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Ranking the Top 10 No. 1 NBA Draft Picks
1. Earvin Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers, 1979)
via @ESPN
Topping off the list at #1 undoubtedly is Magic. A 6’9 point guard drafted out of Michigan State took the NBA by storm as he was such a unique player for his size and skill set. Stars are judged on winning, and winning was Magic’s middle name.
Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships and to four other finals. The iconic win in the Finals during his rookie year against the Philadelphia Sixers, when he played center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the deciding game. He exploded for 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists playing 47 minutes.
He captured two more rings in 1982 and 1985, before leading the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 1987 and ’88. He was named NBA MVP three times and made the All-Star Team 12 times. His charisma made him a fan favorite and is recognized as one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
He is #5 on the all time assists list at 10,141.
Career stats (per game):
19 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists
5 NBA Championships (3 time Finals MVP)
3 time NBA MVP
12 time All-Star (MVP 3 times)
1 Gold medal (1992)
