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

The history of top 5 picks in the NBA Draft: 2006-2015

For the group of classes with the smallest sample, the final decade does not disappoint. It is the highest scoring of the bunch, with some of the players yet to even hit their prime so far.

The overall stat line for the decade to date is 15.20 points, 5.96 assists, and 3.12 rebounds per game. Even factoring in some busts like Mario Hezonja, Dante Exum, and Anthony Bennett, among others, the most recent decade has acquitted itself well.

That is not to say that this is anything of a sure thing. The 2006 draft, heavy on upperclassmen and international prospects, only saw one All-NBA performer (LaMarcus Aldridge) go in the top five.

The following year was a step forward, however, with two All-NBA performers and an additional All-Star. In 2008 there were the highs of two future MVPs and another All-NBA performer combined with the wasted potential of two players who looked to be cannot miss (Michael Beasley and OJ Mayo).

From there the mixture continued. From 2010 to 2014, each class featured either one or two players who would make an All-NBA team, totaling seven over five seasons. However, that leaves 18 top five picks that were never able to attain the level of All-Star.

For the final time, this proves that expectation management is essential when you are a fan of a rebuilding franchise. Luck is just as important as draft position. Sometimes, coming away with a player who is a role player for a decade falls into the category of a win.