The NBA Draft is often seen as a gamble, but the top three picks from the 2020 to 2023 drafts are proving to be anything but a gamble. From generational talents like Victor Wembanyama to dynamic scorers like Anthony Edwards, these players have transformed their teams and are some of the faces of the NBA. This article dives into the top three picks in four of the most impressive draft classes to revisit how great those selections have been.
- No. 1 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
- 2023 – Victor Wembanyama
- 2022 – Paolo Banchero
- 2021 – Cade Cunningham
- 2020 – Anthony Edwards
- No. 2 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
- 2023 – Brandon Miller
- 2022 – Chet Holmgren
- 2021 – Jalen Green
- 2020 – James Wiseman
- No. 3 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
- 2023 – Scoot Henderson
- 2022 – Jabari Smith Jr.
- 2021 – Evan Mobley
- 2020 – LaMelo Ball
No. 1 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
2023 – Victor Wembanyama
Career Stats: 22.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.7 BPG
Victor Wembanyama, selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, has become a transformative player for the franchise. Standing at 7’4″ with exceptional skills, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game in his rookie season, finished second in DPOY voting, and led the league in blocks. His unique combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ has made him a defensive anchor and an offensive threat, and he is the favorite for DPOY this year while likely to lead the NBA in blocks again. A truly generational talent.
2022 – Paolo Banchero
Career Stats: 21.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Paolo Banchero was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while winning Rookie of the Year, and has since become one of the 10 best superstars in the NBA in terms of potential. Banchero’s impressive performance earned him an All-Star berth last season, and he has made the Magic major contenders to be a force in the playoffs someday because he is posting 27.6 points per game in 2024-25.
2021 – Cade Cunningham
Career Stats: 20.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, has demonstrated his potential as a franchise player. Averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in his rookie season, Cunningham’s all-around game and leadership qualities have improved dramatically and he is posting All-Star numbers in 2024-25 (24.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 9.4 APG) while somehow positioning the Pistons in a spot to make the postseason.
2020 – Anthony Edwards
Career Stats: 23.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards has emerged as a dynamic scorer and the favorite to take the throne as the face of the NBA over the next five or six years. In his rookie season, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while finishing second in ROY voting. Since then, Edwards has been dominant by leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last year. Make no mistake, Edwards’ time is coming and it is up to the Timberwolves to surround him with the right talent so he can lead them to the promised land.
No. 2 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
2023 – Brandon Miller
Career Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Brandon Miller, selected second overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft, has made an immediate impact. Averaging 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game over his two seasons in the league so far, Miller’s shooting ability and versatility have added a new dimension to the Hornets’ offense, making him a promising talent for the future. Alongside LaMelo Ball, Miller can be a solid go-to star one day.
2022 – Chet Holmgren
Career Stats: 16.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Chet Holmgren was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After missing his initial season due to injury, Holmgren debuted with averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game (while finishing second in RPY voting) and was on an All-Star trajectory before injury derailed his 2024-25 campaign. Alongside MVP candidate Shai Gigleous-Alexander, Holmgren has plenty of time to reach superstar potential and guide the Thunder to an NBA championship.
2021 – Jalen Green
Career Stats: 20.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jalen Green, selected second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance and is finally coming into his own in 2024-25. Averaging 21.3 points, 43.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season, Green’s Rockets are in a spot to finish second in the Western Conference and an All-Star berth could be on the horizon in due time.
2020 – James Wiseman
Career Stats: 9.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
James Wiseman was the second overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite facing injuries and inconsistent opportunities, Wiseman’s potential as a versatile big man remains, but he has not reached the heights of the other No. 2 overall picks over the past few seasons. Hopefully, Wiseman can realize his potential whether it is with the Indiana Pacers or another franchise.
No. 3 Draft Picks From 2020 To 2023
2023 – Scoot Henderson
Career Stats: 13.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Scoot Henderson, selected third overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft, has excited the crowd with his playmaking and athleticism. Averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game over his career, Henderson’s dynamic style of play has provided a spark for the Blazers’ backcourt and he will be the point guard to take the franchise into a new era ever since Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
2022 – Jabari Smith Jr.
Career Stats: 13.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Jabari Smith Jr. was the third overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game and has elevated his play to averages of 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game over his career so far. Smith’s defensive capabilities and shooting range have made him a valuable asset as the Rockets continue to build their roster for the foreseeable future.
2021 – Evan Mobley
Career Stats: 16.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Evan Mobley, selected third overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been a defensive standout and should make the All-Star Team this season. Averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in his rookie season and finishing second in ROY voting, Mobley’s versatility on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ resurgence in the Eastern Conference since then. He could be in the running for Most Improved Player this season and a contender for DPOY and his growth has been impressive to see.
2020 – LaMelo Ball
Career Stats: 21.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
LaMelo Ball is getting better every season and he is a superstar right now. In his rookie season, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Since then, Ball has become an unstoppable offensive force although the Hornets franchise keeps letting him down with the players around him. Posting a career-high 29.6 points per game this season, Ball is on track to make an All-NBA Team selection.
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