The history of top 5 picks in the NBA Draft: Legends, All-Stars, and busts

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: (L) Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat, (C) Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and (R) LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat look on during a game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Arena on March 16, 2014 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christopher Trotman/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

10 Jul 1996: Forward Scottie Pippen, left, of Dream Team III during the singing of the national anthems as teammates Charles Barkley, center, and David Robinson stand by prior to the USA’s 119-58 victory over China at the America West Arena in Phoenix, Ar /

The history of top 5 picks in the NBA Draft: 1986-1995

The good news is the overall totals for each statistical category did increase for the time period of 1986 to 1995, despite the tragic passing of Len Bias resulting in there only being 49 players for this sample.

However, the averages still went down by comparison. This group posted averages of 14.16 points, 6.10 assists, and 2.89 rebounds per game. So what happened?

Starting in 1986, only one player made an All-Star team. The number one overall pick Brad Daugherty was a five-time All-Star and made an All-NBA Third Team once. The only other player in the top five to earn an accolade was the Rookie of the Year Chuck Person.

The other three picks (including Bias) combined to appear in just 510 games, while Daugherty himself only played in 548. Two of the greatest players to ever take the court came in 1987 (David Robinson and Scottie Pippen), but the other three could not even make an All-Star appearance.

Overall, the top five selections went better in this decade when considering accolades. Three of the drafts saw four players attain at least the level of All-Star.

While this is certainly an improvement over the previous section, it further supports the theory that drafting in the top five is far from guaranteeing future success.

Home/NBA Draft