Being drafted No. 2 in the NBA can come with a chip on the shoulder. And sometimes, that chip fuels greatness. While the No. 1 pick often grabs the spotlight, several No. 2 selections have become all-time greats.
Here’s a ranking of the best No. 2 overall picks in NBA history, based on impact, accolades, and legacy.
Best No. 2 Draft Picks in NBA History
10. Kevin Durant (2007 – Seattle Supersonics)
One of the most unstoppable scorers in NBA history, Durant is a four-time scoring champ and two-time NBA Finals MVP. He’s not just a prolific scorer—he’s a walking bucket with elite efficiency.
Key Achievements:
2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, 2014 MVP, 14× All-Star
9. Jerry West (1960 – Minneapolis Lakers)
“The Logo” built a Hall of Fame career as one of the league’s best guards and fiercest competitors. West’s clutch gene and leadership helped shape the early Lakers dynasty.
Key Achievements:
NBA Champion, 14× All-Star, NBA Finals MVP (in a losing effort)
8. Gary Payton (1990 – Seattle Supersonics)
“The Glove” was one of the best defenders ever at the point guard position. A 9-time All-Defensive First Team member, Payton backed it up with his offense and trash talk too.
Key Achievements:
NBA Champion, 1996 Defensive Player of the Year, 9× All-Star
7. LaMarcus Aldridge (2006 – Chicago Bulls, traded to Portland)
Quietly consistent, Aldridge was one of the league’s top power forwards for over a decade, with an elite mid-range game and strong post play.
Key Achievements:
7× All-Star, 5× All-NBA selection, over 20,000 career points
6. Sidney Moncrief (1979 – Milwaukee Bucks)
Often overlooked, Moncrief was a two-way menace and the NBA’s first Defensive Player of the Year. He defined grit and effort in the 1980s.
Key Achievements:
2× Defensive Player of the Year, 5× All-Star, Hall of Famer
5. Jason Kidd (1994 – Dallas Mavericks)
A court vision wizard and triple-double machine, Kidd ranks among the greatest passers ever. His leadership finally paid off with a title in 2011.
Key Achievements:
NBA Champion, 10× All-Star, 5× All-NBA, Hall of Fame
4. Isiah Thomas (1981 – Detroit Pistons)
Thomas led the “Bad Boys” Pistons to back-to-back titles and remains one of the fiercest competitors in NBA history. He was a true floor general.
Key Achievements:
2× NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, 12× All-Star
3. Bill Russell (1956 – St. Louis Hawks, rights traded to Boston)
Yes, Russell was technically the No. 2 pick, and he became the ultimate winner in sports history. Eleven rings say it all.
Key Achievements:
11× Champion, 5× MVP, 12× All-Star, Hall of Fame
2. Rick Barry (1965 – San Francisco Warriors)
Known for his underhand free throws and scoring prowess, Barry dominated in both the NBA and ABA. He led the league in scoring and won a Finals MVP.
Key Achievements:
NBA Champion, Finals MVP, 8× All-Star, Hall of Fame
1. Bob Pettit (1954 – Milwaukee Hawks)
The original power forward, Pettit was a dominant force in the 1950s and 60s, capturing two MVP awards and leading the league in scoring.
Key Achievements:
2× MVP, 11× All-Star, NBA Champion, Hall of Fame
From Kevin Durant’s smooth jumper to Bill Russell’s 11 rings, these No. 2 picks didn’t just live up to the hype, they redefined what greatness looks like outside of the top spot.
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