New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the Top 40 No. 1 Picks of All-Time

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New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

Anthony Davis is the highest member of the New Orleans Pelicans on the list

#14: Anthony Davis- New Orleans Pelicans/ Hornets (2012)

Davis is ranked this high on his combination of potential, as he is only 27-years-old, but also on his accomplishments, which have been substantial in that time. Davis averages 24 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game for his career, while re-defining what it means to be a center and power forward in the NBA. His combination of offensive prowess and rim protection are unmatched in the modern game. He’s made the All-Star team in all but his rookie season, and will likely take home an MVP or two before his career is over. As his 3-point game continues to develop, Davis is becoming nearly unstoppable.

#13: David Robinson- San Antonio Spurs (1987)

One of the most athletic big men of all-time, David Robinson was a force for the San Antonio Spurs and would have had an even greater career had it not been cut short by injuries and his time in the Navy. Robinson still made 10 All-Star teams and averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and three blocks a game for his career. Robinson had a season where he averaged a staggering 4.5 blocks per game. He is one of the best defensive centers of all-time and helped re-define the position during the golden era of centers in the NBA.

#12: Bob Lanier- Detroit Pistons (1970)

If you don’t think Lanier deserves to be this high on the list, think again. Lanier played 15 seasons in the NBA, averaging 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game for his career and did it mostly on a bum knee. Lanier was already one of the most well-rounded big men in the game, but could have been even greater had he not had that bad knee.

#11: Dwight Howard- Orlando Magic (2004)

Howard’s career has been plagued by all types of silly controversy, most of his own doing, and none of which will be recounted here. Despite what some might think of Howard’s maturity level, ability as a teammate or goofy facade, Howard was an absolute force of nature for most of his career, which is still going. Howard is in his 16th season, has made eight All-Star teams, and is one of the greatest rebounders and shot blockers of all-time, averaging 12.3 and 1.9 per game respectively. If you think Howard isn’t a Hall of Famer, then you don’t understand basketball. He was one of the most valuable players in basketball statistically and there is an argument he should have won 3-4 MVPs to go with his three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

#10: Elvin Hayes- San Diego Rockets (1968)

The Big E, Elvin Hayes, was one of the most prolific centers/power forwards of all-time. He averaged 21 points and 12.5 rebounds per game during his 16-year career, numbers that are much higher if you remove his last few injury-riddled seasons. Hayes had a season where he averaged 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds a game, numbers that would have been more known if he hadn’t been overshadowed by Wilt Chamberlain.