For the Win

Wajih AlBaroudi, For The Win

Mon, June 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM UTC

The 2026 NBA Draft features one of the best classes in recent memory.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson would all be strong considerations for the No. 1 pick in an average year. They’re instead in a four-way race for that top spot, which the Washington Wizards were fortunate enough to win in May’s NBA Draft Lottery.

While Dybantsa is the favorite to go No. 1, nothing is certain until Adam Silver calls his name at the Barclays Center podium. So, until the big moment, let’s take a look back at every No. 1 pick of the 2000s.

No. 1 overall NBA Draft picks since 2000Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin goes for a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers in Denver, Colorado.

Denver Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin goes for a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers in Denver, Colorado.

2001: Kwame Brown, Washington WizardsDecember 28, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Kwame Brown (54) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

December 28, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Kwame Brown (54) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 9, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) looks for a pass around Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 9, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) looks for a pass around Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

2003: LeBron James, Cleveland CavaliersMay 9, 2009; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) goes in for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter of game four of the eastern conference semifinals at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine for the Akron Beacon Journal via USA TODAY Sports

May 9, 2009; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) goes in for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter of game four of the eastern conference semifinals at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine for the Akron Beacon Journal via USA TODAY Sports

January 12, 2010; Sacramento, CA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) grabs a rebound against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Arco Arena. The Magic defeated the Kings 109-88. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

January 12, 2010; Sacramento, CA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) grabs a rebound against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Arco Arena. The Magic defeated the Kings 109-88. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 11, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center (6) Andrew Bogut drives to the basket under pressure from Phoenix Suns center (8) Channing Frye at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Bucks 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 11, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center (6) Andrew Bogut drives to the basket under pressure from Phoenix Suns center (8) Channing Frye at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Bucks 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors center forward Andrea Bargnani (7) holds the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors center forward Andrea Bargnani (7) holds the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

2007: Greg Oden, Portland Trail BlazersNov. 3, 2009; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trailblazers center Greg Oden (52) drives to the basket on Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. Atlanta won the game 97-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 3, 2009; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trailblazers center Greg Oden (52) drives to the basket on Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. Atlanta won the game 97-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 22, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the United Center. The Bulls won 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 22, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the United Center. The Bulls won 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

November 20, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at the Staples Center. New York defeats Los Angeles 125-115 Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

November 20, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at the Staples Center. New York defeats Los Angeles 125-115 Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2010: John Wall, Washington WizardsMar. 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Washington Wizards guard John Wall against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Wizards defeated the Suns 88-79. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mar. 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Washington Wizards guard John Wall against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Wizards defeated the Suns 88-79. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2011: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland CavaliersJan 6, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Cleveland defeated Minnesota 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 6, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Cleveland defeated Minnesota 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

2012: Anthony Davis, New Orleans HornetsJan 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) drives the ball against Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) in the second half at TD Garden. The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Boston Celtics 95-92. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) drives the ball against Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) in the second half at TD Garden. The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Boston Celtics 95-92. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

2013: Anthony Bennett, Cleveland CavaliersOct 8, 2013; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Anthony Bennett (15) during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 8, 2013; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Anthony Bennett (15) during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2014: Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland CavaliersJun 27, 2014; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers first round pick Andrew Wiggins (21) is introduced by head coach David Blatt (left) and general manager David Griffin at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 27, 2014; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers first round pick Andrew Wiggins (21) is introduced by head coach David Blatt (left) and general manager David Griffin at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

February 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after scoring a three point basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

February 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after scoring a three point basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

2017: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ersMar 28, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles up court against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 28, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles up court against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 8, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) in action against the Boston Celtics in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Boston Celtics won 116-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 8, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) in action against the Boston Celtics in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Boston Celtics won 116-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 28, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) runs down court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 28, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) runs down court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

2020: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota TimberwolvesOct 6, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) looks to dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 6, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) looks to dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 10, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 10, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2022: Paolo Banchero, Orlando MagicOct 21, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 21, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 5, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to move against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at the Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 5, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to move against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at the Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

2024: Zaccharie Risacher,Atlanta Hawks2025: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

We’ll see who joins this group Tuesday night.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Every No. 1 overall pick in NBA Draft since 2000