RANKING THE 10 BEST NO. 1 OVERALL PICKS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE NBA

Being the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft comes with a ton of hype and expectations. As we close out the 2023-24 season, it’s time to see how these elite players have managed the spotlight.

From standout performances to struggles and growth, we’re breaking down their impact on the court, how their teams have fared, and their playoff prospects. We’ll explore each player’s contributions, team dynamics, and how they’re shaping up as the postseason makes its way.

1. LeBron James

Even at 39, LeBron James isn't just hanging on; he's thriving. Drafted No. 1 way back in 2003, LeBron has shown no signs of slowing down. This season, he's racked up some serious stats, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds over 71 games. It’s more than just numbers with LeBron; it’s the way he shapes games, lifts his team, and terrifies opponents.

His stellar performance has kept his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, right in the thick of things. They've wrapped up the regular season with a record of 47-35, securing the seventh seed in the tough Western Conference. That record speaks volumes about how LeBron's presence continues to be a game-changer, turning what many expected to be a transition year into a solid playoff push.

As the playoffs keep going, the Lakers are set to face the Nuggets at home, which promises a high-stakes showdown. LeBron’s experience and skill will be key factors if the Lakers aim to make a deep run. He’s been here many times, and his ability to perform under playoff pressure will be crucial. Watching LeBron in the playoffs is always a treat, as he switches into an even higher gear, often delivering performances that remind everyone why he's still one of the best in the business.

2. Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards, the dynamic guard who was the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has firmly established himself as a cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. With an impressive stat line of 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over 79 games, Edwards has not only showcased his scoring prowess but also his ability to contribute across the board.

This season, Edwards' performance has been a key driver in propelling the Timberwolves to a solid playoff position. They finished the regular season with a commendable 56-26 record, which earned them the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Edwards' explosive ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his improved playmaking and rebounding, has made him a multi-dimensional threat that opponents struggle to contain.

As the Timberwolves march through the playoffs, they're 2-0 over the Phoenix Suns in what was expected to be a gritty and intense first-round series. Edwards' role has been crucial; his energy and aggressive scoring will need to be at their peak to challenge their formidable opponents. With his rapid development and increasing consistency, Edwards has the potential to turn a playoff game on its head, making him a key figure to watch in the upcoming series.

Looking forward, the Timberwolves have high hopes for their playoff journey, largely riding on Edwards' young but capable shoulders. His ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations will be pivotal as Minnesota seeks to make a deep playoff run and solidify their status as a rising force in the NBA.

3. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving, the electric guard who took the NBA by storm after being the No. 1 pick in 2011, has continued to dazzle with his impressive handling and scoring abilities. In the 2023-24 season, he put up strong numbers for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 58 games. Despite missing some games, Kyrie's impact when on the floor is undeniable, and his ability to take over games remains as potent as ever.

The Mavericks concluded their regular season with a respectable 50-32 record, securing the 5th seed in the competitive Western Conference. Kyrie’s contributions were instrumental in many of Dallas’s victories, particularly in tight games where his clutch shooting and playmaking turned potential losses into wins. His presence has been a critical factor in not only steadying the Mavericks’ ship but also propelling it forward into postseason contention.

As the playoffs rolled around, the Mavericks found themselves matched up against the L.A. Clippers in the Western Conference First Round. The series is currently tied at 1-1, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling battle. Kyrie's performance in these games has been, and will continue to be, crucial for Dallas. His playoff experience and ability to perform under pressure are key assets for the Mavericks, who are looking to make a deep playoff run.

4. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis, once the first overall pick in 2012, has continued to be a dominant force in the NBA, especially during the 2023-24 season. This year, he put up impressive averages of 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 76 games, affirming his status as one of the premier big men in the league. Davis's ability to impact both ends of the floor has been crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers as they navigated through a tough season.

The Lakers ended the regular season with a record of 47-35, positioning them 7th in the Western Conference. Despite the team's ups and downs, Davis's performances were a consistent bright spot, providing the Lakers with a solid foundation to compete each night. His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor have been invaluable, especially in crucial matchups.

As the playoffs began, the Lakers faced a challenging first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Currently trailing 0-2 in the series, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for Los Angeles. However, Davis has stepped up significantly in the postseason, averaging 32.0 points and 12.5 rebounds along with 3.5 assists in the first two games. His elevated play in the playoffs highlights his ability to rise to the occasion, showcasing his skills in high-pressure situations.

Despite the Lakers' current deficit in the series, Davis's playoff performance has not only showcased his individual talents but also his leadership on the court. As the Lakers look to bounce back against the Nuggets, Davis’s role becomes even more critical. The team’s ability to rally and turn the series around will heavily depend on his performance and ability to inspire his teammates.

5. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson, the electrifying forward selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, had a solid yet challenging 2023-24 season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He managed to put up averages of 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 70 games, demonstrating his dynamic ability to impact games despite facing various obstacles.

The Pelicans finished the regular season with a respectable 49-33 record, securing the 8th seed in the competitive Western Conference. Zion's performance was crucial in many of those victories, as he continued to be a nightmare matchup for opponents with his explosive athleticism and improved playmaking abilities. His ability to draw defenses and create opportunities for himself and his teammates has been a significant factor in the Pelicans’ offensive schemes.

However, as the playoffs began, Zion faced a significant setback, suffering an injury that sidelined him for the first round. This was a major blow to the Pelicans, who are currently trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0 in their series. Zion's absence is palpably felt, especially as the team struggles to fill the void left by his scoring and leadership.

The challenge for New Orleans is now to find ways to compensate for Zion's production and energy. The team needs other players to step up and collectively fill the gap, not only in scoring but also in creating plays and securing rebounds. This situation tests the depth and resilience of the Pelicans as they attempt to navigate through the playoffs without one of their key players.

6. Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, has been a steady force for the Minnesota Timberwolves throughout the 2023-24 season. With an average of 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 62 games, Towns has continued to showcase his versatile skill set, which makes him one of the top big men in the league.

This season, the Timberwolves finished with an impressive record of 56-26, securing the 3rd seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Towns' contributions have been pivotal in achieving this success, as he provides both scoring and rebounding, coupled with his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. His presence inside and his perimeter shooting ability create significant matchup problems for opposing teams.

As the playoffs got underway, the Timberwolves took a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. Towns has been instrumental in this strong start, dominating in the post and making critical plays when needed. His ability to perform in clutch situations has not only helped his team secure victories but also instilled confidence in his teammates.

7. Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has quickly become the cornerstone of the Orlando Magic. In his second season, Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over 80 games, showcasing his ability to influence the game in multiple facets and emerging as a leader on a young and vibrant team.

The Magic finished the regular season with a record of 47-35, clinching first place in the Southeast Division and securing the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. This marked a significant improvement and a promising shift in the team's trajectory, largely attributable to Banchero's development and impact. His versatility as a forward who can handle the ball, create his own shots, and set up his teammates has been a key factor in Orlando's success this season.

Despite their regular season achievements, the Magic have encountered challenges in the playoffs, currently trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers 0-2 in the first round. In these playoff games, Banchero has maintained strong individual performances, averaging 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. However, the team as a whole has struggled to match the intensity and execution of the Cavaliers.

As the series progresses, the pressure is on Banchero and the Magic to adjust and overcome the deficit they face. The playoffs are a crucial test of Banchero's ability to lead under pressure, and his response to these challenges will be pivotal in determining Orlando's fate this postseason. The Magic will need him to not only produce offensively but also elevate his defensive play and leadership to rally his team.

8. Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham, the top overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, faced a challenging season with the Detroit Pistons in 2023-24. Despite Detroit's struggles, Cunningham continued to show why he was selected first, averaging 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 62 games. His performance underscored his potential as a future star and leader, even as the Pistons ended the season with a disappointing record of 14-68, finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

Cunningham's role as the primary playmaker and scorer for Detroit has become more pronounced in his third season. His ability to handle the ball, create shots for himself and others, and make plays under pressure has been a silver lining during a tough year for the team. His scoring has been efficient, and his playmaking skills have matured, indicating his evolution into a more complete player.

The Pistons' season was undoubtedly a difficult one, with few victories to celebrate. However, the experience could be invaluable for a young player like Cunningham, providing him with ample opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. The Pistons will need to build around Cunningham in the coming years, adding pieces that complement his skill set and help translate his individual successes into team success.

9. Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, lived up to the hype in his debut season with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite his team's struggles, Wembanyama made an immediate impact, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and an impressive 3.6 blocks per game over 71 games. His unique combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess quickly established him as a standout player in the league.

The Spurs finished the season with a record of 22-60, placing them 14th in the Western Conference. Although the team's performance was far from competitive, Wembanyama's presence brought a new sense of hope and excitement to the franchise. His ability to alter shots at the rim and contribute significantly on both ends of the floor made him one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging season for San Antonio.

Wembanyama's rookie year showcased his potential to be a transformative player in the NBA. His scoring ability, especially for someone of his height, combined with his shot-blocking and rebounding, make him a rare talent. Throughout the season, he demonstrated that he could handle the physicality of the league and had the work ethic to continue improving his game.

10. Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, experienced a season of both personal achievement and team difficulties after his move to the Portland Trail Blazers. Throughout the 2023-24 season, Ayton posted solid numbers, averaging 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 55 games. His presence in the paint and rebounding prowess highlighted his contributions, even as the team struggled significantly.

The Trail Blazers ended the season with a disappointing record of 21-61, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. This performance marked a tough season for Portland, as they navigated through roster changes and injuries, with Ayton being one of the few consistent performers. Despite the team’s struggles, Ayton’s ability to dominate the boards and provide reliable scoring in the post were crucial, showcasing his skills as a premier center.

Ayton's season, though statistically strong, also reflected the challenges of adapting to a new team environment and the pressure of trying to turn around a franchise in rebuild mode. His role as a veteran and a centerpiece in the Trail Blazers' strategy was evident, as he was often the focal point on offense and the last line of defense. However, the team's overall performance indicates a need for further roster improvements and strategic adjustments to better leverage Ayton’s talents.

2024-04-25T13:05:26Z dg43tfdfdgfd