The 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center offers the league’s newest players a chance to make an early statement on stage, with attention especially focused on the No. 1 pick. The first player called also is the first to show off their style in front of a national television audience, according to the provided text.
From sleek suits to dazzling chains, No. 1 pick fashion has evolved over the years. The source highlights Paolo Banchero’s purple suit and “P5” chain and LeBron James’ all-white look as examples of how top selections have used the draft to make a sartorial statement.
The No. 1 pick frequently draws the brightest spotlight and often sets the tone for draft-night presentation. According to the provided list, the sequence of first overall selections since 2000 reflects two decades-plus of players, teams and moments that also served as early fashion stages for each incoming star.
According to the provided list, the No. 1 picks since 2000 are: Kenyon Martin (2000, New Jersey Nets); Kwame Brown (2001, Washington Wizards); Yao Ming (2002, Houston Rockets); LeBron James (2003, Cleveland Cavaliers); Dwight Howard (2004, Orlando Magic); Andrew Bogut (2005, Milwaukee Bucks); Andrea Bargnani (2006, Toronto Raptors); Greg Oden (2007, Portland Trail Blazers); Derrick Rose (2008, Chicago Bulls); Blake Griffin (2009, LA Clippers); John Wall (2010, Washington Wizards); Kyrie Irving (2011, Cleveland Cavaliers); Anthony Davis (2012, New Orleans Pelicans); Anthony Bennett (2013, Cleveland Cavaliers); Andrew Wiggins (2014, Cleveland Cavaliers); Karl-Anthony Towns (2015, Minnesota Timberwolves); Ben Simmons (2016, Philadelphia 76ers); Markelle Fultz (2017, Philadelphia 76ers); Deandre Ayton (2018, Phoenix Suns); Zion Williamson (2019, New Orleans Pelicans); Anthony Edwards (2020, Minnesota Timberwolves); Cade Cunningham (2021, Detroit Pistons); Paolo Banchero (2022, Orlando Magic); Victor Wembanyama (2023, San Antonio Spurs); Zaccharie Risacher (2024, Atlanta Hawks); Cooper Flagg (2025, Dallas Mavericks).
