The best NBA Draft pick of all time at every slot

NEW YORK - JUNE 26: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses with his jersey during the 2003/2004 NBA Draft Portrait at Paramount Theatre Madison Square Garden on June 26, 2003 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Original Caption) Michael Jordan, former North Carolina star, College Player of the Year and star of the US Olympic gold medal winning team, looks over the multi-million dollar contract he signed with the Chicago Bulls as Bulls general manager Rod Thorn, (left) looks on 9/12. Jordan was the Bulls first round draft pick in the college draft. /

3. Michael Jordan, 1984 NBA Draft, Chicago Bulls

No two names are more synonymous with the sport of basketball than James Naismith and Michael Jordan. Jordan defined an era of the game when basketball truly started to rise as one of the more popular sports in the world. His accolades read like a grocery list: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2009, six-time NBA champion, five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, 10-time Scoring leader, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, NBA Rookie of the Year, 14-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, 11-time All-NBA selection, nine-time All-Defensive selection. There have been players who’ve done some of these accomplishments more individually, but none who have matched the collective.

Jordan was the first basketball player to become an unstoppable force on and off the court. His sneakers remain one of the best-selling products, and his game is still imitated by the best players. Thanks to Jordan’s all-around attributes, he helped start the revolution that led us to where we are now in regard to the popularity of basketball and the athletes who play it.

Whether it was his rise to the top with the Chicago Bulls or his refusal to call it quits during his second comeback with the Washington Wizards, Jordan was must-see TV at all times. During his career, Jordan was the one player that every other star was measured against and that has carried over into his retirement as well.

There have been few players in the history of the game who have been able to captivate an audience as Jordan did — and still does today. His above-the-rim aerial assaults, turnaround fadeaway jumper, and sticking his tongue out celebration are moves that boys and girls of all ages practice at their local gym to this day.

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