Most No. 1 picks in NBA history: How Wizards can set record with 2026 draft lottery win

Who has the most No. 1 picks in NBA history?

As things stand heading into the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, there are two franchises tied for the most controlled No. 1 picks ever: the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards.

However, the history of the two teams is a bit different. Four of Washington's six No. 1 picks all-time came in the 1950s and 1960s, while Cleveland has earned the top pick four times since 2000.

There are also six teams that have never had a No. 1 pick: the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies.

Because the Cavaliers are not in the draft lottery in 2026, the Wizards will have the opportunity to break their all-time tie for No. 1 picks with Cleveland. Washington is set to enter the lottery tied for the best odds at 14% after owning the NBA's worst record in 2025-26, totaling just 17 wins.

Wizards No. 1 pick history

Here's a look at the No. 1 picks that the Wizards have had:

Cavaliers No. 1 pick history

And a look at the No. 1 picks made by the Cavaliers:

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Most No. 1 picks in NBA history

Only the Wizards and Cavaliers have made six No. 1 picks, while another two teams, the Kings and Rockets, have had the top selection on five occasions.

Since the lottery began in 1985, the Magic and Cavaliers are tied for the most times winning the No. 1 pick, each winning the lottery four times.

Here's a look at the teams with the most No. 1 picks made in NBA history:

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