠ 1.7 2003 Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James, LeBron James ^ USA Forward St. Vincent - St. Mary HS ( Akron, Ohio ) 7001209009999900000 ♠ 20.9 7000550000000000000 ♠ 5.5 7000590000000000000 ♠ 5.9 Orlando Magic Howard, Dwight Dwight Howard ^ USA Center SACA ( Atlanta ) 7001120000000000000 ♠ 12.0 7001100000000000000 ♠ 10.0 6999900000000000000 ♠ 0.9 2005 Milwaukee Bucks Bogut, Andrew Andrew Bogut ^ AUS Center Utah 7000940000000000000 ♠ 9.4 7000700000000000000 ♠ 7.0 7000230000000099999 ♠ 2.3 2006 Toronto Raptors Bargnani, Andrea Andrea Bargnani ITA foa ! Forward / Center Benetton Treviso ( Italy ) 7001116000000000000 ♠ 11.6 7000390000000000000 ♠ 3.9 6999800000000000000 ♠ 0.8 2007 Portland Trail Blazers Oden, Greg Greg Oden USA Center Ohio State 7000890000000000000 ♠ 8.9 7000700000000000000 ♠ 7.0 6999500000000000000 ♠ 0.5 2008 Chicago Bulls Rose, Derrick Derrick Rose ^ USA Guard Memphis 7001168000000000000 ♠ 16.8 7000390000000000000 ♠ 3.9 7000630000000000000 ♠ 6.3 2009 Los Angeles Clippers Griffin, Blake Blake Griffin ^ USA Forward Oklahoma 7001225000000000000 ♠ 22.5 7001121000000000000 ♠ 12.1 7000380000000000000 ♠ 3.8 Washington Wizards Wall, John John Wall ^ USA Guard Kentucky 7001164009999900000 ♠ 16.4 7000460000000099999 ♠ 4.6 7000830000000000000 ♠ 8.3 2011 Cleveland Cavaliers Irving, Kyrie Kyrie Irving ^ USA Guard Duke 7001185000000000000 ♠ 18.5 7000370000000000000 ♠ 3.7 7000540000000000000 ♠ 5.4 2012 New Orleans Hornets Davis, Anthony Anthony Davis ^ USA foa ! Forward / Center Kentucky 7001135000000000000 ♠ 13.5 7000820009999999999 ♠ 8.2 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1.0 2013 Cleveland Cavaliers Bennett, Anthony Anthony Bennett CAN Forward UNLV 7000420000000000000 ♠ 4.2 7000300000000000000 ♠ 3.0 6999300000000000000 ♠ 0.3 2014 Cleveland Cavaliers Wiggins, Andrew Andrew Wiggins CAN Forward / Guard Kansas 7001169009999900000 ♠ 16.9 7000460000000099999 ♠ 4.6 7000210000000000000 ♠ 2.1 2015 Minnesota Timberwolves Towns, Karl - Anthony Karl - Anthony Towns DOM foa ! Center Kentucky 7001183000000000000 ♠ 18.3 7001104000000000000 ♠ 10.4 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2.0 2016 Philadelphia 76ers Simmons, Ben Ben Simmons AUS foa ! Forward LSU 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 2017 Philadelphia 76ers Fultz, Markelle Markelle Fultz USA foa ! Guard Washington 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- 5000000000000000000 ♠ -- See also List of first overall NBA Development League draft picks List of first overall WNBA draft picks Notes ^ Jump up to : All statistics are taken from the players ' respective rookie season unless otherwise noted. ^ Jump up to : Clifton McNeely never played professional basketball. Instead, he became a basketball coach for Pampa High School in Texas. Jump up ^ Howie Shannon was the first overall pick, although Ed Macauley and Vern Mikkelsen had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Charlie Share did not play in the 1950 -- 51 season. His rookie statistics are from the 1951 -- 52 season. Share was the first overall pick, although Paul Arizin had been taken before the draft as the Philadelphia Warriors ' territorial pick. ^ Jump up to : Gene Melchiorre never played in the NBA. He was banned for life from the NBA due to his involvement in the CCNY Point Shaving Scandal. Melchiorre was the first overall pick, although Myer Skoog had been taken before the draft as the Minneapolis Lakers ' territorial pick. Jump up ^ Mark Workman was the first overall pick, although Bill Mlkvy had been taken before the draft as the Philadelphia Warriors ' territorial pick. Jump up ^ Ray Felix was the first overall pick, although Ernie Beck and Walter Dukes had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Dick Ricketts was the first overall pick, although Dick Garmaker and Tom Gola had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Sihugo Green was the first overall pick, although Tom Heinsohn had been taken before the draft as the Boston Celtics ' territorial pick. Jump up ^ Elgin my guy Baylor was the first overall pick, although Guy Rodgers had been taken before the draft as the Philadelphia Warriors ' territorial pick. Jump up ^ Bob Boozer was the first overall pick, although Wilt Chamberlain and Bob Ferry had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Although Oscar Robertson was drafted as a territorial pick by the Cincinnati Royals, he was also recognized as the first pick in the first round of the draft as the Royals also held the first overall draft pick. Jump up ^ Bill McGill was the first overall pick, although Dave DeBusschere and Jerry Lucas had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Art Heyman was the first overall pick, although Tom Thacker had been taken before the draft as the Cincinnati Royals ' territorial pick. Jump up ^ Jim Barnes was the first overall pick, although Walt Hazzard and George Wilson had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Fred Hetzel was the first overall pick, although Bill Bradley, Bill Buntin and Gail Goodrich had been taken before the draft as their teams ' territorial picks. Jump up ^ Before the 1971 -- 72 season, Lew Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul - Jabbar. Jump up ^ David Thompson played in the American Basketball Association ( ABA ) in the 1975 -- 76 season and did not play in the NBA until 1976. His rookie statistics are from the 1976 -- 77 season. ^ Jump up to : Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Nigeria, but became a naturalized United States citizen in 1993. When he arrived in the United States, the University of Houston incorrectly spelled his first name `` Akeem ''. Olajuwon used that spelling until March 9, 1991, when he announced that he would add an H, saying, `` I 'm not changing the spelling of my name, I 'm correcting it. '' Jump up ^ Patrick Ewing was born in Jamaica, but had become a naturalized United States citizen while at Georgetown. He represented the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Jump up ^ David Robinson did not play in the NBA until 1989 due to commitments to the United States Navy. His rookie statistics are from the 1989 -- 90 season. Jump up ^ Tim Duncan is a United States citizen by birth, as are all natives of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because of this citizenship arrangement, Duncan has played for the U.S. internationally. Jump up ^ Elton Brand shared Rookie of the Year honors with Steve Francis of the Houston Rockets. Jump up ^ Greg Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee before the 2007 -- 08 season, and missed the entire season. His rookie statistics are from the 2008 -- 09 season. Jump up ^ Blake Griffin injured his left kneecap in a pre-season game before the 2009 -- 10 season. He underwent a surgery in January 2010 and missed the entire season. His rookie statistics are from the 2010 -- 11 season. Jump up ^ Kyrie Irving was born in Australia to American parents who returned to the U.S. when he was two years old. He has played for the U.S. internationally at both youth and senior level. Jump up ^ Karl - Anthony Towns was born and raised in the United States, his mother is Dominican. He has chosen to represent the Dominican Republic at the international level Jump up ^ Ben Simmons was born and raised in Australia to an American father and Australian mother. References General `` Draft Index ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 14, 2008. Specific Jump up ^ `` Most anticipated No. 1 draft picks ''. CBC Sports. July 27, 2005. Archived from the original on October 25, 2005. Retrieved September 29, 2016. Jump up ^ Ronald Tillery ( June 18, 2008 ). `` Landing the top draft pick can lift NBA team to new heights, and also fill arena ''. The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Bargnani becomes first European top NBA draft pick ''. People 's Daily Online. June 29, 2006. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ Vecsey, George ( December 3, 1993 ). `` Basketball Surviving Quite Nicely ''. New York Times. Jump up ^ `` Kyrie Irving is Committed to the Red, White and Blue ''. USA Basketball. June 21, 2010. Archived from the original on August 24, 2010. Jump up ^ Borzello, Jeff ( June 8, 2012 ). `` Australian prospect Ben Simmons makes great first impression ''. CBSSports.com. Jump up ^ Bob Cook ( September 13, 2007 ). `` Oden 's injury a cruel blow for cursed Blazers ''. NBC Sports. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Obituaries : Clifton McNeely 12 / 29 / 03 ''. amarillo.com. December 29, 2003. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Andy Tonkovich NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1949 BAA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 15, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Howie Shannon NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Chuck Share NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1950 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ Wright Thompson ( August 9, 2007 ). `` For the 1951 point - shavers, a life lived in infamy ''. ESPN. Retrieved June 15, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1951 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1952 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 15, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Mark Workman NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1953 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 15, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Ray Felix NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Frank Selvy NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1955 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Dick Ricketts NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1956 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Sihugo Green NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Rod Hundley NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1958 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Elgin Baylor NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1959 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Bob Boozer NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Oscar Robertson Bio ''. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved September 10, 2009. Jump up ^ Wise, Mike ( June 29, 2000 ). `` Clippers Go to High School to Get Miles ''. The New York Times. Retrieved September 10, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Oscar Robertson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Walt Bellamy NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1962 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Bill McGill NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1963 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Art Heyman NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1964 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Jim Barnes NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` 1965 NBA Draft ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Fred Hetzel NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Cazzie Russell NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Jimmy Walker NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Elvin Hayes NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Kareem Abdul - Jabbar Bio ''. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Retrieved August 4, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Lew Alcindor ( Kareem Abdul - Jabbar ) NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Bob Lanier NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Austin Carr NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` LaRue Martin NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Doug Collins NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Bill Walton NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` David Thompson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` John Lucas NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Kent Benson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Mychal Thompson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Earvin Johnson ( Magic Johnson ) NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Joe Barry Carroll NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Mark Aguirre NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` James Worthy NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Ralph Sampson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Hakeem Olajuwon Bio : 1992 - 93 ''. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved June 15, 2008. Jump up ^ Dufresne, Chris ( March 11, 1991 ). `` Hakeem Still Can Be Called ' the Dream ' ''. Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Jump up ^ `` Hakeem Olajuwon NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ Ralph Wiley ( January 7, 1985 ). `` The Master Of The Key : After years of relying on others to unlock doors for him, Georgetown 's center Patrick Ewing will soon go off on his own ''. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` All - Time USA Basketball Men 's Roster : E ''. USA Basketball. Archived from the original on August 4, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Patrick Ewing NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Brad Daugherty NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ Dave Anderson ( May 18, 1987 ). `` Sports of the Times ; The Robinson Plot Thickens ''. The New York Times. Retrieved June 16, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` David Robinson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Danny Manning NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Pervis Ellison NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Derrick Coleman NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Larry Johnson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Shaquille O'Neal NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Chris Webber NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Glenn Robinson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Joe Smith NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Allen Iverson NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` All - Time USA Basketball Men 's Roster : D ''. USA Basketball. Archived from the original on August 28, 2009. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Tim Duncan NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Michael Olowokandi NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Rookie of the Year Award Winners ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Elton Brand NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Kenyon Martin NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Kwame Brown NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Yao Ming NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` LeBron James NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Dwight Howard NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Andrew Bogut NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Andrea Bargnani NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Oden 's recovery from surgery likely in range of 6 - 12 months ''. ESPN.com. September 14, 2007. Retrieved June 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Greg Oden NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Derrick Rose NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved December 26, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Griffin 's rookie season lost to injury ''. ESPN.com. January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Blake Griffin NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 17, 2011. Jump up ^ `` John Wall NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 17, 2011. Jump up ^ Bednall, Jai ( May 15, 2011 ). `` Boomers miss their shot at courting US star Kyrie Irving ''. Herald Sun. Herald and Weekly Times. Retrieved June 13, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Irving named MVP of 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, headlines All - Star Five '' ( Press release ). FIBA. September 14, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Kyrie Irving NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Anthony Davis NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Anthony Bennett NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Andrew Wiggins NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Karl - Anthony Towns NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ben Simmons NBA & ABA Statistics ''. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Sixers take Washington PG Markelle Fultz with No. 1 pick ''. ESPN. Retrieved 22 June 2017. NBA first overall draft picks 1947 : McNeely 1948 : Tonkovich 1949 : Shannon 1950 : Share 1951 : Melchiorre 1952 : Workman 1953 : Felix 1954 : Selvy 1955 : Ricketts 1956 : Green 1957 : Hundley 1958 : Baylor 1959 : Boozer 1960 : Robertson 1961 : Bellamy 1962 : McGill 1963 : Heyman 1964 : Barnes 1965 : Hetzel 1966 : Russell 1967 : Walker 1968 : Hayes 1969 : Alcindor 1970 : Lanier 1971 : Carr 1972 : L. Martin 1973 : Collins 1974 : Walton 1975 : D. Thompson 1976 : Lucas 1977 : Benson 1978 : M. Thompson 1979 : E. Johnson 1980 : Carroll 1981 : Aguirre 1982 : Worthy 1983 : Sampson 1984 : Olajuwon 1985 : Ewing 1986 : Daugherty 1987 : D. Robinson 1988 : Manning 1989 : Ellison 1990 : Coleman 1991 : L. Johnson 1992 : O'Neal 1993 : Webber 1994 : G. Robinson 1995 : Smith 1996 : Iverson 1997 : Duncan 1998 : Olowokandi 1999 : Brand 2000 : K. Martin 2001 : Brown 2002 : Yao 2003 : James 2004 : Howard 2005 : Bogut 2006 : Bargnani 2007 : Oden 2008 : Rose 2009 : Griffin 2010 : Wall 2011 : Irving 2012 : Davis 2013 : Bennett 2014 : Wiggins 2015 : Towns 2016 : Simmons 2017 : Fultz NBA drafts Draft lottery Draft Combine Eligibility Territorial picks First overall picks High school draftees Undrafted players Supreme Court case WNBA draft 1976 ABA Dispersal Draft 1940s 1947 1948 1949 1950s 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960s 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970s 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980s 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990s 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000s 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010s 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Expansion drafts 1961 1966 1967 1968 1970 1980 1988 1989 1995 National Basketball Association Eastern Conference Atlantic Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Central Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks Southeast Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Hornets Miami Heat Orlando Magic Washington Wizards Western Conference Northwest Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz Pacific Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Southwest Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans San Antonio Spurs Annual events Draft Summer League Christmas Day All - Star Weekend Game MVP Playoffs List Finals Champions MVP Others NBA Silver Anniversary Team NBA 35th Anniversary Team 50 Greatest Players ABA Merger Arenas Awards BAA Cheerleading Collective bargaining agreement Criticisms and controversies 2007 Tim Donaghy betting scandal G League Dress code Draft eligibility Global Games Africa 2015, Africa 2017 First overall draft picks Hall of Fame Members Head coaches Current Player - coaches Champions Foreign coaches Lockouts Larry O'Brien Trophy Mascots Midwest Division NBA champions NBA Store Media TV NBA TV NBL NBPA Owners Players Current rosters Foreign players Race and ethnicity Retired numbers Banned or suspended Highest paid Records regular season post-season All - Star Game Win - loss records Rivalries Salary cap Seasons Teams Defunct Expansion Relocated Timeline WNBA Basketball in the United States Portal 2017 -- 18 season Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_first_overall_NBA_draft_picks&oldid=808658681 '' Categories : National Basketball Association draft National Basketball Association lists Hidden categories : Wikipedia pending changes protected pages ( level 1 ) Articles with hCards Featured lists Talk Contents About Wikipedia Català Deutsch Eesti Français Latviešu Português Русский Türkçe 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 4 November 2017, at 08 : 21. 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Question: who was the first player ever drafted in the nba
Answer: Clifton McNeely