Behind the Big Three: The History of the 4th Overall NBA Draft Pick

Behind the Big Three: The History of the 4th Overall NBA Draft Pick

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Behind the Big Three: The History of the 4th Overall NBA Draft Pick

When NBA fans and analysts discuss draft history, attention often centers on the No. 1 pick — the next presumed superstar. Even the second and third selections typically receive heavy scrutiny and spotlight. But just one spot behind them, the 4th overall pick has quietly produced a compelling mix of stars, solid contributors, and surprise stories.

This article takes a closer look at the legacy of the 4th pick — the players who defied expectations, fulfilled potential, or left fans wondering what might have been.

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The Stars That Rose from No. 4

Despite being just outside the coveted top three, the 4th pick has yielded some of the league’s biggest names:

 

Chris Paul (2005): Widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, Paul brought leadership, court vision, and fierce competitiveness to every team he’s joined. Though he’s yet to win a championship, his impact on the game is undeniable.

Russell Westbrook (2008): Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (who became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Westbrook developed into an MVP, a triple-double machine, and one of the most intense competitors of his era.

Dikembe Mutombo (1991): A dominant defensive force, Mutombo made his mark with finger wags, shot blocking, and community service. He was an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

These players demonstrate that talent doesn’t stop after the first three picks — and that greatness can come from just slightly off-center stage.

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Solid Contributors and Hidden Gems

Beyond the superstars, several 4th picks carved out long, productive NBA careers:

Lamar Odom (1999): A versatile forward who could handle, pass, and score, Odom was an essential piece of the Lakers’ back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Shawn Marion (1999): Selected by Phoenix, Marion became a defensive stalwart and rebounding machine. His unorthodox jump shot didn’t stop him from becoming a four-time All-Star and a key player on the 2011 championship Dallas Mavericks.

Jamal Murray (2016): One of the more recent success stories, Murray’s scoring ability and clutch performances helped lead the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Championship alongside Nikola Jokić.

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Busts and What-Ifs

Not every 4th pick pans out, and some are remembered more for what could have been than what was:

Josh Jackson (2017): Hailed as an elite prospect out of Kansas, Jackson never quite found his footing in the league, bouncing between teams and struggling with consistency.

Dragan Bender (2016): The 7-foot Croatian was projected as a modern stretch big, but his NBA career was short-lived, highlighting the risks of picking for potential over proven production.

These examples serve as a reminder that the NBA Draft is always a gamble — and that a high pick doesn’t guarantee long-term success.

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A Pick That Matters

The 4th overall selection has quietly built a legacy of producing both all-time greats and cautionary tales. It’s a spot that often forces teams to balance need and talent, potential and production. While it lacks the immediate pressure of the top three picks, the 4th spot has arguably delivered just as many franchise-altering players over the decades.

As we continue to watch new drafts unfold, the No. 4 pick will remain a fascinating point of intrigue — a position just behind the spotlight, but often close to greatness.