Byline: June 26, 2025
New York City — With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the [team name] selected Cooper Flagg, officially adding his name to one of the most exclusive and scrutinized clubs in all of professional sports: No. 1 overall NBA draft picks.
Hailed as a generational talent, Flagg’s selection is the culmination of years of hype, highlight reels, and historic performances. He now joins a legendary list that includes Hall of Famers, MVPs, champions, and a few names that fell short of expectations — a reminder that going No. 1 is just the beginning of the journey.
Here’s a look back at every No. 1 pick since 1980 — and the incredible legacy Flagg now steps into.
🏀 No. 1 NBA Draft Picks: 1980–2025
1980 – Joe Barry Carroll (Golden State Warriors) 1981 – Mark Aguirre (Dallas Mavericks) 1982 – James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 1983 – Ralph Sampson (Houston Rockets) 1984 – Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) 1985 – Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 1986 – Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) 1987 – David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs) 1988 – Danny Manning (Los Angeles Clippers) 1989 – Pervis Ellison (Sacramento Kings) 1990 – Derrick Coleman (New Jersey Nets) 1991 – Larry Johnson (Charlotte Hornets) 1992 – Shaquille O’Neal (Orlando Magic) 1993 – Chris Webber (Orlando Magic) 1994 – Glenn Robinson (Milwaukee Bucks) 1995 – Joe Smith (Golden State Warriors) 1996 – Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) 1997 – Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) 1998 – Michael Olowokandi (Los Angeles Clippers) 1999 – Elton Brand (Chicago Bulls) 2000 – Kenyon Martin (New Jersey Nets) 2001 – Kwame Brown (Washington Wizards) 2002 – Yao Ming (Houston Rockets) 2003 – LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) 2004 – Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) 2005 – Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee Bucks) 2006 – Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors) 2007 – Greg Oden (Portland Trail Blazers) 2008 – Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) 2009 – Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers) 2010 – John Wall (Washington Wizards) 2011 – Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) 2012 – Anthony Davis (New Orleans Hornets) 2013 – Anthony Bennett (Cleveland Cavaliers) 2014 – Andrew Wiggins (Cleveland Cavaliers) 2015 – Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) 2016 – Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers) 2017 – Markelle Fultz (Philadelphia 76ers) 2018 – Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns) 2019 – Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) 2020 – Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) 2021 – Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) 2022 – Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) 2023 – Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) 2024 – Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) 2025 – Cooper Flagg ([Team Name])
👑 What It Means for Flagg
Flagg, a 6’9” forward from Maine who dominated at Montverde Academy and shined on the international stage, is now expected to be the face of a franchise from day one. He brings elite athleticism, court vision, and a relentless motor — drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant and Larry Bird.
“This is just the beginning,” Flagg said after hearing his name called. “Being picked No. 1 is an honor, but my goal is to be great — and help win championships.”
📈 Will Flagg Live Up to the Hype?
That’s the question every No. 1 pick faces. For every LeBron or Duncan, there’s a Bennett or Olowokandi. But based on his poise, skillset, and work ethic, Cooper Flagg looks ready to embrace the pressure, rewrite history, and carve out his own legacy.
From 1980 to now, the story of the NBA’s No. 1 picks is one of promise, pressure, and potential. And with Flagg’s name now etched into that story, the next chapter begins.
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