Hello Guys, we are going to talk about the Best NBA Draft Class of All Time. The National Basketball Association is the top-level North American basketball league in the world. This league is one of the greatest professional leagues in Canada and the United States. The National Basketball Association is an annual event called the “NBA Draft.” The event involves all teams in the league drafting players who are eligible to join the organization.
The National Basketball Association is a very prestigious and historical league all over the world. This is an annual lottery event, that organized by the National Basketball Association, the first draft player was announced in 1947. The NBA League was founded 77 years ago on 6 June 1946 as a BBA.
High school players were also eligible for selection in the draft before 2006, but after the 2006 draft, high school players were no longer eligible for selection. To be selected in the draft, the player must be 19 years of age according to the calendar.
Best NBA Draft Class of All Time: Ranking the Top 15 NBA Draft Classes of All Time
Before we have shared the complete list of the NBA Draft from 1947 to the present season. To get complete details of NBA Draft continue reading this information segment.
| Best NBA Draft Class of All Time | |||
| Year | Player Name | Team | Position |
| 1947 | Clifton McNeeley | Pittsburgh Ironmen | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1948 | Andy Tonkovich | Providence Steam Rollers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1949 | Howie Shannon | Providence Steam Rollers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1950 | Chuck Share | Boston Celtics | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1951 | Gene Melchiorre | Baltimore Hawks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1952 | Mark Workman | Milwaukee Hawks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1953 | Ray Felix | Baltimore Bullets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1954 | Frank Selvy | Baltimore Bullets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1955 | Dick Ricketts | St. Louis Hawks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1956 | Si Green | Rochester Royals | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1957 | Hot Rod Hundley | Cincinnati Royals | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1958 | Elgin Baylor | Minneapolis Lakers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1959 | Bob Boozer | Cincinnati Royals | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1960 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1961 | Walt Bellamy | Chicago Zephyrs | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1962 | Bill McGill | Chicago Zephyrs | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1963 | Art Heyman | New York Knicks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1964 | Jim Barnes | New York Knicks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1965 | Fred Hetzel | San Francisco Warriors | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1966 | Cazzie Russell | New York Knicks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1967 | Jimmy Walker | Detroit Pistons | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1968 | Elvin Hayes | San Diego Rickets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1969 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1970 | Bob Lanier | Detroit Pistons | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1971 | Austin Carr | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1972 | LaRue Martin | Portland Trail Blazers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1973 | Doug Collins | Philadelphia 76ers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1974 | Bill Walton | Portland Trail Blazers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1975 | David Thompson | Atlanta Hawks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1976 | John Lucas | Houston Rockets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1978 | Kent Benson | Milwaukee Bucks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1979 | Mychal Thompson | Portland Trail Blazers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1980 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1981 | Joe Barry Carroll | Golden State Warriors | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1982 | Mark Aguirre | Dallas Mavericks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1983 | James Worthy | Los Angeles Lakers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1984 | Ralph Sampson | Houston Rockets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1985 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1986 | Patrick Ewing | New York Knicks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1987 | Brad Daugherty | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1988 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1989 | Danny Manning | LA Clippers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1990 | Pervis Ellison | Sacramento Kings | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1991 | Derrick Coleman | New Jersey Nets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1992 | Larry Johnson | Charlotte Hornets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1993 | Shaquille O’ Neal | Orlando Magic | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1994 | Chris Webber | Orlando Magic | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1995 | Glenn Robinson | Milwaukee Bucks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1996 | Joe Smith | Golden State Warriors | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1997 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1998 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs | 1st Overall Pick |
| 1999 | Michael Olowokandi | LA Clippers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2000 | Elton Brand | Chicago Bull | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2001 | Kenyon Martin | New Jersey Nets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2002 | Kwame Brown | Washington Wizards | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2003 | Yao Ming | Houston Rockets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2004 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2005 | Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2006 | Andrew Bogut | Milwaukee Bucks | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2007 | Andrea Bargnani | Toronto Raptors | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2008 | Greg Oden | Portland Trail Blazers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2009 | Derrick Rose | Chicago Bulls | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2010 | Blake Griffin | LA Clippers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2011 | John Wall | Washington Wizards | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2012 | Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2013 | Anthony Davis | New Orleans Hornets | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2014 | Anthony Bennett | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2017 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2018 | Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2019 | Deandre Ayton | Phoenix Suns | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2020 | Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2021 | Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2022 | Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2023 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | 1st Overall Pick |
| 2024 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | 1st Overall Pick |
Ranking the Top 15 NBA Draft Classes of All Time
1. 1947 NBA Draft
The 1947 NBA Draft is the 1st draft of the history of the NBA previously called the “BBA”. In the 1st round of the 1947 NBA draft, Clifton McNeeley was selected as the overall pick by the Pittsburgh Ironmen.
Clifton McNeely was a well-known professional basketball player. He also served as the coach of the Pittsburgh Ironmen. On 1 July 1947, the draft event was organized in Detroit, Michigan.
In the 4th round of the NBA draft in 1947, Walt Dropo selected who never played in the NBA. In the 7th and 10th rounds, Jack Underman and Larry Killick were selected in the draft who had never been played in the BAA.
2. 1948 NBA Draft
In the 1st round of the NBA Draft in 1948, Andy Tonkovich was selected as the overall pick 1st by the Providence Steam Rollers. This draft is the 2nd NBA Draft event in the history of the National Basketball Association. Along with this four players were also picked George Kok, George Hauptfuhrer, Bob Gale, and Chuck Hanfer who never played in the BAA. Andy Tonkovich was a well-professional American basketball player and coach, also noted for his brilliant performance. In his career, he played as a Point Guard for the Providence Steamrollers.
3. 1949 NBA Draft
| NBA Career Statistics | 2011-Present |
| Points | 10.8 |
| Rebounds | — |
| Assists | 2.5 |
| Field Goal % | 35.5 |
| Free Throw % | 79.5 |
In the 1st round of the NBA Draft 1949, Howie Shannon was selected as the overall pick by the Providence Steam Rollers. Howie Shannon was a well-prominent American basketball player who played as a Small forward Or Small Guard for the Providence Steamrollers. He attended Munday High School to complete his higher school studies. After his school studies, he also attended North Texas College, where he played college football for four seasons.
4. 1950 NBA Draft
The NBA Draft 1950 is noted as the fourth annual draft event of the National Basketball Association. After the BAA, this is the first NBA Draft. Five players in the 1950 NBA Draft were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, including Bob Kussim, George Yardley, Paul Arizin, Bill Sherman, and Earl Lloyd.
Chuck Share from Boeing Green State University was selected by the Boston Celtics with the first overall pick. Villanova University’s Paul Arizin was also selected as a territorial by the Philadelphia Warriors before the draft.
5. 1951 NBA Draft
In the 1st round of the NBA Draft 1951, Gene Melchiorre was selected as the 1st overall pick by the Baltimore Hawks. This is the 5th annual event of the NBA Draft. In his profession, he never played in the NBA due to being a member of a point-shaving scandal in college basketball. Before the NBA Draft, Myer Skoog was also selected as the Minneapolis Lakers’ territorial pick. The NBA Draft 1951 was held of 12 rounds comprising 87 players selected.
6. 1952 NBA Draft
The 1952 NBA draft was the 6th annual event of the NBA draft, which was held on 26 April 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This NBA Draft event was completed in a total of 17 rounds in which 106 players were selected in the draft. In the 1st round of the 1952 NBA Draft Mark Workman was selected as 1st overall pick by the Milwaukee Hawks. Mark Workman was a well-known American professional basketball player who played as a Center for the Milwaukee Hawks. He played his college football at West Virginia University for three seasons from 1949 to 1952.
7. 1953 NBA Draft
The 1953 NBA draft was the 7th annual event of the NBA draft, which was held on 24 April 1953 in Boston, Massachusetts. This NBA Draft event was completed in a total of 19 rounds in which 122 players were selected in the draft. In the 1st round of the 1953 NBA Draft Ray Felix was selected as 1st overall pick by the Baltimore Bullets. Ray Felix was a popular American professional basketball player who played as a Center for the Baltimore Bullets.
8. 1954 NBA Draft
In the 1st round of the 1954 NBA Draft Frank Selvy was selected as 1st overall pick by the Baltimore Bullets. The NBA Draft 1954 was the 8th annual event of the NBA Draft, which was held on 24 April 1954 in New York City, New York. In the 2nd round of the NBA Draft 1954, Bob Pettit was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. In the season, he was also awarded by the Rookie of the Year Award.
9. 1955 NBA Draft
In the 1st round of the NBA draft in 1955, Dick Ricketts was selected as 1st overall pick by the St. Louis Hawks. This NBA Draft annual event was completed in a total of 14 rounds in which 95 players were selected in the draft.
This event was the 9th event of the NBA draft, which was held on 13 April 1955 in New York City, New York. In the 2nd round of the NBA Draft 1955, Maurice Stokes was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award.
Before the NBA draft, Dick Garmaker was also selected as Minneapolis Lakers and Philadelphia Warriors’ territorial picks.
10. 1956 NBA Draft
As a territorial pick, Tom Heinsohn from the Boston Celtics was also selected before the draft. In the 1st round of the NBA draft in 1956, Si Green was selected as 1st overall pick by the Rochester Royals. This NBA Draft annual event was completed in a total of 14 rounds in which 92 players were selected in the draft. Three players were taken in the NBA Draft: Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, and Bill Russell were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
11. 1957 NBA Draft
The 1957 NBA Draft was the 11th annual event of the NBA draft. This NBA Draft event was held on 17 April 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. Hot Rod Hundley was selected by the Cincinnati Royals as a 1st overall pick in the 1st round of the NBA Draft 1957. In the 8th round of the NBA Draft, Son Jones was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Woody Sauldsberry was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award.
12. 1958 NBA Draft
In the 1st round of the NBA draft 1958, Elgin Baylor was selected as 1st overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers. This NBA Draft annual event was completed in a total of 17 rounds in which 88 players were selected in the draft.
This event was the 12th event of the NBA draft, which was held on 22 April 1958 in New York City, New York. Before the NBA draft, Guy Rodgers was also selected as the Philadelphia Warriors’ territorial pick.
13. 1959 NBA Draft
The 1959 NBA draft was the 13th annual event of the NBA draft, which was held on 31 March 1959 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This NBA Draft event was completed in a total of 14 rounds in which 85 players were selected in the draft. In the 1st round of the 1959 NBA Draft Bob Boozer was selected as 1st overall pick by the Cincinnati Royals. Bob Boozer was a popular American professional basketball player. He was widely regarded for his brilliant performance on the ground.
14. 1960 NBA Draft
The 1960 NBA draft was held on 11 April 1960 in New York City, New York. In the 1st round of the NBA Draft in 1960, Oscar Robertson was selected as the 1st overall pick by the Cincinnati Royals. Before the draft, he was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award in his 1st season. In the 2nd round of the NBA Draft in 1960, Jerry West was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers. Lenny Wilkens’ name was included in the list of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, announced on the 50th anniversary of the NBA league in 1996.
15. 1961 NBA Draft
The 1961 NBA draft was the 15th annual event of the NBA draft, which was held on 27 March 1961 in New York City, New York. This NBA Draft event was completed in a total of 15 rounds in which 107 players were selected in the draft. In the 1st round of the 1961 NBA Draft Walt Bellamy was selected as 1st overall pick by the Chicago Zephyrs. Walt Bellamy was a well-known American basketball player, born on 24 July 1939 in New Bern, North Carolina, U.S.
FAQ’s About NBA Draft
The NBA Draft 1947 event was the 1st NBA Draft event in the history of the NBA.
The NBA Draft 2024 event will take place on 26 June 2024 at the Barclays Center.
In the 1st round of the NBA Draft 2023, Victor Wembanyama was selected as the 1st overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs.
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