NBA Draft: Ranking The Top 5 Second-Round Picks
Finding a star in the first round of the draft is a challenge for NBA general managers, regardless of what selection they have. While it is not impossible to find a star in the second round of the draft, the percentage of stars found past Round 1 is extremely low. It represents a tremendous achievement for the talented general managers and scouts that have the ability to locate a talented prospect that other teams in the NBA have underestimated or overlooked. Let’s take a look at the top five players that have come out of the second round of the draft.
Marc Gasol has evolved into one of the top centers in the NBA. (Photo/Flick.com)
5. Marc Gasol
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Marc Gasol with the No. 48 overall pick in the 2007 draft. Gasol never played a game for the Lakers, as his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal that landed the Lakers his brother, forward Pau Gasol. This trade was widely regarded as a coup for the Lakers, as Pau won two championships with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles.
As time has passed, Marc Gasol has developed into one of the best centers in the NBA. Gasol has improved throughout his career and was named to his first All-Star team in 2012. Gasol was also recently named the Defensive Player of the Year. In an era where the traditional center has become a rare commodity, Gasol combines excellent post play with a deft shooting touch at the center position. The Grizzlies are enjoying their best season as a franchise in large part to Marc Gasol’s play at the center position.
Monta Ellis was overlooked in the 2005 draft but has been an explosive scorer throughout his career. (Photo Credit/Pablo Gamez/IsoSports)
4. Monta Ellis
The Golden State Warriors struck gold in Round 2 of the 2005 draft when they selected shooting guard Monta Ellis with the No. 40 overall pick. Ellis became a starter his second year in the league and averaged 16.5 points per game on his way to winning the Most Improved Player award. By his third season, Ellis averaged 20.2 points per game. Ellis has a lightning-quick release and is fast enough with the ball to create his own shot. Ellis has averaged more than 20 points per game five times in his career and will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.
3. Mark Price
The Dallas Mavericks selected Mark Price with the No. 1 pick of Round 2 (25th overall) in the 1986 draft. In a trade the Mavericks would quickly regret, they moved Price to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a future second-round pick. The unassuming Price quickly developed into one of the best point guards in the NBA. From 1987-95 Price averaged 17.5 points and 8.0 assists per game on his way to becoming a four-time All-Star. By shooting thousands of free throws each day in the offseason, Price became the best free-throw shooter of his era, leading the NBA in free-throw percentage for three seasons. Price has the second-highest career free-throw percentage of all time at .904, second only to Steve Nash.
Dennis Rodman’s relentless effort and hustle were an unsung aspect of three Chicago Bulls championships. (Photo/Tivo_epaper/Flickr.com)
While he became known for his tattoos, hair color and off-court antics as his career progressed, Dennis Rodman was also a special player on the court. No player has possessed the ability to drastically affect a game without scoring a single point. Rodman’s selfless play, superb defense and rebounding were an asset for five championship teams. Rodman was the No. 3 player selected in the Round 2 by the Detroit Pistons in 1986. Rodman was a key member of the ‘”Bad Boys” Pistons teams that won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls in 1996 and was a starter for three Bulls championship teams, including one of the best teams of all time–the 72-win 1995-96 squad. Rodman led the league in rebounds per game seven times, was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year twice and was named first-team NBA’s All-Defensive team seven times. Rodman was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Manu Ginobili won the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2007-08 season. (Photo/Ariana/Flickr.com)
With the No. 27 pick in the second-round of the 1999 draft the San Antonio Spurs selected shooting guard Manu Ginobili. The Spurs are one of the best teams in the NBA when it comes to finding hidden talent in the draft and Ginobili is one of the finest examples. Ginobili has been a critical piece of three championship teams in San Antonio.
Ginobili is a two-time All-Star and winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2007-08 season. He possesses the ability to attack the basket with great efficiency and has hit numerous clutch shots throughout his career for the Spurs. Ginobili is the best international guard the NBA has seen to date and will be a candidate for the Hall of Fame upon his retirement.
While players selected in the second round may not draw much attention or muster a great deal of excitement, keep in mind that each player drafted could be the next unexpected starter, All-Star or even a Hall of Famer, as we have seen with the players featured here.