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NBA Draft: 30 greatest No. 1 overall picks in league history

By Josh Cornelissen

25 Jun 1997: Center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with a reporter during the NBA Draft at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport
25 Jun 1997: Center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with a reporter during the NBA Draft at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport /
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Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson. TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images /

NBA Draft: 30 greatest No. 1 overall picks in league history: 11. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was a cultural icon, a trend-setter adored by fans and idolized by many. His unique way of carrying himself, how he spoke and how he acted, set a different standard for NBA stars and impacted millions across the country. He also happened to be really good at basketball.

After two seasons at Georgetown Iverson declared for the 1996 NBA Draft and was the first overall pick from a number of high-profile prospects including Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen and eventually, Kobe Bryant. Iverson made sure no one doubted the Philadelphia 76ers’ decision, averaging 23.5 points per game and 7.5 assists en route to winning Rookie of the Year.

Iverson’s ability to score would only increase from there, and the 6’0″ guard went on to lead the league in scoring four separate times. He also led the Sixers into contention, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2001 where Iverson averaged 35.6 points per game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

For 11 straight seasons, Iverson was named an All-Star, and it would have been 12 straight if there had been an All-Star Game in 1999. Seven times he made the All-NBA team, with the pinnacle of his achievement coming with a 2000-01 Most Valuable Player award. His 26.7 points-per-game average ranks seventh all-time, and his 2.2 steals per game ranks ninth.

There were flaws to Iverson’s game, and those probably contributed to his team’s never making it over the hump. His career also dropped off suddenly, a common occurrence for small guards. None of that takes away from his smooth scoring ability, his iron man minutes totals and his fearlessness in the face of any opponent. Iverson’s career accolades speak for themselves.