Believe it or not some of the greatest NBA players were not a No. 1 draft pick when entering the league. Although many No. 1 draft picks have went on to have successful careers, there are plenty of players who surprised us all. Here’s a look at some of the greatest NBA players-both active and retired-who were not No. 1 draft picks!
Bill Russell
The No. 2 pick selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1956 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1956-1969): 15.1 points-per-game, 22.50 rebounds-per-game, 4.3 assists-per-game.
College: University of San Francisco
Highlights: 11 time NBA champion (1957, 1959-1966, 1968-1969). 5 time NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961-1963, 1965). 5 time NBA rebounding champion (1957-1959, 1964-1965). 12 time NBA All-Star (1958-1969). 3 time All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965). 8 time All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960-1962, 1964, 1966-1968). NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969). NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963). NBA 35th Anniversary Team. NBA 25th Anniversary Team. NBA 50th Anniversary Team. #6 retired by the Boston Celtics.
Notes/Known For: Russell is known for having the most championship titles. He has 11 titles out of the 12 championship games he played in.
Carmelo Anthony
The No. 3 pick selected by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Career stats (2003-present): 25.0 points-per-game, 6.4 rebounds-per-game, 3.1 assists-per-game.
College: Syracuse University
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Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012). Olympic bronze medalist (2004). 6 time NBA All-Star (2007-2008, 2010-2013). NBA scoring champion (2013). 2 time All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013). 4 time All-NBA Third Team (2006-2007, 2009, 2012). NBA Rookie Challenge MVP (2005). NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004).
Teams Played For: Denver Nuggets (2003-2011). New York Knicks (2011-present)
Charles Barkley
The No. 5 pick selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1984-2000): 23.0 points-per-game, 12.90 rebounds-per-game, 3.9 assists-per-game.
College: Auburn University
Highlights: One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). Olympic gold medalist (1992, 1996). NBA Most Valuable Player (1993). 11 time NBA All- Star (1987-1997). 5 time All-NBA First Team (1988-1991, 1993). 5 time All-NBA Second Team (1986-1987, 1992, 1994-1995). All-NBA Third Team (1996). NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985). NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991). #34 retired by both the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
Teams Played For: Philadelphia 76ers (1984-1992), Phoenix Suns (1992-1996), Houston Rockets (1996-2000)
Chris Paul
The No. 4 pick selected by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Career stats (2005-present): 20.9 points-per-game, 5.0 rebounds-per-game, 9.5 assists-per-game.
College: Wake Forest University
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012). 6 time NBA All-Star (2008-2013). NBA All-Star Game MVP (2013). 3 time All-NBA First Team (2008, 2012-2013). All-NBA Second Team (2009). All-NBA Third Team (2011). 3 time NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009, 2012-2013). 2 time NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2008, 2011). NBA Rookie of the Year (2006). All-Rookie First Team (2006). 2 time NBA assists leader (2008-2009). 5 time NBA steals leader (2008-2009, 2011-2013).
Notes/Known For: Paul is the only player in NBA history to lead the league in assists and steals in consecutive seasons.
Teams played for: New Orleans Hornets (2005-2011). Los Angeles Clippers (2011-present).
Dwyane Wade
The No. 5 pick selected by the Miami Heat in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Career stats (2003-present): 23.7 points-per-game, 5.5 rebounds-per-game, 5.2 assists-per-game.
College: Marquette University
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2008). Olympic bronze medalist (2004). 3 time NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013). NBA Finals MVP (2006). NBA scoring champion (2009). NBA All-Star Game MVP (2010). 9 time NBA All-Star (2005-2013). 2 time All-NBA First Team (2009-2010). 3 time All-NBA Second Team (2005-2006, 2011). 3 time All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2012-2013). NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004). NBA All-Star Skills Challenge champion (2006, 2007). Miami Heat all-time leading scorer. Miami Heat all-time assists leader.
Isiah Thomas
The No. 2 pick selected by the Detroit Pistons in the1981 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1981-1994): 19.2 points-per-game, 3.6 rebounds-per-game, 9.3 assists-per-game.
College: Indiana University
Highlights: 2 time NBA champion (1989-1990). NBA Finals MVP (1990). 12 time NBA All-Star (1982-1993). 2 time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1984, 1986). 3 time All-NBA First Team (1984-1986). 2 time All-NBA Second Team (1983, 1987). NBA All-Rookie First Team (1982). NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. #11 retired by the Detroit Pistons
Notes/Known For: Former coach for the Indiana Pacers (2000-2003) and New York Knicks (2006-2008)
Jerry West
The No. 2 pick selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1960 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1960-1974): 27.0 points-per-game, 0.1 rebounds-per-game, 6.7 assists-per-game.
College: West Virginia University
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (1960). NBA champion (1972). NBA Finals MVP (1969). 14 time NBA All-Star (1960-1974). NBA All-Star Game MVP (1972). NBA scoring champion (1970). 10 time All-NBA First Team (1962-1967, 1970-1973). 2 time All-NBA Second Team (1968, 1969). 4 time NBA All- Defensive First Team (1970-1973). NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1969). NBA assists leader (1972). NBA 35th Anniversary Team. NBA 50th Anniversary Team. #44 was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
Notes/Known For: Also coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1976-1979. West’s silhouette serves as the current NBA logo.
Kevin Durant
The No. 2 pick selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Career stats (2007-present): 26.6 points-per-game, 6.8 rebounds-per-game, 3.1 assists-per-game.
College: The University of Texas at Austin
Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2012). NBA Rookie of the Year (2008). 3 time NBA scoring champion (2010-2012). 4 time All-NBA First Team (2010-2013). 4 time NBA All-Star (2010-2013). NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008). NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012) NBA Rookie Challenge MVP (2009).
Notes/Known For: Ranked as the second best player in the NBA according to ESPN’s #NBArank project.
Kevin Garnett
The No. 5 pick selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1995-present): 19.1 points-per-game, 10.5 rebounds-per-game, 3.9 assists-per-game.
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2000). NBA champion (2008). NBA Most Valuable Player (2004). 15 time NBA All-Star (1997-1998, 2000-2011, 2013). NBA All-Star Game MVP (2003). NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008). 4 time All-NBA First Team (2000, 2003-2004, 2008). 3 time All-NBA Second Team (2001-2002, 2005). 2 time All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2007). 9 time NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000-2005, 2008-2009, 2011). 3 time NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2006-2007, 2012). NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1996). 4 time NBA rebounding champion (2004-2007).
Teams Played For: Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007), Boston Celtics (2007-present)
Kobe Bryant
The No. 13 pick selected by the Charlotte Hornets then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1996-present): 25.5 points-per-game, 5.6 rebounds-per-game, 6.0 assists-per-game.
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012). 5 time NBA champion (2000-2002, 2009-2010). 2 time NBA Finals MVP (2009-2010). NBA Most Valuable Player (2008). 15 time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000-2013). 4 time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011). 2 time NBA scoring champion (2006-2007). 11 time All-NBA First Team (2002-2004, 2006-2013). 2 time All-NBA Second Team (2000-2001). 2 time All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005). 9 time NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003-2004, 2006-2011). 3 time NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001-2002, 2012). NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997). NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997).
Notes/Known For: Bryant is a Los Angeles Laker all-time leading scorer.
Larry Bird
The No. 6 pick selected by the Boston Celtics in the 1978 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1979-1992): 24.3 points-per-game, 10.0 rebounds-per-game, 6.3 assists-per-game.
College: Indiana State University
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (1992). 3 time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986). 2 time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986). 3 time NBA Most Valuable Player (1984-1986). 12 time NBA All-Star (1980-1988, 1990-1992). 9 time All-NBA First Team (1980-1988). All-NBA Second Team (1990). 3 time NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982-1984). NBA Rookie of the Year (1980). NBA All-Rookie First Team (1980). NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982). 3 time Three-point Shootout champion (1986-1988). NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. #33 was retired by Boston Celtics.
Notes/Known For: Bird was also featured in “Space Jam” with Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan
The No. 3 pick selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1984-2003): 30.1 points-per-game, 6.20 rebounds-per-game, 5.3 assists-per-game.
College: University of North Carolina
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (1984, 1992). 6 time NBA champion (1991-1993, 1996-1998). 6 time NBA Finals MVP (1991-1993,1996-1998). 5 time NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991-1922, 1996, 1998). 14 time NBA All-Star (1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002-2003). 3 time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998). NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988). NBA Rookie of the Year (1985). 10 time NBA scoring champion (1987-1993, 1996-1998). All-NBA Second Team (1985). 9 time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988-1993, 1996-1998). NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985). 2 time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987-1988). NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. #23 was retired by Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.
Notes/Known For: Jordan is known for his numerous achievements on the court as well as in the media and business field. He has been a spokesperson for Nike, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, McDonalds and several other brands.
Teams Played For: Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998). Washington Wizards (2001-2003)
Phil Jackson
The No. 17 pick selected by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1967-1980): 6.7 points-per-game, 4.30 rebounds-per-game, 1.1 assists-per-game.
College: University of North Dakota
Highlights: 2 time NBA champion (1970, 1973). NBA All-Rookie First Team (1968)
Notes/Known For: Jackson is known for his successful coaching career. He is the only coach to win at least ten championships in any of North America’s major professional sports.
Teams Played For: New York Knicks (1967-1978). New Jersey Nets (1978-1980)
Ray Allen
The No. 5 pick selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves then was immediately drafted to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Career stats (1996-present): 19.4 points-per-game, 4.1 rebounds-per-game, 3.4 assists-per-game.
College: University of Connecticut
Highlights: Olympic gold medalist (2000). 2 time NBA champion (2008, 2013). 10 time NBA All-Star (2000-2002, 2004-2009, 2011). All-NBA Second Team (2005). All-NBA Third Team (2001). NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997). NBA Three-Point Shootout champion (2001). NBA Sportsmanship Award (2003). NBA all-time leader in three-pointers made.
Teams Played For: Milwaukee Bucks (1996-2003). Seattle SuperSonics (2003-2007). Boston Celtics (2007-2012). Miami Heat (2012-present).
