US media releases ranking of 51 NBA No. 1 picks: LeBron James tops the list, Shaquille O'Neal third, Tim Duncan fifth, Yao Ming 13th

On September 14, Beijing time, an NBA draft's top pick can make or break a franchise. Despite sky-high expectations, the ultimate goal for every number one pick is to become a superstar and enjoy a Hall of Fame career. Of course, reality doesn't always cooperate. Some of the most infamous draft busts in history earned that label precisely because they failed to live up to expectations after being selected at the top. However, plenty of top picks have indeed been the best players in their draft classes, carrying their teams for years afterward.

Well-known US media outlet Clutchpoints has released a ranking of all number one picks since the NBA and ABA merger. Below is the ranking of all 51 NBA draft top picks(Ranked by career achievements, so Dibenesa, who hasn't played a single game, is temporarily placed at No. 51)——

Positions 1-10: 1. James, 2. Magic Johnson, 3. O'Neal, 4. Olajuwon, 5. Duncan, 6. David Robinson, 7. Iverson, 8. Ewing, 9. Davis, 10. Howard;

Positions 11-20: 11. Worthy, 12. Irving, 13. Yao Ming, 14. Towns, 15. Webber, 16. Griffin, 17. Edwards, 18. O'Neal, 19. Glenn Robinson, 20. Rose;

Positions 21-30: 21. Wall, 22. Daugherty, 23. Wembanyama, 24. Sampson, 25. Coleman, 26. Manning, 27. Larry Johnson, 28. Zion, 29. Brand, 30. Kenyon Martin;

Positions 31-40: 31. Cunningham, 32. Ben Simmons, 33. Wiggins, 34. Banchero, 35. Bargnani, 36. Ayton, 37. Michael Thompson, 38. Joe Smith, 39. Bogut, 40. Carroll;

Positions 41-51: 41. Flagg, 42. Lucas, 43. Benson, 44. Fultz, 45. Ellison, 46. Kwame Brown, 47. Olowokandi, 48. Risacher, 49. Oden, 50. Bennett, 51. Dibenesa.

Below are Clutchpoints' comments on LeBron James and Yao Ming——

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003 No. 1 pick

No rookie has ever entered the league with higher expectations than LeBron James, and the 2003 top pick not only lived up to all the hype but exceeded it. James just finished his 23rd NBA season, and after joining a star-studded 76ers roster, he continues to add to his unmatched resume. Such a long and consistent career, maintaining elite-level play throughout, has led many to believe that "The Chosen One" is the GOAT of basketball.

James has been selected to 22 All-Star Games, won four Finals MVPs, and four regular-season MVPs. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and just became the record holder for most games played. James' accomplishments are too numerous to count.

You can certainly argue that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, but there is no doubt that LeBron James is the best No. 1 pick in NBA history.

13. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets, 2002 No. 1 pick

Only five players in NBA history have been named an All-Star in every single season of their career, and 2002 top pick Yao Ming is one of them. Standing 7-foot-6, Yao was dominant in the paint while also possessing a soft touch and the ability to step out for mid-range jumpers. Leg injuries limited his playing time and forced him to retire after just eight seasons, but whenever he was on the court, he was an unstoppable talent.