Here is the entire history of number one NBA Draft choices from the league's inception in 1947. Total number of drafts: 73 * The NBA was formally known as the BAA from 1947 to 1949. Before that, it was called the Basketball Association of America (BAA). Number one selections are shown in bold. * Includes pick used to select Bill Russell first overall but not final two picks who were traded away There were only six number one selections over the course of the first 73 NBA Drafts. The most number ones selected in a single draft was nine by the Boston Celtics in 1954. The fewest number ones selected in a single draft was two by the St. Louis Hawks in 1951 and 1952. In 1957 the NBA introduced the concept of moving up in the draft to acquire more high-quality players. Over time this became very common practice among NBA teams. In fact, today almost all NBA picks are considered valuable trade assets because they are picked so late in the draft process. Number one picks have helped build some of the best basketball franchises in NBA history.