10 best young NBA players right now who wear #1 for their teams feat. Zion Williamson, Devin Booker, and more
There have been some pretty notable players who have worn No. 1 throughout NBA history. In fact, several franchises have retired the number in honor of those who have worn it for the franchise.
From players like Chris Bosh and Chauncey Billups to pioneers of the game like Oscar Robertson, we've seen great players wear No. 1. Here are 10 of the best players in the league under 30 who currently wear the number.
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson has worn No. 1 since his college days at Duke University. Since entering the league in 2019, Zion has become a fan favorite despite missing significant time due to injury.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker wore No. 9 in high school. It wasn't until he played for the Kentucky Wildcats in college that he switched to No. 1. After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns, Booker kept the number. As of the first half of this season, he has the 13th best-selling jersey in the league.
Anthony Edwards
At the University of Georgia, Anthony Edwards wore No. 1. It wasn't until he was selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020 that he changed jersey numbers. Since joining the league, he has repeatedly proven his doubters wrong, raising his level of play each year.
Jonathan Isaac
Jonathan Isaac has worked his way back into the Orlando Magic's rotation since missing two seasons with an ACL injury. As one of the best young defenders in the league, it's no surprise he's landed on our list. In fact, he's worn No. 1 since his playing days at Florida State.
Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons is another player who didn't don No. 1 until joining the league. After wearing No. 3 at IMG Academy, Simons switched to No. 1 after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. As the former Slam Dunk Contest champion, he has continued to represent it will.
Michael Porter Jr
When Michael Porter Jr. played three games in his only season at Missouri and he won McDonald's All-American MVP honors in high school at Nathan Hale in Seattle, Washington, he wore No. 13. He ended up getting drafted 14th in 2018. After joining the Denver Nuggets, however, he switched to No. 1.
T.J. Warren
At 29 years old, T.J. Warren just barely made the cutoff for the list. Despite switching numbers at NC State, he didn't wear No. 1 until years later. During the NBA bubble, Warren made quite the name for himself, putting up ludicrous stat lines.
Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin was one of the most highly touted prospects at Dayton. As a 2020 National College Player of the year and consensus first-team All-American, Toppin has been associated with the No. 1 since long before he entered the league.
Theo Pinson
Theo Pinson may not have been the first name that came to mind, but he's proven himself as one of the most underrated young prospects in the league. After proving himself in college, and the NBA's G League, he landed himself a spot on the Dallas Mavericks.
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson wore No. 1 way back in high school while playing for Nicolet. As a former five-star recruit the 21-year-old could prove himself as one of the best young players to wear No. 1 in the NBA.