As a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, I have spent this season marveling at Tristan Thompson and the threatening post-presence he has become, weighing the odds the team slips into one of those last Eastern Conference playoff spots, and wondering just how the team got where they are today. How they went from drafting Kyrie Irving, having consecutive number one overall picks two years later and turning them into Kevin Love, winning the Finals, and now being led by Tristan Thompson and two shoot-first point guards. And all this wondering led to some more wondering—who are the best and who are the worst active number one overall NBA draft picks. I’ll break it down for you based on the players’ current form in the NBA:
1. LeBron James: This is an easy one. In his 16th season in the NBA he is putting up normal LeBron numbers, which are exceptional normal basketball player numbers. He continues to adapt his game to his body and has made his team, alongside Anthony Davis, legitimate NBA Finals Champion threats.
2. Anthony Davis: AD, finally on a team that has other people that can help him out who are not named Jrue Holiday, is thriving. Statistically he is underperforming, but this is a good sign because it means he is sharing the load with players like LeBron. Come playoff time, he is going to be one dangerous basketball player, looking to make that run at the Finals alongside Lebron.
3. Kyrie Irving: Sure, since leaving Cleveland he has made a name for himself as a bad locker room presence. But his handles are undeniable and he is settling in nicely in Brooklyn. Once KD comes back, they will be quite the one-two punch of shot creators.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns: All the way up there in Minnesota, for a few years now, KAT has been establishing himself as one of the best Centers in the NBA. He is a dead-eye three point shooter, and seemingly only getting better. His scoring and rebounding are quite impressive, earning him a high spot on this list. Alongside Andrew Wiggins, who is coming up on this list, Minnesota could put together something impressive.
5. Ben Simmons: The 6’10” point guard for the 76ers is nothing but unique. He is wildly athletic, paired with his huge frame, and great dribbling. His shot is trash, but maybe he’ll work on it. That aside, he is putting together another excellent season on the strongest team in the East.
6. Andrew Wiggins: This is the season of Andrew Wiggins. A consistent player, Wiggins has increased his scoring output, assists per game, and field goal percentage. He has come out swinging this season, and it’s about time.
7. Blake Griffin: The Clippers did Blake dirty. But after his big move, Blake has made the Pistons his team, doing his best to drag them up from irrelevancy. He has adapted his game to his age, adding in more shooting, and may be just the veteran his team needs.
8. Dwight Howard: Yes! Dwight is back and I couldn’t be happier. After a tumultuous few years and a disappointing season for the Wizards, Dwight is back and not better than ever, but doing alright for the Lakers. Once the next Shaq, he has found a place for himself as a backup center who can pull down rebounds and play defense. His riches to rags to less riches but still some riches story gains him this spot on the list.
9. Derrick Rose: Speaking of riches to rags to less riches, Derrick Rose. Once perhaps the best point guard in the NBA, Rose has also found a home in Detroit. After a rough couple of years, he has reestablished himself in the league since last season. Rose will always be a fun player, and is a good addition to the strange Detroit Pistons.
10. Markelle Fultz: Poor Markelle Fultz and his hitch. Someday he might be really good. But for now he is playing and dunking and sometimes making shots. But at least he is playing. The bar could not be lower for Fultz, and hopefully he shocks the world.
11. Deandre Ayton: Speaking of playing, these next guys are not. Ayton had an impressive first season with the Suns, somewhat overshadowed by Luka Doncic and Trae Young, who are outstanding. But Ayton looked good at the beginning of the season before failing a drug test and getting slapped with a 25 game suspension. Hopefully he retains his form when he returns, catapulting him up the list.
12. John Wall: Wall, a once exciting player, has become an injury machine. But we wish him a quick recovery and quick return to action.
13. Zion Williamson: Please come back. You’re only at the bottom since you’ve never played in an NBA game. We are all so excited to see you play and for you to have a long and fruitful career and someday be at the top of a list like this.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Bennett. Drafted ahead of Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Olynyk Clinic, and Rudy Gobert, Bennett is perhaps the biggest NBA draft bust. He’s technically a free agent, so I’ll slide him in as an honorable 14th place.