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The No.1 pick is one of the most talked about and happening topic around the world during the NBA draft season, which is usually in the last few days of June. People start talking about the number one pick, making their guesses and videos of the best performers from the colleges start flocking the internet. Finally, when the pick is chosen he is expected to take the NBA by a boom.
Some players go on and become stars of NBA whereas some fail to do so. Here in this article, we take a look at the No. 1 pick of the last 10 Drafts (2008-2017) and see where the players stand today.
#2017 Markelle Fultz
This 6'4" guard from the University of Washington was the first pick of the NBA Draft 2017, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.There was a lot of talk about his abilities and the way he can impact the 76ers. He was really the player to be watched for and alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embid, he seemed a perfect fit.
Surprisingly to the fact above, he has only played 4 games in the season so far, averaging 6.0 points with a field goal percentage of 33.3%. In his 76 minutes played, let alone making, Fultz hasn't even attempted one three-pointer. His bizarre shooting action lately for the free throws was a sign of some problem in the shoulder.
We can't comment much on the rookie as the season is still going on and he is eying a return. We hope he gets well and shows us some moves which he surely posses.It will be interesting to see what impact he makes after his return.
#2016 Ben Simmons
This 6'10 guard plus forward was the first pick of 2016 NBA draft and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as well. He didn't play in his first season due to a foot injury and is playing his rookie year this season. He is the one player to watch out for this season. He is averaging 17.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game so far this season. He has the main role in the Sixers line up running the offense as well as playing a forward role.
He is one of the stronger contenders for this season's Rookie of the Year as he is playing his first season. People waited a whole season to see Simmons play and the wait was worth it. He has been praised by the greats like LeBron James. It will be interesting to see where he can take the Sixers in the competition.
#2015 Karl-Anthony Towns
Standing 7 foot tall, Towns is one of the main players for the Minnesota Timberwolves today. His rookie season was as what is expected from the No.1 pick. He met with all the expectations when he received "Rookie of the year" award for his first season at Minnesota averaging 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 54.2% shooting. He also finished the season with 51 double-doubles, trailing only Andre Drummond and Russell Westbrook.
He is in good form this season too. He is confident enough to become one of the great players of the league. He is happy with his team and says that his team has a great role in speeding up the process of his advancement.
Towns has a long way to go and he says he is not in his best form yet. He is really hungry to win and with the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler alongside him, it will be interesting to see where he can take Minnesota this year.
#2014 Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins was drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers and was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in July of 2014.He was named NBA's "Rookie of the Year" in 2015 and averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds. Minnesota had a horrible season that year, not being able to make it to the Playoffs for the 11th consecutive time. A little too much was expected of the 20-year-old Wiggins, who played a very important role for them and averaged 36.2 minutes per game.
He still has not had the success he would have liked and has been working hard to make it big in the NBA. He also signed a multiyear extension (5 years $146.5 M) with the Timberwolves and has been working really hard on his game at both ends. In this season, he is averaging 17.9 points and 1.7 assists per game. He has a lot to do and a long way to go.
#2013 Anthony Bennett
One of the biggest busts in NBA history, Anthony Bennett's first pick was a shock to many.His performance in the rookie season was even horrible and it was not the case that his performance became better with the upcoming seasons, he went from down to deep down.
He averaged 4.2 points, 0.2 blocks and 0.3 assists in the rookie season. His career average also is nearly the same. He was sent to Minnesota after his first year and eventually was thrown out of the NBA. He lastly was playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Basketball Super League.The chances of his return in the NBA are very bleak.
#2012 Anthony Davis
Here again is the example of a player who not only has a body but also the talent to become one of the greats of the game. Anthony Davis is a 24-year-old, with a 6'10 frame and a wide wingspan. He is averaging 25.2 points, 2.0 blocks and 10.6 rebounds with a field goal percentage of 56.9 % in this season. In his whole career, he is averaging 22.6 points with 51.7% from the field.
He is clearly one of the best No. 1 draft picks and has a great future ahead. The only concern for him lately has been his problems with the injuries but Davis is a leader and an ambitious person. It will be no easy stopping him. With lights of Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins around him, it will be interesting to watch where do they end up on the tally.
#2011 Kyrie Irving
One of the best guards in the league at present, Kyrie Irving is special. He has lived up to the hype for being the first pick in the 2011 NBA draft. He averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists in his rookie season.In last season he averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists. After his move to Boston, he is averaging 24.4 points and 4.9 assists at present.
He is really amazing with his handles and is, in fact, the best ball handler in the league. He is truly one of the best first picks and has lived up to the expectations of people.With his move to Boston this year, leaving LeBron behind, it will interesting to see where can he take Boston to this year.
#2010 John Wall
One of the most explosive guards in the leagues, John Wall was the first pick of 2010 NBA draft and he has proved his worth. He is averaging 18.9 points, 9.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds throughout his career. John wall is the backbone of the Washington Wizards. This year he signed a 4-yr 170-million contract extension with the Wizards and showing his love for Washington.
His journey though has not been easy with respect to injuries. He had surgeries on both of his knees at the end of 2015-2016 season. He is a fighter and has played through injuries.This season he is averaging 19.4 points and was injured for few games but is now back. He is clearly one of the best in the league.
#2009 Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin was the first pick in the 2009 NBA draft. The big man has always shown us what he can do and why he is a five-time All-Star. He is averaging 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in his career. This season too he is averaging 23.6 points.
The only problem with Griffin is his injuries. He has been up and down in his whole career.This season also he was out for four weeks due to sprained MCL during a match against Lakers. The LA Clippers, however, have a lot of trust in him and have signed a 5 year $173 million deal.
#2008 Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was the first pick in 2008 NBA draft. He just took off a flying start. He was unbelievable!
He was too fast, too strong and too good. In 2011, he was the youngest MVP in the history of NBA. The moment everybody thought he is the next MJ, his body started breaking down.
Wrist, Neck, Toe, Back, Ankle, Knee and what not!
The list continues, he returned after every injury to go back with another. Chicago finally gave up on him and traded him to New York Knicks where he had an average season like a normal point guard (Not Special MVP type).
He missed few games there also due to injuries. This season he went to Cleveland and is showing a glimpse of the material he is made up of in the preseason, he vanished again because of another injury. Although I am a Derrick Rose fan, it will not be wrong to say that it is very difficult for him now to get back.
Guess the Lakers players!
