There are obvious ones, such as LeBron, Tim Duncan, Hakeem, and Shaq (although I’ve even heard some people claim that Shaq underachieved for a #1 pick).
But I’m curious exactly how many actually have lived up to their #1 pick status. There are some legends like Iverson and Kyrie that you could even question. Curious to hear people’s opinions on this, especially with Victor now in the league.
What do you mean “lived up to their draft position?”
I think people tend to have unreasonable expectations of high draft picks. As I’ve mentioned before, only two players acquired via a top 10 draft pick in the 21st century have led their team to a title as the best player on that team.
I tend to think Iverson is broadly over-rated, but if you don’t think he lived up to first-pick status, your expectations of the top pick are unreasonable.
Who are the 2?
Wade and Curry.
LeBron also won a title for the Cavs to a title, but only after leaving and returning.
Then you have Jokic and Giannis and maybe Kawhi who have done it after being drafted outside the top ten.
Point being: people’s expectations for high draft picks are way too high.