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The Career of Every First-Round NBA Pick Over the Years

The Career of Every First-Round NBA Pick Over the Years

Sports fans don’t just tune in to watch their favorite teams play during the regular season or post-season games. They are generally truly invested in all things game-related, and depending on the sport, that can range from spring training to exhibition games to pre-season play. In American sports, one of the most important aspects is the draft, where teams have the opportunity to acquire new talent.

MLB, NFL, NHL, and the NBA all have a draft and it’s one of the most exciting events in that particular sport’s season. The NBA draft is particularly exciting for sports fans and the event is so popular, it attracts almost as many viewers as regular season games. If you’re a fan, and you’ve ever wondered about which players were first-round NBA draft picks over the years, we’ve got the perfect list for you.

Although Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant aren’t listed, we’ve included some of the great old-school NBA teams, like the Providence Steamrollers and the Pittsburgh Ironmen. It’s fascinating to see how well many of these first-draft picks did once they entered the league. Some of them are world-famous, like Shaq and Magic Johnson, while others, like Gene Melchiorre, were banned from the NBA and never played a single game.

To determine the career of every first-round NBA pick over the years, 24/7 Tempo checked several sources, including NBA.com, ESPN, and NCAA.com. We also verified stories about the players’ lives on Bleacher Report and other sites. (Check out this list of the 18 things you didn’t know about the NBA.)

2023 

Basketball
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  • No. 1 Pick: Victor Wembanyama
  • Drafted By: San Antonio Spurs

The newest member on our list of the first round NBA picks every year is Victor Wembanyama who had a rocky first year. The Spurs finished with a record of 22-60, but there’s much promise in this young man.

2022 

Cleveland Cavaliers v Orlando Magic - Game Six
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  • No. 1 Pick: Paolo Banchero
  • Drafted By: Orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero has done alright with only two years in the league. He was an NBA All-Star in 2024, and in his first year, he was the NBA Rookie of the Year.

2021 

Boston Celtics v Detroit Pistons
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  • No. 1 Pick: Cade Cunningham
  • Drafted By: Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons haven’t done too well since drafting Cade Cunningham. He had season-ending injury in 2022, but he’s returned and is looking pretty good with a couple games over 40 points.

2020 

Dallas Mavericks v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Five
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  • No. 1 Pick: Anthony Edwards
  • Drafted By: Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards is doing very well with the Timberwolves and he helped them almost get to the finals this year. He’s been a two-time NBA All-Star, and he’s a high scorer with a lot of promise.

2019

Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • No. 1 Pick: Zion Williamson
  • Drafted By: New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson has done fairly well during his short time in the NBA. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, he was on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, and he simply dominates on the court.

2018 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Deandre Ayton
  • Drafted By: Phoenix Suns

Deandre Ayton started his NBA career with the Suns and made a name for himself as the team made a run in the finals. Now, on the Trail Blazers, he’s still doing well on the court. 

2017

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images
  • No. 1 Pick: Markelle Fultz
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia 76ers

The next first-round NBA pick is Markelle Fultz. He held great promise coming out of college where he played for the Huskies. However, a shoulder injury has kept him mostly out of the game.

2016 

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images
  • No. 1 Pick: Ben Simmons
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons has his ups and downs in the league. He’s dealt with injury, but he’s also a dominant offensive star when he needs to be. During his career, he’s been a three-time NBA All-Star.

2015 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns 
  • Drafted By: Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns also helped the Timberwolves make a deep run into the postseason in 2024. He has also been on the NBA All-Star team four times, and he won the 3-point contest in 2022.

2014

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  • No. 1 Pick: Andrew Wiggins
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

Andrew Wiggins started out on the Timberwolves, where he was the Rookie of the Year. He later joined the Golden State Warriors and won a championship with them.

2013 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Anthony Bennett
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

Anthony Bennett was the first Canadian player to be a first-round NBA pick when he went to the Cavaliers. Since then, his career has had ups and downs, and he now plays professionally in Taiwan.

2012

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  • No. 1 Pick: Anthony Davis
  • Drafted By: New Orleans Hornets

Anthony Davis has been a dependable player in the league since he was on the Hornets and then the Pelicans. Now, he’s a go-to player on the Los Angeles Lakers.

2011

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  • No. 1 Pick: Kyrie Irving
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving was first picked by the Cavaliers, where he played alongside LeBron James when they won the NBA championship. Since then, he’s done great work with the Celtics, Nets, and Mavericks.

2010 

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  • No. 1 Pick: John Wall
  • Drafted By: Washington Wizards

John Wall was one of the dominant players when he was with the Wizards. He’s currently on the Clippers. He’s been a five-time NBA All-Star and continues to be a great player.

2009

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  • No. 1 Pick: Blake Griffin
  • Drafted By: LA Clippers

Blake Griffin has played on several teams and has been an All-Star six times. Name an award and he’s won it. He’s also the first on this list of the first-round NBA picks every year that is retired.

2008

Atlanta Hawks v Chicago Bulls - Game Two
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  • No. 1 Pick: Derrick Rose
  • Drafted By: Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose began with the Bulls but played for many other teams over the years. He’s currently with the Grizzlies. He’s a three-time All-Star and was the Rookie of the Year.

2007 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Greg Oden
  • Drafted By: Portland Trail Blazers

Greg Oden has had an interesting career. He was drafted by the Trail Blazers and had some success, but then he went to the Heat briefly before landing in the Chinese Basketball Association.

2006

New York Knicks v Brooklyn Nets
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  • No. 1 Pick: Andrea Bargnani 
  • Drafted By: Toronto Raptors

Andrea Bargnani was a first round pick that was often compared to Dirk Nowitzki when he played for the Raptors, Knicks, and Nuggets. He then went on to play in Italy before retiring. 

2005 

2023 NBL Blitz - Sydney Kings v South East Melbourne Phoenix
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  • No. 1 Pick: Andrew Bogut
  • Drafted By: Milwaukee Bucks

Andrew Bogut had a very successful career playing for various teams. He’s an NBA champion and the 2011 blocks leader. He was a great defensive player before retiring.

2004

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  • No. 1 Pick: Dwight Howard
  • Drafted By: Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard has been a beloved player over the years after playing for many teams. He’s still active today. He’s been a NBA champion, an 8-time All-Star, and he’s won many defensive awards.

2003 

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  • No. 1 Pick: LeBron James 
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James continues to play at a very high level. He’s an NBA champion who currently plays for the Lakers. He’s considered to be one of the best players that has ever played the game.

2002

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  • No. 1 Pick: Yao Ming
  • Drafted By: Houston Rockets

Yao Ming was drafted due to his skills and his amazing height. He played all of his professional career for the Rockets and he was an eight-time NBA All-Star.

2001 

BIG3 - Week Seven
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  • No. 1 Pick: Kwame Brown
  • Drafted By: Washington Wizards

Kwame Brown played for various teams, ending with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013. During his career, he scored over 4,000 points. He has since retired.

2000 

Houston Rockets v Denver Nuggets
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  • No. 1 Pick: Kenyon Martin
  • Drafted By: New Jersey Nets

Kenyon Martin played for several teams up until 2015. He was a power forward who played for the Nets, Knicks, Nuggets, Clippers, and Bucks before retiring.

1999

Chicago Bulls v Philadelphia 76ers
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  • No. 1 Pick: Elton Brand 
  • Drafted By: Chicago Bulls

Elton Brand had a successful career right out of the gate. During his career, he played for several teams. He was the Co-Rookie of the Year, a two-time NBA All-Star, and he won the Sportsmanship Award.

1998 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Michael Olowokandi
  • Drafted By: LA Clippers

Michael Olowokandi is a Nigerian-born player who had some success as he played for the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Celtics. However, he had to retire due to expensive hernia issues.

1997

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  • No. 1 Pick: Tim Duncan
  • Drafted By: San Antonio Spurs

Widely considered to be one of the best players of all time, Tim Duncan did amazing work when he played for the Spurs. He has five NBA championship wins under his belt, among many other awards.

1996

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  • No. 1 Pick: Allen Iverson
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia 76ers

Another very famous name on this list of the first-round NBA picks every year is Allen Iverson. He played for numerous teams and was an 11-time All-Star. He’s since retired.

1995 

BIG3 - Week Seven
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  • No. 1 Pick: Joe Smith
  • Drafted By: Golden State Warriors

Joe Smith moved amongst 11 teams during his NBA career. During that time he was on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He finished his career with over 11,000 points.

1994

Philadelphia 76ers v Los Angeles Lakers
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  • No. 1 Pick: Glenn Robinson
  • Drafted By: Milwaukee Bucks

Glenn Robinson had a great career and even had the nickname of “The Chosen One” He won an NBA championship and was a two-time All Star before returning in 2005. 

1993

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  • No. 1 Pick: Chris Webber
  • Drafted By: Orlando Magic

Chris Webber held many accolades over his career, including being a five-time All-Star and the Rookie of the Year. He retired with over 17,000 points.

1992

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  • No. 1 Pick: Shaquille O’ Neal
  • Drafted By: Orlando Magic

Shaq still remains one of the most famous basketball players of all time. He is a four-time NBA champion and now hosts shows and stars in movies, in addition to working for law enforcement.

1991

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  • No. 1 Pick: Larry Johnson 
  • Drafted By: Charlotte Hornets

Larry Johnson was a two-time All-Star and the Rookie of the Year during his career. After basketball, he went to college and then worked for the Knicks.

1990

Duke v Syracuse
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  • No. 1 Pick: Derrick Coleman
  • Drafted By: New Jersey Nets

Derrick Coleman was chosen by the Nets. With them, he averaged 10.6 rebounds and 19.8 points per game. He was also an NBA All-Star in 1994 and has since retired.

1989 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Pervis Ellison
  • Drafted By: Sacramento Kings

During his career, Pervis Ellison was plagued by injuries, so he didn’t get a lot of playing time or a chance to show his stuff. However, he was voted Most Improved Player in 1992.

1988

North Carolina v Wake Forest
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  • No. 1 Pick: Danny Manning
  • Drafted By: LA Clippers

Danny Manning was a star in college and was the all-time leading scorer with the Kansas Jayhawks. As a pro, he played and coached several teams and was a two-time NBA All-Star.

1987 

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  • No. 1 Pick: David Robinson 
  • Drafted By: San Antonio Spurs

David Robinson was a powerhouse of a player. He played his entire career with the Spurs and won two championships. Now, he’s a minority owner of the team.

1986 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Brad Daugherty
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

Our next first-round NBA pick is Brad Daugherty, who spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and was a five-time NBA All-Star. After basketball, he became a NASCAR broadcaster for NBC.

1985 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Patrick Ewing
  • Drafted By: New York Knicks

Patrick Ewing had an amazing career as an 11-time All-Star. He was a great player and later a coach. He was also one of the stars of the 1996 film “Space Jam.”

1984 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Hakeem Olajuwon
  • Drafted By: Houston Rockets

Hakeem Olajuwon had an incredible career with the Rockets. He was a 2-time NBA champion and a two-time Finals MVP. Olajuwon was also a very good defensive player. He now works in real estate.

1983 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Ralph Sampson
  • Drafted By: Houston Rockets

Ralph Sampson played for many different teams during his NBA tenure, and he was a four-time All Star. After retirement, he went on to be an assistant coach in the NBA.

1982 

Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Lakers
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  • No. 1 Pick: James Worthy
  • Drafted By: Los Angeles Lakers

James Worthy spent his entire career with the Lakers and was a three-time NBA champion and a seven-time All-Star. Now, he does post-game coverage for the Lakers.

1981

Marquette v DePaul
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  • No. 1 Pick: Mark Aguirre 
  • Drafted By: Dallas Mavericks

Mark Aguirre was a two-time NBA champion and a three-time All-Star. He would go on to play for different teams, including a partial run in Los Angeles. He retired in 1994.

1980

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets
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  • No. 1 Pick: Joe Barry Carroll
  • Drafted By: Golden State Warriors

Joe Barry Carroll had a good career playing for multiple teams and joining the All-Star team in 1981. After retirement, he became a financial advisor. 

1979 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Magic Johnson
  • Drafted By: Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson remains one of the most famous former NBA players to this day. He was a five-time NBA champion. Later on, Johnson would become the President of Operations for the Lakers.

1978 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Mychal Thompson
  • Drafted By: Portland Trail Blazers

Mychal Thompson helped the Lakers win two NBA championships before retiring in 1991. After his retirement, he would go on to do talk radio. He is also the father of Klay Thompson.

1977

UPI, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Kent Benson
  • Drafted By: Milwaukee Bucks

Kent Benson played for many teams over his years, including the Pistons, Jazz, and Cavaliers. He was a supporting player who retired after scoring over 6,000 points.

1976

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers
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  • No. 1 Pick: John Lucas
  • Drafted By: Houston Rockets

John Lucas played for 10 teams and then retired as a player. Then, he went on to coach seven other teams, including the Spurs and 76ers.

1975

Unknown Photographer North Carolina State University, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: David Thompson
  • Drafted By: Atlanta Hawks

David Thompson was an amazing player for the Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics. He is one of only 10 players to score more than 70 points in a game. 

1974

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  • No. 1 Pick: Bill Walton
  • Drafted By: Portland Trail Blazers

Bill Walton was an amazing player who was a two-time champion, a Finals MVP, and was voted the Most Valuable Player in 1978. He later went on to be a sports announcer.

1973

Philadelphia 76ers v Brooklyn Nets
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  • No. 1 Pick: Doug Collins
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia 76ers

Doug Collins is another notable first round NBA pick who played exclusively for the 76ers and was a four-time All-Star. Later on, he would coach several teams, including the Bulls and 76ers.

1972

National Basketball Association press photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: LaRue Martin
  • Drafted By: Portland Trail Blazers

LaRue Martin was drafted first, but his career was relatively uneventful as he only scored 1,430 points during his time in the NBA. Today, he does a lot of community service.

1971 

Chicago Bulls v Cleveland Cavaliers
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  • No. 1 Pick: Austin Carr
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Cavaliers

Austin Carr had a successful career, playing mostly for the Cavaliers. He was an All-Star in 1974. He then retired and went into broadcasting. 

1970

Autism Speaks Tip-off For A Cure 2015
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  • No. 1 Pick: Bob Lanier 
  • Drafted By: Detroit Pistons

Bob Lanier had a long career with both the Pistons and the Bucks. He was an eight-time All-Star. He retired and went to coach the Golden State Warriors as an assistant.

1969

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Allen Dean Steele / Allsport / Getty Images
  • No. 1 Pick: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Drafted By: Milwaukee Bucks

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a famous player who won championships with both the Lakers and the Bucks. He won many awards during his career, and when he retired, he became an actor, among other things.

1968

George Gojkovich / The Sporting News Archives / Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Elvin Hayes
  • Drafted By: San Diego Rockets

Elvin Hayes won an NBA championship and was a 12-time NBA All-Star, among many other awards. After he retired, he worked as a sheriff’s deputy and then as a broadcaster.

1967 

A basketball on court with a junior team with coach in a blurry background. A ball on basketball court during the training. A junior team with basketball coach in a blurry background. Copy space.
Zamrznuti tonovi / Shutterstock.com
  • No. 1 Pick: Jimmy Walker
  • Drafted By: Detroit Pistons

Jimmy Walker had a good career with the Pistons and Rockets and he was a two-time All-Star. He scored 11,655 points during his career.

1966

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  • No. 1 Pick: Cazzie Russell 
  • Drafted By: New York Knicks

Cazzie Russell had a long career with multiple teams. As a member of the Knicks, he won a championship. Later, with the Warriors, he would be a one-time All-Star.

1965 

Basketball tools in dark look very cool.Best sport.NBA Tools. American sports.
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  • No. 1 Pick: Fred Hetzel
  • Drafted By: San Francisco Warriors

Fred Hetzel was a great supportive player for numerous teams in the NBA. He never won a championship, but he scored over 4,600 points during his career. 

1964 

Alyt Mambo / Shutterstock
  • No. 1 Pick: Jim Barnes
  • Drafted By: New York Knicks

Jim Barnes won a championship in 1969 with the Boston Celtics. He was also an Olympic Gold Medalist. His nickname was “Bad News Barnes” due to the damage he did to opponents. 

1963

Orange basketball ball flying into the basketball hoop
Billion Photos / Shutterstock.com
  • No. 1 Pick: Art Heyman
  • Drafted By: New York Knicks

Art Heyman was in the league for many years and played for various teams while also winning a championship. After retirement, he opened a restaurant in NYC.

1962

Utah Daily Chronicle, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Bill McGill
  • Drafted By: Chicago Zephyrs

Bill McGill played for several teams during his career and ended with just over 3,000 points. He’s also credited with creating the jump hook shot.

1961

Baltimore Bullets vs. St. Louis Hawks 1963, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Walt Bellamy
  • Drafted By: Chicago Zephyrs

The next first-round NBA pick, Walt Bellamy, started off with a bang by becoming the Rookie of the Year in 1962. He would also be a four-time All-Star and a legend in the game.

1960

Justin Casterline/Getty Images
  • No. 1 Pick: Oscar Robertson
  • Drafted By: Cincinnati Royals

Oscar Robertson is also credited with being one of the best who ever played. He won a championship, he was a 12-time All-Star, and he was a six-time assists leader.

1959

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Bob Boozer 
  • Drafted By: Cincinnati Royals

Bob Boozer was an NBA champion and an All-Star who played for many teams, including the Lakers and the Bucks. After retirement, he worked as an executive for Bell Systems.

1958

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  • No. 1 Pick: Elgin Baylor
  • Drafted By: Minneapolis Lakers

Elgin Baylor was an 11-time NBA All-Star, and he won many other awards during his successful career. He did so well during his career that he is considered one of the best to ever play.

1957

The Sporting News Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • No. 1 Pick: Hot Rod Hundley
  • Drafted By: Cincinnati Royals

Hot Rod Hundley was a two-time All-Star. He got the name “Hot Rod” because of his dribbling and antics on the court. He later became a sports broadcaster. 

1956 

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  • No. 1 Pick: Si Green
  • Drafted By: Rochester Royals

Si Green played for many of the early basketball teams and accrued over 4,600 points, which was great for the time. He was known for being silent but deadly on the court.

1955

A person throwing a basketball on an orange basketball court, shadow of person and basketball in the air
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  • No. 1 Pick: Dick Ricketts
  • Drafted By: St. Louis Hawks

Dick Ricketts was a great player in the early days of basketball. He was such a natural athlete that he later went on to play Major League Baseball, and he did well there as well.

1954

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  • No. 1 Pick: Frank Selvy
  • Drafted By: Baltimore Bullets

Frank Selvy was a star in college when he scored 100 points in a game. Then, he went to the NBA, played for several teams, and became a two-time All-Star.

1953

Basketball ball score, sports hall, basketball hoop, net
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  • No. 1 Pick: Ray Felix
  • Drafted By: Baltimore Bullets

Ray Felix was a great player for many early teams. He started out well by becoming the Rookie of the Year, and he went on to be a one-time All-Star.

1952 

Young basketball player holds classic ball. Basket in background. Junior level basketball player holding game ball. Basketball training session for kids
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  • No. 1 Pick: Mark Workman
  • Drafted By: Milwaukee Hawks

Mark Workman was chosen by the Hawks. After that, he went on to play for the Philadelphia Warriors and the Baltimore Bullets. After he retired, he worked as a salesman for the Brunswick Corporation.

1951

Basketball ball score, sports hall, basketball hoop, net
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  • No. 1 Pick: Gene Melchiorre
  • Drafted By: Baltimore Hawk

Gene Melchiorre was a first-round pick, but due to a point-shaving scandal, he was banned from ever playing in the NBA again.

1950

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  • No. 1 Pick: Chuck Share 
  • Drafted By: Boston Celtics

Chuck Share won an NBA championship with the St. Louis Hawks in 1958, and he had a great career overall. After retiring from the NBA, he pursued various business ventures.

1949

Two people reaching for the basketball at the opening tipoff of a basketball game.
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  • No. 1 Pick: Howie Shannon
  • Drafted By: Providence Steam Rollers

Howie Shannon was one of the first-ever first round picks. He played for the Providence Steamrollers and the Boston Celtics. After he retired, he coached college and high school teams.

1948

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  • No. 1 Pick: Andy Tonkovich 
  • Drafted By: Providence Steamrollers

Andy Tonkovich was a great first-round pick who played for both the Providence Steamrollers and the Wheeling Blues. He would retire and go on to coach the Wheeling Blues.

1947

Basketball tools in dark look very cool.Best sport.NBA Tools. American sports.
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  • No. 1 Pick: Clifton McNeeley 
  • Drafted By: Pittsburgh Ironmen

Our final entry on this list of what happened to the first-round NBA pick every year is Clifton McNeeley. He played for the Pittsburgh Ironmen and had a short career. He then went on to be a high school basketball coach. (Want to learn other Pittsburgh sports facts? Check out this list of the most popular sports teams in Pennsylvania.)

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