15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick

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!

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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 35^th Anniversary Team. NBA 25^th Anniversary Team. NBA 50^th 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.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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

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)

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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)

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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).

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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.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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 50^th 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)

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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 35^th Anniversary Team. NBA 50^th 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.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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)

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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 50^th Anniversary All-Time Team. #33 was retired by Boston Celtics.

Notes/Known For: Bird was also featured in “Space Jam” with Michael Jordan.

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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 50^th 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)

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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)

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

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).

15 Great NBA Players Who Were Not the No. 1 Draft Pick was originally published on ionetheurbandaily.staging.go.ione.nyc

Stephen Curry

The No. 7 pick selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Career stats (2009-present): 19.2 points-per-game, 4.0 rebounds-per-game, 6.1 assists-per-game.

College: Davidson College

Highlights: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010). NBA Skills Challenge champion (2011). NBA Sportsmanship Award (2011).

Notes/Known For: Curry is known for being the Warriors’ franchise record holder for most 3-pointers made in a game (11).

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