All-time NBA re-draft: The best picks at every slot (Part 2, Nos. 30-1)

In Part 1 of this series, we took a stroll down memory lane to determine the best draft picks made with selections No. 31-60. In the final part of our two-part series, we're determining the best picks from 1-30, many of which are current or future Hall of Famers.

A reminder of this story's parameters and the subjectivity of this exercise can be found in Part 1. Let's get to the best picks at every slot from 30 to 1.

🏅 = Hall of Famer

* = active player

30. Jimmy Butler, F (2011) *

Getting involved in the Butler business is like going out with someone who's been divorced four times: There may be incredible moments, but everyone knows how it'll end. Butler's exits from his last four stops with the Bulls, Timberwolves, Sixers, and Heat have all been unceremonious and hostile. However, his basketball brilliance often justifies the drama.

Butler dragged the Heat to two Finals appearances and authored a slew of clutch moments along the way. If he'd taken the regular season more seriously in the back half of his career, one of this generation's best two-way players might have more than five All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive nods.

Runners-up: Spencer Haywood, David Lee

29. Toni Kukoc, F (1990)🏅

Kukoc and Dennis Johnson are both Hall of Famers, but Kukoc's role in the Bulls' three-peat earned him this spot. He averaged double figures his first eight seasons in the NBA and was the Bulls' third-leading scorer in the '96, '97, and '98 NBA Finals.

Runners-up: Dennis Johnson, Derrick White

28. Tony Parker, G (2001)🏅

This series has made it obvious that the Spurs' dynasty was built on finding international gems late in the draft. The latest example is Parker, who won four titles with the Spurs and captured 2007 Finals MVP honors. His six All-Star appearances were enough to catapult him into the Hall of Fame.

Runner-up: Leandro Barbosa

27. Rudy Gobert, C (2013) *

I could list many embarrassing moments throughout Gobert's career, all of which Draymond Green has mercilessly laughed at. However, for almost each one, there's a Defensive Player of the Year trophy on Gobert's mantle. His four DPOY honors are tied for the most in league history.

Gobert haters might be upset that Rodman, who won five championships, isn't listed. Rodman was one of the league's best defenders during the 1990s and had rebounding down to a science, but Gobert is one of the best rim-protectors of his generation.

Both were often offensive liabilities, but Gobert averaged at least double figures nine times while Rodman did it just once. I'm giving the razor-thin edge to Gobert.

Runners-up: Dennis Rodman, Pascal Siakam

26. Vlade Divac, C (1989)🏅

Divac was a consistent center and double-double machine for the Lakers in the 1990s and the Kings in the early 2000s. He was an effective shot-blocker and brilliant passer. His resume is thin for the Hall of Fame, but his accolades on the international basketball stage granted him enshrinement.

Runner-up: Charlie Ward

25. Gerald Wallace, F (2001)

Tony Allen was a defensive menace. I wouldn't argue with anyone saying he's better than Wallace, but the latter's eight-season streak of averaging at least 15 points (2005-06 through 2010-11) gave Wallace the advantage.

Runners-up: Mark Price, Tony Allen, Nicolas Batum

24. Kyle Lowry, G (2006) *

Only two active players remain from the 2006 draft: Lowry and P.J. Tucker. Lowry isn't built like LeBron James; 6-foot guards aren't supposed to last 20 years. But Lowry will have two decades of NBA service after this season.

His longest stint was nine years with the Raptors, where he became a six-time All-Star and helped capture a championship in 2019. Latrell Sprewell has an enthralling case, but he's not in the Hall of Fame, while Lowry is almost certainly heading to Springfield.

Runners-up: Latrell Sprewell, Arvydas Sabonis, Serge Ibaka

23. Alex English, F (1976)🏅

Before Nikola Jokic, Alex English was a cult hero in Denver, where he spent 11 of his 15 seasons. He was an eight-time All-Star and won the scoring title in 1983. English still holds the Nuggets franchise record for minutes, games played, and points, although Jokic is closing the gap.

Runners-up: Tayshaun Prince, OG Anunoby

22. Moses Malone, F (1974)🏅

Malone was the first player to enter the pros right after high school. Although he was drafted into the ABA, the merger occurred two years later, so he spent 19 of his 21 years in the NBA. He won three MVPs and is the only player in league history to win back-to-back MVPs for two different teams: the Rockets in 1982 and the Sixers in 1983, the same year he won Finals MVP.

Runner-up: George McGinnis

21. Rajon Rondo, G (2006)

Rondo's passing pizzazz in the late 2000s and early 2010s made him a household name with the Celtics, especially when they won the 2008 championship. He averaged a double-double in points and assists four times and is 15th on the NBA's all-time assist leaderboard. His weak scoring stats might hurt his Hall of Fame case when he becomes eligible for induction next year, but he's got this draft slot sewn up.

Runners-up: Michael Finley, Boris Diaw

20. Larry Nance, F (1981)

Before his son became a high flyer, Larry Nance won the first NBA Slam Dunk contest in 1984. His memorable 13-year NBA career included three All-Star selections and three All-Defensive team appearances.

Runner-up: Jameer Nelson

19. Nate Archibald, G (1970) 🏅

Archibald is one of two players in NBA history to lead the league in both points and assists per game in the same season; the other is Oscar Robertson. Archibald was a speedy point guard during the 1970s and '80s, accumulating six All-Star selections, a championship, and a scoring title.

Runner-up: Zach Randolph

18. Joe Dumars, G (1985)🏅

Before he was handing out fines for the league office or running the Pelicans, Dumars won two titles as a key member of the Bad Boy Pistons to go along with Finals MVP honors in 1989. His six All-Star appearances and five All-Defensive team selections earned him the nickname "Broadway Joe."

Runner-up: David West

17. Jrue Holiday, G (2009) *

Holiday probably isn't going into the Hall of Fame as a two-time All-Star, but he did help the Bucks and Celtics win titles in the last half decade. He'll always be remembered as an on-ball defensive menace and has earned six All-Defensive team selections. Shawn Kemp has more All-Star appearances, but he doesn't have the defensive resume or the championships.

Runner-up: Shawn Kemp

16. John Stockton, G (1984) 🏅

As the NBA's all-time assists and steals leader, Stockton made 11 All-NBA teams and was a perennial MVP contender throughout the 1990s. Stockton and Karl Malone formed a dynamic duo that earned back-to-back Finals trips in 1997 and 1998, but the Jazz never dethroned Michael Jordan's Bulls.

Runner-up: Nikola Vucevic

15. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F (2013) *

Antetokounmpo has as many MVPs as Steve Nash and one fewer Finals MVP than Kawhi Leonard, but the Greek Freak's resume has already surpassed both of theirs. He's earned nine All-NBA selections, two MVPs, and a Defensive Player of the Year award, and he's won a championship. Regardless of how (or when) his time in Milwaukee ends, his number will hang in the rafters as the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.

Runners-up: Steve Nash, Kawhi Leonard

14. Clyde Drexler, G (1983)🏅

Drexler is often remembered for his role as the second-leading scorer on the 1995 championship Rockets team that took advantage of Jordan's mid-career retirement. However, Drexler's prime came in his first 12 seasons with the Trail Blazers. A 10-time All-Star who made five All-NBA teams, he's one of six retired players to average 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists throughout his career.

Runners-up: Tim Hardaway, Peja Stojakovic, Bam Adebayo

13. Kobe Bryant, G (1996)🏅

The Lakers pull off more heists than the crew in the "Oceans" movie franchise. Before Los Angeles stole Luka Doncic in a lopsided deal, the Lakers ran off with an even greater haul when they acquired Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets on draft night.

Bryant became a cultural icon in Los Angeles, which was even more apparent following his tragic death in 2020. An 18-time All-Star and 15-time All-NBA selection, he's one of the league's greatest players. He scored the fourth-most points in NBA history, but his five championships prove he's one of the fiercest competitors ever.

Runners-up: Karl Malone, Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker

12. Julius Erving, F (1972)🏅

Erving is one of five players in league history to make the All-Star Game every season of his career. The last to do it was Yao Ming, but he only played eight seasons. In Erving's 16 campaigns, he won four MVP awards (three in the ABA), made seven All-NBA teams, and helped the Sixers capture the 1983 championship toward the end of his career.

Two stars from the 2025 NBA Finals were also drafted 12th overall, but Jalen Williams and Tyrese Haliburton can't compete with Erving's resume just yet.

Runners-up: Jalen Williams, Tyrese Haliburton

11. Klay Thompson, G (2011) *

Choose your character, sharpshooter edition: Reggie Miller or Klay Thompson. You can't go wrong, but I picked Thompson for his role in the Warriors' dynastic run. Plus, Thompson owns a higher career scoring average and 3-point percentage. They're two of the best shooters the league has ever seen and they're both five-time All-Stars. Thompson is fifth in made threes in NBA history while Miller's sixth (albeit on fewer attempts).

You could argue that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves this spot after winning MVP and Finals MVP, accolades that Miller and Thompson don't have on their resumes. However, Gilgeous-Alexander must perform at this level for longer to displace them in this draft slot.

Runners-up: Reggie Miller, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Domantas Sabonis

10. Paul Pierce, F (1998) 🏅

Pierce averaged nearly 20 points per game in his 19 seasons and was a 10-time All-Star with the Celtics. But "The Truth" became truly iconic by seizing the 2008 title and the Finals MVP trophy. He ranks first in threes, free throws, and steals and second in points for the league's most storied franchise.

Runners-up: Paul George, CJ McCollum, Brook Lopez

9. Dirk Nowitzki, F (1998)🏅

Less than 8% of NBA players were foreign-born when Dirk Nowitzki was drafted. Twenty-seven years later, it's over one-quarter of the league. Nowitzki helped break the stigma that European players were soft. You know someone is iconic when their name is associated with a lasting image - in this case, Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway. An MVP award, 14 All-Star appearances, and 12 All-NBA selections built his legacy, and the 2011 Finals win cemented his status as an all-time legend.

Runners-up: Tracy McGrady, Andre Iguodala, Amar'e Stoudemire, DeMar DeRozan

8. Robert Parish, C (1976)🏅

This is another debate between two Hall of Famers. Unlike Willis Reed, Parish was never an MVP or Finals MVP, but Parish has more All-Star selections and won four titles. The separating factor is Parish's longevity: He played 21 seasons compared to Reed's 10.

Runners-up: Willis Reed, Jamal Crawford

7. Steph Curry, G (2009) *

Curry is one of the few basketball players who truly revolutionized the sport, changing the game with his 3-point prowess, and he's done it while staying loyal to one franchise. The Warriors mainstay has drilled the most threes in NBA history - a mark that will likely go untouched for some time, even with players attempting threes as often as Kevin Durant requests trades. Speaking of Durant, Curry's legacy-defining moment came in the 2022 NBA Finals when he captured his fourth title and first Finals MVP following Durant's departure.

Runners-up: John Havlicek, Chris Mullin

6. Larry Bird, F (1978)🏅

Bird was a 3-point sniper before the skill was so prevalent. He became one of the greatest players of his generation as an electric scorer and tenacious defender. His accomplishments include three MVPs, three championships, two Finals MVPs, 10 All-NBA selections, and three All-Defensive team appearances. He averaged over 24 points and six assists in 13 seasons. Most importantly, his rivalry with Magic Johnson boosted the NBA's popularity at a crucial juncture.

Runner-up: Damian Lillard

5. Charles Barkley, F🏅

Winners write history, so Charles Barkley and his ringless fingers wind up lower in the all-time players pantheon. Plus, an entire generation remembers him better as a pundit than a player. But don't get it twisted: Barkley was one of the most dominant basketball players ever.

He averaged a career double-double and was a perennial MVP candidate for nearly a decade. He won MVP in 1993, an honor none of the other No. 5 overall picks in contention for this slot have on their resume.

Runners-up: Dwyane Wade, Scottie Pippen

4. Chris Paul, G (2005) *

Before combo scoring guards masquerading as point guards replaced pass-first ball-handlers, Chris Paul embodied everything it meant to play the 1. He's dished out the second-most assists in NBA history. Paul doesn't have the MVPs or DPOYs that Russell Westbrook and Dikembe Mutombo have, but he's one of the best table-setters and offensive initiators ever. His 12 All-Star Games, 11 All-NBA selections, and nine All-Defensive honors give him a more well-rounded resume than Westbrook's.

While a championship eludes Paul, his consistency and longevity - he's the only active player from the 2005 draft class and played 82 games in his 20th season - will earn him a place in the Hall of Fame.

Runners-up: Russell Westbrook, Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Bosh

3. Michael Jordan, G (1984)🏅

Let's be thankful LeBron James and Michael Jordan weren't both drafted third overall so we're not forced to engage in a disingenuous GOAT debate.

Six championships. Five MVPs. Ten scoring titles. No one has dominated a decade like Jordan did the 1990s. Need I say more?

Runners-up: Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, Kevin McHale, Luka Doncic

2. Kevin Durant, F (2007) *

Sorry to piss off the boomers, but there's no way Bill Russell is getting the nod over Kevin Durant. I don't care that Russell has more rings than fingers when he was playing guys half his size in the 1970s. I've mostly avoided the "imagine if this guy played back then" argument and I hate to pull it out here ... but imagine if Durant played back then.

Durant might not have the leadership qualities or impact on winning that people want from him, but one of the best and smoothest scorers in NBA history wouldn't have needed to join the Warriors to win championships in Russell's era. Russell was a giant in every sense of the word and his impact on the sport might have been greater, but purely as a basketball player, he doesn't come close to Durant at his peak.

Runners-up: Bill Russell, Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd

1. LeBron James, F (2003) *

Dubbed "The Chosen One" before he set foot on an NBA court, James somehow surpassed every wild expectation placed upon him. He's made 21 consecutive All-NBA teams, won four titles, and earned four MVPs. Remarkably, he's entering his 23rd season while still playing at an All-Star level. Regardless of who you consider the GOAT, James is indisputably the greatest No. 1 pick of all time.

Runners-up: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan

Sam Oshtry is a sports writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more coverage.