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The Best-Ever Second-Round Picks in the NBA

Photo of Nicky NickyPosted 5 days ago
Nikola Jokic is the greatest second-round pick ever in the NBA!
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

As the NBA Draft approaches on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the excitement surrounding the league’s future stars reaches a fever pitch. While the first-round picks often dominate headlines and fan discussions, the second round has historically provided a platform for some of the most remarkable and unexpected talents in NBA history. In this article, we delve into the best-ever second-round picks, chosen based on a combination of outright skill, impressive stats, significant honors, and enduring NBA legacy. As we celebrate these hidden gems of past drafts, we also look forward with anticipation to see if this year’s second-round selections will add to this illustrious list, proving once again that greatness can emerge from any position in the draft.

10. Isaiah Thomas (Drafted 60th in 2011 by the Sacramento Kings)

Isaiah Thomas, the very last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, defied all expectations to become a two-time NBA All-Star. Standing at just 5’9″, Thomas earned the nickname “The Pizza Guy” due to his frequent clutch performances. His peak was probably shorter than some of the other guys on this list, but there were some exceptional seasons in which Thomas showed he could compete at the top of the league. During the 2016-2017 season with the Boston Celtics, Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game, the second-highest in the NBA, and led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. His inspiring play and heart-on-sleeve attitude have cemented his legacy as one of the best underdog stories in NBA history.

9. Khris Middleton (Drafted 39th in 2012 by the Detroit Pistons)

Being a key piece on the way to becoming an NBA Champion is no joke. Khris Middleton‘s rise from a second-round pick to an NBA Champion and three-time All-Star epitomizes perseverance and development. Initially drafted by the Detroit Pistons, Middleton found his stride with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming a crucial piece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Known for his smooth shooting and clutch performances, Middleton has career averages of 17 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, showcasing his all-around game and significant impact on the Bucks’ success.

Middleton is an NBA Champion!
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

8. Paul Millsap (Drafted 47th in 2006 by the Utah Jazz)

Paul Millsap‘s steady and reliable play has made him a valuable asset throughout his NBA career. A four-time All-Star, Millsap has been known for his versatility, defensive prowess, and scoring ability. With career averages of 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Millsap has consistently contributed to his teams’ success, including deep playoff runs with the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. His work ethic and leadership on and off the court have earned him respect across the league.

7. Gilbert Arenas (Drafted 31st in 2001 by the Golden State Warriors)

Gilbert Arenas, nicknamed “Agent Zero,” brought electrifying play and a larger-than-life personality to the NBA. Drafted early in the second round, Arenas became a three-time All-Star and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2003. Known for his scoring prowess, Arenas had a career-high average of 29.3 points per game during the 2005-2006 season with the Washington Wizards. Despite a career cut short by injuries and off-court controversies, Arenas’ impact and unforgettable moments remain a significant part of NBA history.

He’s still culturally popular as well. He received a shoutout in rapper Jack Harlow’s acclaimed track “What’s Poppin”, in which he says:

“Ooh, like Gilbert Arenas
Shoot my shot, I’m still with the demons, ooh“

Arenas still has his name sung in nightclubs and raves and will be remembered as one of the best second-round picks in NBA history.

Gilbert Arenas was one of the best NBA second-round picks of all-time.

6. Toni Kukoç (Drafted 29th in 1990 by the Chicago Bulls)

Toni Kukoč, a Croatian sensation, brought his European flair to the NBA after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls. A three-time NBA Champion, Kukoč played a vital role in the Bulls’ second three-peat alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Known as “The Waiter” for his ability to serve up perfect passes, Kukoč won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1996. His versatility, playmaking, and scoring ability made him one of the first successful European stars in the NBA, paving the way for future international players.

His legacy has been well documented through “The Last Dance”, the Netflix series which highlighted Michael Jordan’s career, as well as the talents of his teammates such as Kukoc.

5. Marc Gasol (Drafted 48th in 2007 by the Los Angeles Lakers)

Marc Gasol, initially drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, emerged as one of the premier centers in the NBA. A three-time All-Star and the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Gasol was known for his exceptional basketball IQ, passing, and defensive prowess. He played a pivotal role in the “Grit and Grind” era of the Grizzlies, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Gasol’s career averages of 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game underscore his all-around impact. He capped his illustrious career with an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

Gasol was a BALLER
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

4. Draymond Green (Drafted 35th in 2012 by the Golden State Warriors)

It’s very possible, and even quite likely, that without Draymond Green, Steph Curry would not have won four NBA rings. Green’s journey from a second-round pick to a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty is a testament to his unique skill set and relentless determination.

As a four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star, Green’s versatility as a defender and playmaker has been crucial to the Warriors’ success. Known for his high basketball IQ and intensity, Green has career averages of 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate the offense has earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017, cementing his status as one of the best all-around players in the league.

He’s definitely a controversial player, often getting into altercations with opposition players or sometimes even his own players à la Jordan Poole in 2022. Despite that, he’s an exceptionally popular and talented player and will have a big future in broadcasting when his career shortly comes to an end.

Green has been a key player for the Golden State Warriors for over a decade
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

3. Manu Ginobili (Drafted 57th in 1999 by the San Antonio Spurs)

If you essentially create an entirely new skill and popularise it in the NBA, you deserve to be high up on this list. Ginobili brought the euro-step to the NBA which has inspired countless players, guards, and big men, to use it.

Drafted near the end of the second round, he became a cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs’ success for over a decade. Along with Spurs teammates Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, he was one of the famous “Big Three” during the Spurs’ long era of success under Gregg Popovich.

The Argentine guard’s flair, creativity, and clutch performances helped the Spurs secure four NBA Championships. A two-time All-Star and the 2008 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Ginobili is one of only two players to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal.

His career averages of 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, alongside numerous unforgettable playoff moments, have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest international players in NBA history.

2. Dennis Rodman (Drafted 27th in 1986 by the Detroit Pistons)

Dennis Rodman, known as “The Worm,” was a transformative defensive force and rebounder in the NBA. Drafted by the Detroit Pistons, Rodman became a key figure in the “Bad Boys” era, winning two NBA Championships.

His relentless energy, defensive versatility, and rebounding prowess led him to win five NBA Championships, including three with the Chicago Bulls. Rodman was a two-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time rebounding champion, with career averages of 13.1 rebounds and 7.3 points per game. His colorful personality and fierce competitiveness made him a unique and unforgettable figure in the league’s history.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Rodman’s life off the court has been equally fascinating. Known for his eccentric style, ever-changing hair colors, and high-profile relationships, Rodman was a media sensation. He also formed an unlikely friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which garnered international attention.

Despite his off-court antics, Rodman’s commitment on the hardwood was unquestionable. His intense work ethic and unmatched ability to dominate the boards, often against taller opponents, redefined the role of a power forward. Rodman’s legacy is a testament to his extraordinary athleticism, unconventional personality, and the indelible mark he left on the game of basketball.

1. Nikola Jokic (Drafted 41st in 2014 by the Denver Nuggets) – The Greatest NBA Second-Round Pick Ever

Nikola Jokić has unquestionably established himself as the greatest second-round pick in NBA history. Known as “The Joker,” Jokić’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ has redefined the center position. As of 2024, he is a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), solidifying his status as a dominant force in the league. Jokić’s versatility is reflected in his impressive career averages, with over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. His ability to orchestrate the offense, often leading his team in assists, has transformed the Nuggets into perennial contenders.

Jokić’s journey from a relatively unknown prospect in Serbia to the NBA’s elite is a testament to his hard work and unique talent. His unassuming demeanor, disdain for life in the spotlight, and humble approach contrast sharply with his on-court brilliance, where his exceptional passing, scoring, and rebounding make him a nightly triple-double threat.

In the 2022-2023 season, Jokić led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors. His playoff performances have been marked by clutch plays and consistency, further cementing his legacy. Beyond the statistics and accolades, Jokić’s impact on the game is profound, inspiring a new generation of big men to develop all-around skills and embrace a more versatile style of play. His story continues to unfold, promising even more remarkable achievements in the years to come.

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)

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Photo of Nicky NickyPosted 5 days ago