In the NBA, the first round of the draft often receives the most attention, as teams select the top prospects in the country with hopes of finding their next superstar. However, there have been many players who were drafted in the second round and went on to have incredible NBA careers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best second-round draft picks who became superstars in the NBA.
- Draymond Green
Draymond Green was selected in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Green quickly established himself as a versatile player, capable of playing multiple positions and contributing in various ways on the court. He has been a vital part of the Warriors’ success in recent years, winning three championships and being named to the All-Star team three times. Green is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive team five times. He has also been recognized for his leadership and intensity on the court, making him a fan favorite and an integral part of the Warriors’ success.
- Manu Ginobili
Manu Ginobili was drafted in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft, 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Ginobili was a star in Argentina before coming to the NBA, and he quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. He played his entire 16-year NBA career with the Spurs, helping them win four championships and being named to the All-Star team twice. Ginobili was known for his creativity on the court, with his signature Euro-step move becoming one of the most recognizable moves in the league. He was also a fierce competitor, known for his clutch performances in big games.
- Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft, 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors. Arenas quickly established himself as one of the best scorers in the league, averaging over 20 points per game in three different seasons. He was named to the All-Star team three times and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2003. Arenas was also known for his personality and his penchant for hitting clutch shots, earning him the nickname “Agent Zero”.
- Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol was selected in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft, 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol spent the early part of his career playing professionally in Spain before coming to the NBA. He quickly established himself as one of the best centers in the league, earning three All-Star selections and winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. Gasol also helped lead the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
- Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic was selected in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets. Jokic quickly established himself as a unique talent, with his size, passing ability, and shooting range making him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2021, becoming the lowest draft pick ever to win the award. Jokic has also been named to the All-Star team three times and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2021.
In conclusion, the NBA draft is a fickle process, with many players being passed over despite their potential. However, the players listed above serve as a reminder that talent can be found in any round of the draft.
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