NBA history showcases the unpredictability of the NBA Draft, where second-round picks like Nikola Jokic and Manu Ginobili defy expectations.
Jokic, a 2-time NBA MVP and an NBA Champion, and Ginobili, a four-time champion, exemplify how second-round selections can shape the league’s narrative, highlighting the draft’s potential beyond the first round.
1. Nikola Jokic – The Best Second-Round Pick in NBA History
Nikola Jokic, an exceptional second-round pick, has rapidly become one of the NBA’s top international players. His unique skills, blending high basketball IQ with versatile shooting, have earned him two MVP titles, four All-Star selections, three All-NBA First-Team honors, and a Championship Ring with the Denver Nuggets.
Averaging 28.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, Jokic is on track to be the greatest Denver Nuggets player, redefining the impact of second-round picks in the NBA.
2. Manu Ginóbili – Suprs’ NBA Draft Masterclass
Manu Ginobili, integral to the San Antonio Spurs dynasty with Tim Duncan, was a standout after being selected 57th overall in the 1999 NBA draft.
His dynamic presence on the court, reflecting coach Gregg Popovich‘s strategies, established him as one of the NBA’s most impactful Sixth Men.
Ginobili’s accolades, including two All-Star selections, two All-NBA nods, and a Sixth Man of the Year Award, contributed to the Spurs‘ four NBA championships, cementing his status as a prominent left-handed player in NBA history.
3. Dennis Rodman – The Greatest Rebounder in NBA Draft History
Dennis Rodman, renowned as one of the NBA’s top rebounders and defenders, notably countered stars like Shaquille O’Neal.
Starting with the Detroit Pistons and later joining the Chicago Bulls, he was pivotal in their second three-peat, defeating the Utah Jazz.
Rodman, a vibrant off-court personality, boasts a Hall of Fame career with five NBA Championships, two All-Star selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-Defensive team nods, and led the league in rebounds for seven years, an impressive feat for a second-round pick from Southeastern Oklahoma State.
4. Draymond Green – four-time NBA Champion
Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr, stands out for his defensive versatility and playmaking.
A second-round pick from Michigan State, Green’s impact is significant: four NBA championships, four All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections, four NBA All-Defensive First Team honors, a 2017 league leader in steals, and Defensive Player of the Year.
His contributions solidify his future place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
5. Willis Reed
Willis Reed, a pivotal figure for the New York Knicks, was selected 8th overall in the 1964 NBA Draft and known for his clutch playoff performances.
Despite his size, Reed excelled against players like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His Hall of Fame career includes one MVP, two NBA championships with two Finals MVPs, Rookie of the Year, seven All-Star appearances, five All-NBA Team selections, and a place on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team.
Reed, recognized among the 50 and 75 greatest NBA players, also had a successful post-playing career as a coach and executive with teams including the Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
6. Nate Archibald
Nate ‘Tiny’ Archibald, drafted 19th overall in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, excelled as a 6’1″ (1.85m) guard with his scoring and playmaking skills.
He made history by leading the NBA in points per game (34.0) and assists per game (11.4) in a single season, a record for point guards.
Archibald, who also played for the New York Nets, Buffalo Braves, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks, earned six All-Star selections, one All-Star MVP, five All-NBA Team honors, and won an NBA championship.
7. Hal Greer
Hal Greer, a second-round pick in the 1958 NBA Draft, defied expectations with his scoring and rebounding prowess.
Standing at 6’2” (1.88m), he became one of basketball’s early explosive players, known for his agility and skill.
In his Hall of Fame career, Greer averaged over 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, earning ten All-Star selections, one All-Star Game MVP, seven All-NBA team honors, and an NBA championship, all with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers.
8. Mark Price
Mark Price, a precursor to players like Stephen Curry, was an elite shooter and passer who put the Cleveland Cavaliers on the map.
His legacy in Ohio is evident, with his jersey still widely worn. Price made his mark with averages of nearly 19 points and 9 assists per game, becoming the second NBA player to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a season.
His career highlights include four All-Star and All-NBA team selections, two three-point contest wins, and a 90.4% free-throw shooting average, securing his status as a player ahead of his time.
9. Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas, despite his controversial career, was an electrifying NBA player known for his scoring.
Initially projected as an NBA Draft lottery pick, his stock fell due to pre-draft issues, leading to his selection as a second-round pick, 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors.
In his rookie season, he played mostly as a sixth man.
Arenas’ career soared with the Washington Wizards, becoming a dominant scorer, and earning three All-Star and All-NBA team selections.
He was named the Most Improved Player in 2003. However, his promising trajectory was derailed by a gun-related incident, resulting in his trade to the Orlando Magic and a brief tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, ultimately leading to his decline in the NBA.
10. Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol, initially seen as ‘Pau Gasol’s younger brother’, made his mark in the NBA after being selected in an NBA Draft as 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
He developed into a dominant two-way center, known for his intelligence and shooting skills.
Gasol’s accolades include three All-Star selections, two All-NBA selections, one All-Defensive Team honor, and an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018/2019 NBA season.
He also had stints with the Lakers before concluding his career in Spain.
How Many Second-Round Picks Make it into the NBA?
Around 30% of 2nd round picks make it into the NBA.
How many rounds of draft picks are there in the NBA?
The draft has two rounds, and each round consists of 30 picks.
However, this does not mean that 60 players are drafted every year because teams can trade their picks for other bonuses or the league can penalize a team by taking away their NBA Draft picks.
