Looking Back at the No.1 Overall Draft Picks of the Last 7 Years in the NBA

By Ron Leyba

The first overall draft picks have always been a hot topic of discussion in the NBA. Some of them went on to make it to the elite of the NBA, while some others had a very disappointing career in the NBA. The only common thing that all these players who got drafted at the first spot of their respective drafts is the stigma, the stigma of the No.1. Let's have a look at what course each of the top draft picks of the past seven years, except for this year, had in the league.

Anthony Davis

Although Davis has been around for just one season with the New Orleans Hornets, he has made his presence felt. Last season he was one of the most productive players of his team. The 6'10" forward was also selected as a member of the 2012 Team USA, which dominated in the Olympics and won the gold medal.

Kyrie Irving

Irving's career has also been successful as of now. Despite the lack of quality and competiveness in his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is the best thing that happened to Cleveland after LeBron James. With him onboard, the Cavs can be optimistic about a better future and the return to the playoffs.

John Wall

Washington is considered as a basketball graveyard. However, John Wall has managed to emerge as one of the best point guards in the league there. The first overall pick of the year 2010 gets better almost every year. During the offseason, he signed a five-year extension with the Wizards.

Blake Griffin

The highflying forward was drafted in 2009 but didn't make his debut in the NBA until 2010 due to an injury. It didn't take long before his career took off, just like he usually does when he is on the court. He is considered as one of the most enjoyable players to watch. This season, he will be contending for a championship, as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Derrick Rose

Rose is one of the most dominant players in the league and arguably the best point guard currently active. He was able to meet all the high expectations that came along with his arrival in Chicago. Despite a severe injury that kept him off the courts for the last one and a half years, he is now back and ready to put the Bulls in a position to win.

Greg Oden

One of the most disappointing No.1 draft picks in the history of the NBA is Greg Oden. Of course, it's not because of the lack of talent or because of his skills. It was because of the severe and constant health issues that he faced, which kept him away from the courts. Now, he will get another shot with the Miami Heat, in what is projected to be a historic comeback.

Andrea Bargnani

The 7-footer center out of Italy has been productive since he first enter the NBA, but not as dominant as he was expected to be. Of course, his former team, the Toronto Raptors was not competitive enough through all the years Bargnani was around. Now, he will get another chance to prove his value with the New York Knicks.

Ron Leyba is the lead editor of www.FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com – premiere source of NBA updates, rumors and fantasy basketball. For more of his basketball insights, follow @nbafantasyinfo on Twitter or add Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues on Google+.