Best 2nd Round Picks NBA: 10 Legendary Players Who Outperformed Their Draft Position

I still remember watching the 2007 NBA draft with my college roommates, laughing about how some teams were making what we called "desperation picks" in the second round. Little did we know we were witnessing history in the making when the San Antonio Spurs selected some Argentine kid named Manu Ginóbili with the 57th overall pick. Looking back now, it's incredible how many legendary players have emerged from what many consider the draft's bargain bin. This reminds me of how international tournaments like the upcoming Asian Cup in China from May 7 to 18 often reveal hidden gems who later become stars - much like these second-round NBA picks who outperformed everyone's expectations.

When I analyze the best 2nd round picks NBA history has given us, Marc Gasol immediately comes to mind. Selected 48th overall in 2007, the same draft that gave us Ginóbili, Gasol developed into one of the most complete centers of his generation. I've always argued that his basketball IQ was off the charts - he could score, rebound, and facilitate offense like few big men in league history. His journey from being Pau Gasol's little brother to NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year perfectly illustrates why teams should never underestimate second-round talent. What's fascinating is how international experience, similar to what players gain in tournaments like the Asian Cup, often prepares these athletes for NBA success in ways college basketball simply cannot.

Speaking of international flavor, Manu Ginóbili might be the ultimate steal in draft history. The Argentine shooting guard revolutionized the sixth man role and collected four championship rings along the way. I still get chills remembering his incredible dunk over Chris Bosh during the 2014 Finals - for a player in his mid-30s, that was simply unreal. His Eurostep became must-watch television and influenced an entire generation of players. The Spurs managed to build a dynasty partly because they recognized international talent others overlooked, similar to how the Asian Cup serves as a platform for Asian basketball talent that might otherwise go unnoticed by major leagues.

Draymond Green represents another spectacular second-round success story. Selected 35th overall in 2012, the fiery forward from Michigan State transformed Golden State's defense and became the emotional core of their championship teams. I've had debates with fellow basketball enthusiasts who claim Green was just a product of the Warriors system, but I firmly believe his unique skill set would have made him valuable anywhere. His ability to guard all five positions while facilitating offense as a point forward changed how teams value versatility in modern basketball.

What's particularly interesting about these best 2nd round picks NBA teams discovered is how many became franchise cornerstones. Isaiah Thomas, the "King in the Fourth," was the very last pick in 2011 yet became an All-Star who once averaged 28.9 points per game. His journey from Mr. Irrelevant to Boston legend still inspires undersized players everywhere. Then there's Carlos Boozer, picked 34th in 2002, who developed into a two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. I've always felt Boozer never got the credit he deserved for his consistent double-double production throughout his career.

The international connection continues with players like Nikola Jokić, who was sleeping when he was selected 41st overall in 2014. The Serbian center has since become one of the most dominant offensive forces the game has ever seen, winning back-to-back MVP awards. His story reminds me that major international events like the Asian Cup basketball tournament happening in China this May often serve as crucial development grounds for future NBA talent. The cross-pollination between international competitions and NBA success stories can't be ignored when discussing these draft steals.

Gilbert Arenas provides perhaps the most dramatic second-round narrative. Selected 31st overall in 2001, "Agent Zero" went from benchwarmer to superstar, averaging 29.3 points per game at his peak before his career was derailed by injuries and off-court issues. I'll never forget his game-winner against the Bulls in the 2005 playoffs - the man had ice in his veins. His story serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale about how quickly fortunes can change for these overlooked prospects.

Looking at the bigger picture, the pattern with these best 2nd round picks NBA teams uncovered reveals something crucial about talent evaluation. Dennis Rodman, picked 27th in 1986, became perhaps the greatest rebounder and defender in basketball history despite not even playing organized basketball until college. His transformation from airport janitor to Hall of Famer shows that sometimes the most valuable players don't fit conventional molds. Similarly, international tournaments like the Asian Cup demonstrate that talent emerges in unexpected places if we're willing to look beyond traditional pipelines.

As I reflect on these incredible careers, what strikes me most is how each of these players carried a chip on their shoulder that drove them to prove their doubters wrong. Michael Redd, selected 43rd in 2000, developed from a deep bench player into an Olympic gold medalist and 20-point-per-game scorer through sheer determination. His beautiful shooting stroke remains one of the most underappreciated in recent memory. Like players using platforms like the Asian Cup to showcase their skills, these second-round picks maximized every opportunity to demonstrate they belonged among basketball's elite.

The stories of these legendary second-round selections teach us that draft position ultimately means very little compared to work ethic, opportunity, and development. As we approach another NBA draft season and watch international competitions like the Asian Cup in China from May 7 to 18, it's worth remembering that future stars often emerge from unexpected places. The next Manu Ginóbili or Nikola Jokić might be waiting in the second round right now, ready to join the pantheon of best 2nd round picks NBA history has celebrated. What excites me most is wondering who the next great steal will be - because if history has taught us anything, there's always another diamond waiting to be discovered in the rough.