u/LOH_Wes

The pick #13 slot has actually produced some legends. Here's a ranked list of the most successful No. 13 overall picks in NBA history:

1. Karl Malone (1985)
   The easy #1. Malone accumulated 234.6 Win Shares over his career — by far the most by any 13th overall pick in NBA history. He averaged a career double-double with 25 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, won 2 MVPs, made 14 All-Star appearances, and earned multiple All-Defensive team selections. One of the greatest power forwards ever. Fadeaway WorldBasketball Network
2. Kobe Bryant (1996)
   There was no doubt about Bryant's talent coming into the 1996 draft, but there were concerns about his maturity and build because he skipped college to go pro. The Lakers famously traded for the pick Charlotte used on him. He went on to win 5 championships, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVPs, and made 18 All-Star teams — a clear steal at 13. Basketball Network
3. Devin Booker (2015)
   There was a time when Karl-Anthony Towns was a unanimous top choice for the first overall pick in 2015 NBA re-drafts, but considering Booker's recent success, the Suns' star has a case for the No. 1 position. A perennial All-Star and one of the best scorers of his generation. Basketball Network
4. Donovan Mitchell (2017)
   Mitchell is one of the league's best scorers and has never missed the postseason. The Jazz kept his draft workout results secret and traded up to nab him. He's a 3x All-Star who has evolved into a true franchise cornerstone for Cleveland. Basketball Network
5. Sleepy Floyd (1982)
   A lesser-known gem. Floyd made the 1986–87 All-Star Game and still owns the record for most points scored in a quarter of a playoff game (29) and a playoff half (39), posting career averages of 12.8 points and 5.4 assists per game. Fadeaway World
6. Richard Jefferson (2001)
   Jefferson had his best years as a member of those New Jersey Nets squads that made back-to-back Finals appearances, and he later won a championship with Cleveland in 2016. Fadeaway World
   Honorable Mentions: Dale Davis (underrated defensive anchor), Jalen Rose (key piece of the "Malice at the Palace"-era Pacers), and Kelly Olynyk (solid pro career).
   The No. 13 slot is surprisingly elite — headlined by two Hall of Famers in Malone and Bryant. Not bad at all for an "unlucky" number.