The Best Remaining NBA Player From Every Draft
- Joel Piton
- 12 hours ago
- 10 min read
Every draft class begins with around 60 players and endless opportunity. About 40% of picks fade out after a few years. But a select few keep grinding, keep adapting, and keep finding ways to stick around. LeBron is entering his 23rd NBA season—a staggering feat in itself—but he's not quite the only survivor. Who else is still representing their draft class? Some are household names Hall of Fame bound, others are veteran role players contributing quietly, but each has carved out a career long enough to outlast almost everyone they entered the league with. Here’s a look at the best remaining player from every class that still has someone active today.
2025 — Cooper Flagg
Despite having nothing more than a couple of Summer League games under his belt, Flagg already carries the weight of lofty expectations. The former NCAA star is widely projected to have a Hall of Fame-caliber career, thanks to his rare blend of size, skill, and confidence. At 6’8", he’s a forward-guard hybrid who can score from anywhere on the floor. With Dallas battling injuries, Flagg may be asked to do more than most rookies—but if the hype is any indication, he has the tools to carry the Mavericks into playoff contention sooner rather than later.
2024 — Stephon Castle
The 2024 draft may have been criticized as underwhelming, but it’s already produced a standout in Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. The Spurs’ guard shocked critics with his relentless defense, explosive athleticism, and discipline as a true two-way threat. At 6’6", he plays above the rim and makes life miserable for opposing ballhandlers, giving San Antonio a defensive anchor in the backcourt. If Castle can add a consistent three-point shot to his arsenal, he won’t just be a rising star—he’ll be nearly impossible to stop.
2023 — Victor Wembanyama
One of the most hyped prospects in basketball history, Victor Wembanyama hasn’t just lived up to expectations—he’s exceeded them. A true one-of-one, Wemby led the league in blocks while showcasing limitless three-point range, fluid footwork, and elite basketball IQ. At 7’4", he defies convention, combining rim protection with guard-like skill. Still just scratching the surface of his potential, Wembanyama is already a franchise cornerstone and a star who looks poised to dominate the NBA for years to come.
2022 — Paolo Banchero
The former Duke standout took his game to new heights last season, averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists despite being limited to just 46 games. Even in a shortened campaign, he ensured Orlando stayed in the playoff mix, proving himself as the franchise’s cornerstone. While Jalen Williams has turned plenty of heads with a championship and an All-NBA nod already on his resume, Banchero’s ceiling feels undeniably higher. At 6’10" with a do-it-all offensive package, Paolo looks like a future perennial All-NBA selection in his own right.
2021 — Evan Mobley
This one was tough. Cade Cunningham looks destined to be a major problem in the East for years to come, but right now Evan Mobley is simply on another level. At 24, he was in the MVP conversation last season while earning Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA Second Team honors on the top squad in the Eastern Conference. Nearly seven feet tall, Mobley can anchor a defense in every possible way, and he continues to add layers to his offensive game each offseason. With his shooting steadily improving, there’s no telling how dominant he’ll be if he takes another leap as a scorer.
2020 — Anthony Edwards
Touted by many as the future face of the NBA, Anthony Edwards headlines a loaded 2020 draft class as a multi-time All-Star at just 24 years old. At 6’4" with the frame of a linebacker, Edwards combines platinum-level scoring chops with must-see athleticism that makes him one of the league’s most electrifying players. He transformed Minnesota from a 19-win squad into a team with four straight playoff appearances, redefining the franchise’s culture in the process. Timberwolves culture demands agression, energy, and passion. While his shot selection from deep has drawn criticism, he hits a lot of them—and has the confidence to score from anywhere on the floor. Edwards isn’t just rising—he’s already arrived as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
2019 — Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s off-court issues haven’t overshadowed his undeniable talent, and when healthy he remains one of the NBA’s premier point guards. Zion Williamson still has Hall of Fame potential, but his career has been riddled with injuries that make his ceiling uncertain. Morant, too, has dealt with setbacks, but we’ve already seen enough to know he’s a generational talent. With elite vertical leap, jaw-dropping dunks, a pass-first mentality, and a relentless drive to win, Morant has cemented himself as both a fan favorite and one of the most exciting players of his era.
2018 — Luka Doncic
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting together one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history—MVP, title, Finals MVP—the 2018 draft still belongs to Luka Doncic. Luka is in a league of his own, a generational talent capable of being the best standalone player in basketball. The blockbuster Lakers trade has shifted the trajectory of his career, but what he brings to the floor hasn’t changed. A nightly triple-double threat, Doncic can pour in 30 to 40 points with ease, making the game look effortless. His combination of size, skill, and creativity ensures that he’ll continue to define his era.
2017 — Jayson Tatum
Former No. 3 overall pick Jayson Tatum has already checked every major box in an NBA career. An NBA champion, multiple-time All-Star, and multiple-time All-NBA selection, he’s done it all while leading one of the league’s most competitive squads year after year. Tatum has been arguably the best small forward in basketball for some time, a versatile scorer who can get it done at all three levels. At just 27, it feels strange to imagine a full season without him, but with recovery underway, there’s every reason to expect Tatum to return in All-Star form once he’s back on the court.
2016 — Jaylen Brown
None other than Jayson Tatum’s teammate steps into the spotlight: Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ current front-runner in Tatum’s absence. Brown has steadily evolved into a true three-level scorer, with an offensive game finally catching up to his elite defensive presence. An explosive athlete who attacks the rim with force, he gives Boston a relentless edge on both ends of the floor. The downside? He shot career lows from beyond the arc this past season. If he can fine-tune his perimeter shot back into form, Brown will once again be one of the league’s most complete two-way wings.
2015 — Karl-Anthony Towns
In a razor-close call with Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns gets the nod as the best remaining player from the 2015 draft. Right now, KAT looks every bit like a top-three center in the league. A five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, he’s a walking double-double who shoots over 40% from beyond the arc—stretching defenses while still punishing opponents inside. Towns’ ability to both space the floor and protect the rim makes him one of the most versatile bigs in basketball. With him as their anchor, the Knicks have playoff expectations every single year.
2014 — Nikola Jokic
Selected 41st overall, Nikola Jokic has defied every expectation to become one of the greatest players of his era. A three-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and 2023 NBA champion, Jokic has redefined what’s possible at the center position. He’s surpassed higher picks in his class to emerge as the face of the five spot, blending elite passing vision, scoring touch, and efficiency. A nightly triple-double threat who can shoot over 60% from the field across an entire season, Jokic is a once-in-a-generation talent. Now entering his 30s, the question isn’t whether he’ll stay dominant—it’s how many more titles he can chase with Denver.
2013 — Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak has been the crown jewel of his draft class by an unfathomable margin. Widely regarded as one of the weakest drafts in NBA history—headlined by arguably the worst No. 1 pick ever—this class produced only three All-Stars, one of whom has already retired. Giannis changed everything. A nine-time All-Star and selected to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team at just 26 years old, he’s already built a Hall of Fame resume. Considered one of the greatest power forwards and all-around players to ever play the game, Giannis has averaged 30 points per game for four straight seasons without showing signs of regression. Even as Milwaukee has stumbled in recent years, Antetokounmpo continues to play with his heart on his sleeve, carrying the Bucks every step of the way.
2012 — Anthony Davis
For a decade, Anthony Davis was the gold standard at power forward, the flagship big man of professional basketball. A 10-time All-Star and NCAA legend, Davis is arguably the best college-to-pro prospect of the 2010s, and his NBA resume already locks him in for the Hall of Fame. Known for his shot-blocking, versatility, and ability to dominate both ends of the floor, AD has long been one of the league’s most feared interior presences. Now entering his mid-30s and suiting up in Dallas alongside a mix of veterans and rising stars, his health and conditioning will be the key to how much more he can add to an already decorated career.
2011 — Kyrie Irving
This one wasn’t easy. Both Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard have battled injuries and load management over the years, and both have hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But right now, Kyrie still plays at an All-NBA level, while Kawhi has struggled to push the Clippers beyond the first round in recent seasons. That balance could shift soon—Los Angeles has built one of its best rosters yet, and Kyrie’s own health remains in question—but for now, Irving stands apart. A generational ball handler and one of the league’s most skilled scorers, he’s still capable of dropping 25 a night with ease. Here’s hoping he makes a speedy recovery so we can keep watching one of the game’s most creative offensive players at work.
2010 — Paul George
With John Wall announcing his retirement, Paul George isn’t just the best player left from the 2010 draft—he’s the only one. Though far removed from his runner-up MVP days, George remains a valuable 3-and-D veteran capable of contributing to a playoff contender. His regression came quickly and somewhat unexpectedly, reminiscent of Blake Griffin’s sharp decline after leaving Detroit for Brooklyn. Injuries have undeniably shaped the latter half of his career, but if there’s anyone who’s learned how to adjust, endure, and still make an impact, it’s George. His ability to reinvent himself has allowed him to outlast every peer in his class.
2009 — Stephen Curry
Steph owns this class by far—sorry, Harden. At 37, Curry isn’t just the best player from '09, he remains one of the NBA’s most talented point guards and one of the most respected athletes in all of professional sports. Last season he earned All-NBA Second Team honors, continuing to play at an All-Star level well into his late 30s. For all the love LeBron gets for defying age, Steph’s longevity deserves equal celebration—and maybe even its own study. No 6'10" build, no elite athletic motor—just talent. The greatest shooter the game has ever seen, a four-time champion, and the face of a dynasty, Curry is still determined to carry the Warriors into contention. The roster around him may be in flux, but if anyone can make it work, it’s Steph.
2008 — Brook Lopez
While Russell Westbrook is the most decorated name from the 2008 draft, Brook Lopez has aged into one of the league’s most reliable and talented big men. At 37, Lopez finished top five in blocks while starting 80 games, proving he can still anchor a defense deep into his career. Though never an elite rebounder, he more than compensates with his rim protection and ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter. Now set to provide veteran presence off the Clippers’ bench, Lopez remains a difference-maker and a testament to longevity in today’s NBA.
2007 — Kevin Durant
Another player whose longevity deserves a case study, Kevin Durant is about to turn 37 and can still transform a franchise into a championship contender overnight—glaring evident from the blockbuster trade sending him to Houston. At 6’11" with guard-like skills, Durant is a basketball anomaly, capable of effortlessly dropping 30 on any given night. Widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen, he continues to dominate well into his thirties. A 15-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and two-time champion, Durant is already one of the greatest to ever play the game. Whenever the day comes that he decides to hang it up, it’ll be a tough one for the entire basketball world.
2006 — Kyle Lowry
With P.J. Tucker wandering in free agency, Kyle Lowry stands as the lone member of the 2006 class still on an NBA roster. A six-time All-Star and one of the toughest guards of his generation, Lowry has built a remarkable 19-year career defined by grit, leadership, and clutch play. Considered the greatest point guard in Raptors history, he helped deliver Toronto its first championship and was the heart of the franchise for several years. Now 39, Lowry has announced that this upcoming season may be his last—and fittingly, the Philly native will get to close things out right at home.
2005 — Chris Paul
For years now, Chris Paul has been the lone active player from the 2005 draft—and he’s confirmed the 2025–26 campaign will be his final season. Before hanging it up, the future Hall of Famer gave fans one last treat: a return to the Clippers, where his prime first took shape. A 12-time All-Star, Paul is widely considered the “Point God”, one of the greatest floor generals in NBA history. His resume speaks for itself: five-time NBA assists leader, 11-time All-NBA selection, and nine-time All-Defensive Team honoree. A first-ballot Hall of Famer without question, Paul’s career only has one glaring gap in the trophy case—a championship. As he embarks on his farewell season, the hope is that his Clippers teammates give him one last push toward the ring he’s chased his entire career.
2003 — Lebron James
King James continues to defy Father Time, suiting up for his 23rd NBA season in just two months. A 21-time All-Star, four-time champion, and four-time MVP, LeBron’s resume is almost too long to list—and yet he keeps adding to it. Already the league’s all-time scoring leader, he’s also climbed into the top five in assists and is within striking distance of more seemingly unbreakable records. At 40 years old, he’s still producing at an All-NBA level, averaging 24 points while leading the Lakers with the same poise and intensity that define his greatness. Few athletes in any sport have maintained this level of dominance for this long. Every game LeBron plays at this stage in his life isn’t just padding his stat sheet—it’s history in motion.
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Father Time’s press is relentless. This list will shrink, and some of your childhood heroes won’t be here next time. For now, salute the survivors. It's a tough pill to swallow, but greatness never fades—it passes the torch to the next generation.
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Thanks for reading!
Joel Piton