Being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft is reserved for very few players. No. 1 picks are supposed to become superstars, generational players that change franchises and lead them to championships.
That’s not how it always works out, but at least three or more have become bonafide stars every decade. NBA fans recently debated which team of No. 1 picks for each decade from the 1990s to the 2010s would win against the others.
The 1990s team comprises Allen Iverson, Larry Johnson, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal. Duncan and Shaq are both arguably the Top 10 players ever, and Iverson is arguably a top 10 scorer ever. Larry Johnson and Chris Webber were also stars, and that’s why one fan thinks they would destroy the other teams.
The 2000s team is led by arguably the greatest player of all time, LeBron James. Other names on the starting five include Dwight Howard and Yao Ming inside, an incredible combination, while Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin come in to make it arguably the most athletic team. And one fan thinks they would get the win.
In terms of talent, the 2010s team also has a case. Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns can all shoot to varying degrees and have a lot of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁. However, as one fan pointed out, most of these players have a big injury history. And that might end up costing them.
And while a lot of fans went with the 1990s team, and some thought the 2000s would have the advantage, one fan summed up the cases for all three quite succinctly.
The 1990s Team Would Likely Win In A Series
While cases can be made for all three of these teams, the 1990s team undeniably has the most lopsided advantage. Having a prime Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan in the frontcourt is an offensive and defensive nightmare. Duncan had a solid post-game, while Shaq dominated inside, they would be impossible to handle.
Between Allen Iverson, Larry Johnson, and Chris Webber, the team would lack distance shooting but have enough to get the points they need. On the defensive end, they would be clear of their opponents. On the merit of what the teams look like on paper, the 1990s team of No. 1 overall picks probably takes the cake.
