Nick Wright recently unveiled his list of the best No. 1 overall NBA Draft picks since LeBron James on First Things First, sparking debate over placement and omissions.
Wright’s ranking included players who’ve become stars, champions, MVPs, and generational figures, but some fans believe one name in particular—Derrick Rose—was underrated on the list. Here’s a breakdown of Wright’s top 8, their career accomplishments, and where the debate heats up.
1. Victor Wembanyama
It’s bold to place a sophomore No. 1, but Wright is projecting greatness. Wembanyama, in his second season, was averaging 24.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks. He’s already broken records for blocks and three-pointers. If this is the floor of his potential, the sky’s not even the limit.
2. Anthony Davis
The 2012 No. 1 pick has had a dominant career when healthy. Davis is an 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and 2020 NBA Champion with the Lakers. He boasts career averages of 24.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Injuries have plagued him, but his peak is as good as any big man in this era.
3. Dwight Howard
A Hall-of-Fame lock, Howard was the No. 1 pick in 2004 and became the NBA’s most dominant center for nearly a decade. An 8-time All-Star, 5-time rebounding champ, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, and 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers, Dwight also led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals. His peak from 2007-2012 was historic.
4. Anthony Edwards
The 2020 No. 1 pick is blossoming into a superstar. Edwards is averaging 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season. He’s already a superstar and Team USA’s focal point for the future. His two-way dominance and confidence have fans and analysts comparing him to legends. His ceiling may exceed many ahead of him.
5. Kyrie Irving
A No. 1 pick in 2011, Irving is one of the most skilled guards in NBA history. He’s a 1-time NBA champion (2016), nine-time All-Star, and former All-Star Game MVP. His career averages stand at 23.7 points and 5.6 assists. His shot over Stephen Curry in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
6. Derrick Rose
The 2008 No. 1 pick is the youngest MVP in league history (2011). In his first four years, he averaged 21.0 points, 6.8 assists, and electrified fans with his explosive style. Injuries derailed what could have been a Hall-of-Fame career, yet Rose’s legacy and peak still command respect. Wright’s placement of Rose at No. 6 feels harsh given how transcendent his early years were.
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
The 2015 top pick is a five-time All-Star and one of the best shooting bigs ever. He holds a career average of 23.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, and shoots 40.1% from three. While his playoff success is limited, his offensive skill set is elite for a center.
8. Blake Griffin
Drafted in 2009 (though he debuted in 2010), Griffin was a human highlight reel and 6-time All-Star. He averaged over 20 points and 8 rebounds for a decade and helped lead the “Lob City” Clippers era. While his injuries caught up, his peak was All-NBA caliber.
Ultimately, Nick Wright’s list is strong, but many believe Derrick Rose’s peak—even if short—should rank higher. When healthy, he was the league’s most electrifying player and MVP at 22. That kind of rare impact shouldn’t be overlooked.
