The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. The two-day event is the start of a new beginning for NBA Draft picks, both high-profile and a lack thereof. However, not all NBA prospects turn out to be successful in the pros. RotoGrinder’s recent release of the rankings of the most and least memorable No. 1 draft picks in NBA history since 2000, based on fan recall, should attract attention in the NBA world.
The Most Forgettable No. 1 Draft Picks
According to RotoGrinder, Kenyon Martin (of the 2000 NBA Draft) is the most forgettable No. 1 draft pick. Just 48.6% of quiz-takers recognized Martin, 47, during the Sporcle quiz where quiz-takers were asked to name every No. 1 draft pick since 2000.
Martin began his NBA career with the New Jersey Nets in 2000 and ended his rather forgettable career with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2015. He played college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats from 1996-2000. He was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, before moving to Dallas, Texas.
Kwame Brown (of the 2001 NBA Draft) and Andrea Bargnani (of the 2006 NBA Draft) trailed Martin at 57.6% and 59.7%, respectively. Brown, 43, spent 12 seasons in the NBA, while Bargnani, 39, spent 10 seasons in the NBA.
The Most Memorable No. 1 Draft Picks
RotoGrinder’s mention of the most memorable No. 1 draft picks leaned toward those in recent years. Zion Williamson (of the 2019 NBA Draft), Cade Cunningham (of the 2021 NBA Draft), and Paolo Banchero (of the 2022 NBA Draft). Williamson, 24, and Banchero, 22, played lone seasons for the Duke Blue Devils, while Cunningham, 23, played a lone season for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
LeBron James (of the 2003 NBA Draft) and Anthony Davis (of the 2012 NBA Draft), continue to resonate with professional basketball fans at 87.1% and 87.2%, respectively. James, 40, is a four-time NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, and NBA MVP, along with a 21-time NBA All-Star. Davis, 32, is a 2020 NBA champion, a 10-time NBA All-Star, a 2017 NBA All-Star Game MVP, a four-time All-NBA First Team member, and a 2024 All-NBA Second Team member.
Final Thoughts
RotoGrinder’s release is eye-opening, to say the least. James and Davis continue to resonate with NBA fans, while Williamson, Cunningham, and Banchero often enter the news cycles. Martin would be the opposite of Williamson, Cunningham, and Banchero.
Aside from Williamson’s lawsuit for alleged sexual, physical, emotional, and financial abuse, Williamson’s news headlines are generally NBA-related, such as his heavy weight, finishing ability, and career games. As for Martin, Martin’s post-retirement jobs include a basketball coach and advisor.
