Each year in the NBA draft, teams are hoping to land a player who has significant impact in their future success. Throughout history, the lottery positions have changed. In 1985, the first seven teams were considered as lottery teams. The number changed to nine in 1989, then changed again in 1990 to 11. Today, the first 14 picks are in the lottery for the draft.
The players who are taken late in the first round and during the second round are usually projected to be role players on their respective teams. However, the players who are drafted in the second round aren’t even guaranteed a contract, so many front offices are just hoping something will come out of drafting them. When these players succeed, it’s considered a “steals,” which indicates a team taking a flier on a player late in the draft but seeing huge success out of it.
There have been a shocking number of players that you may have forgotten weren’t taken in the lottery of their draft, but the success and impact they had for their teams were remarkable.
We count down the top 30 steals in NBA draft history.
Editor’s Note: These are only players taken outside of their respective year’s lottery selection since 1985.
Next: 30. Mr. Irrelevant
30. Isaiah Thomas, 2011 NBA Draft, No. 60 overall, Sacramento Kings
Standing just 5’9, it was easy for NBA teams to overlook him assuming that his size wouldn’t lead to success for their team, but Thomas proved them wrong while making the Kings look really smart.
After his first year, Thomas was named to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd team. During the 2013-14 season, he averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 assists as he was the go-to scorer for Sacramento. After signing with the Phoenix Suns last off season, Thomas was traded halfway through the season to the Boston Celtics. The trade didn’t hurt Thomas’ production as he continued to be a lethal weapon off the bench.
The Sixth Man of the Year award was highly debated between Thomas and Lou Williams. Thomas had a strong argument if you look at statistics, but Williams ended up winning it. For his career thus far, Thomas is averaging 15.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds. He will probably go down as the most productive last pick of the draft in NBA history.
Next: 29. K-Mart
29. Kevin Martin, 2004 NBA Draft, No. 26 overall, Sacramento Kings
During his rookie year, Martin barely touched the floor as he appeared in 45 games for only 10 minutes per game. After that season, Martin took off and displayed his scoring ability, which was at its best in 2008-09 when he averaged 24.6 points for the Kings.
Throughout his 10-year career thus far, Martin has only made the playoffs twice, once with the Thunder and once with the Kings. Each year though, he reminds us that he is one of the best scoring two-guards in the league. His career averages are 18.0 points 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
Next: 28. Mo Gotti
28. Mo Williams, 2003 NBA Draft, No. 47 overall, Utah Jazz
Throughout his 11-year career, Williams has played for seven different teams. It isn’t because he is not productive though, as he made the Eastern All-Star Team in 2009 when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets halfway through this past season, Williams tallied a career-high 52 points as he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory over the Indiana Pacers. With his ability to produce as a point guard off the bench, Williams has had a long career in the NBA. So far, he’s averaging 13.4 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds.
Next: 27. T.A.
27. Trevor Ariza, 2004 NBA Draft, No. 43 overall, New York Knicks
Ariza is the type of player that doesn’t shock you statistically, but his impact on the game is tremendous. He has always been known for being a great on-ball defender, but now he is also a consistent three-point shooter for the Houston Rockets.
In 2009, Ariza was a contributor off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers who won the NBA Finals that season. Throughout his 10-year career, Ariza has played for the Knicks, Magic, Lakers, Hornets, Wizards, and Rockets.
His career numbers are 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Next: 26. The Gator
26. Chandler Parsons, 2011 NBA Draft, No. 38 overall, Houston Rockets
Parsons athleticism and length made it easy for him to be an impact player right away as he earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
With this past season being just his fourth in the NBA, Parsons is still improving and working on becoming one of the great players in the game, but he has shown that he can help a team in more ways than one. Parsons can score on all three levels while also producing at the defensive end.
This past season playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Parsons suffered a knee injury in the first round of the playoffs that required surgery. He will have a larger role next season as Dallas looks to get back to the top of the Western Conference. So far, Parsons has averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for his career.
Next: 25. Ice Cream Man
25. Luis Scola, 2002 NBA Draft, No. 56 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Luis Scola was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in 2002 with the 56th overall pick. He didn’t make his NBA debut until 2007 after being signed by the Houston Rockets. In Argentina and Spain, Scola was a top player who was expected to be a solid player in the NBA. He turned out to be exactly that.
Staying over in Europe helped Scola become a much smarter player than he would have been if he would have played for the Spurs in 2002. His first season with the Rockets, Scola was named to NBA All-Rookie First Team as he averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds.
The 7-year veteran had an impressive first five seasons with the Rockets, but then was traded to the Suns and currently plays for the Pacers. His career numbers are 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Next: 24. The Dragon
24. Goran Dragic, 2008 NBA Draft, No. 45 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Dragic stayed overseas playing in Spain and Slovenia until 2007 when he signed with the Phoenix Suns. After being traded back and forth between the Suns and Rockets, Dragic burst onto the scene in 2011 when he averaged 11.7 points for the Suns.
Two years later, he averaged a career-high 20.3 points for the Suns and also was named the Most Improved Player of the NBA. Dragic has proven to be a great point guard in a league that is filled with elite ones. This past season, Dragic was traded to the Miami Heat after 52 games, where he continued to produce statistically.
For his career, Dragic is averaging 12.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Dragic is a free agent this summer and whoever is lucky enough to sign him will be getting a great player who still hasn’t reached his full potential.
Next: 23. Tragic Johnson
23. Draymond Green, 2012 NBA Draft, No. 35 overall, Golden State Warriors
Some may be against having Green on this list so early in his career, but with just this season alone, it earned him the right. Green is literally a “do it all” type of player. His coach Steve Kerr has been quoted saying that Green reminds him of Dennis Rodman.
In just his third year, he is now being considered to earn a max contract in the offseason because of his production. His career numbers aren’t impressive, but Green is finally coming into his own. The Michigan State product is averaging 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while also being the energy and hustle player for the league’s top team, the Golden State Warriors.
NBA teams are already kicking themselves for not taking Green earlier in the draft, and as his career goes on, the woes will continue for GMs that passed on him.
Next: 22. The Prince
22. Tayshaun Prince, 2002 NBA Draft, No. 23 overall, Detroit Pistons
Prince’s rookie season was by no means impressive for a top-25 pick, but in his second year, he would be a huge piece to help the Pistons claim the championship in 2004.
His long arms made him an elite defender in the NBA as he has been named NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times throughout his career. The 37-year-old had short stints with the Grizzlies and Celtics, but is now back bringing veteran leadership to a young Pistons squad.
For his career, Prince is averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Next: 21. Booz
21. Carlos Boozer, 2002 NBA Draft, No. 35 overall, Cleveland Cavaliers
Through 13 seasons in the league, Boozer has never had a year that he hasn’t averaged double-digits in the scoring column. After two solid years with the Cavs, Boozer signed with the Jazz where he would have the best years of his career.
In five seasons, the 33-year-old averaged a double-double. In recent seasons, Boozer hasn’t had great years statistically compared to the middle of his career, but he is still producing. Now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he is looking to help Julius Randle grow as a young player.
Boozer’s career numbers are 16.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Next: 20. Air Congo
20. Serge Ibaka, 2008 NBA Draft, No. 24 overall, Seattle SuperSonics
Entering the league at 20 years old, not much was expected from Ibaka, but his length and athletic ability gave opposing power forwards a hard time on both ends of the floor.
The Thunder have developed Ibaka into a big man who can also stretch the floor by making threes, which makes him even more difficult to guard. The one part of Ibaka’s game that he always had was his defense. He is a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team player along with leading the league in blocks for two seasons.
Through five seasons, Ibaka has averaged 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.
Next: 19. Uncle Cliffy
19. Clifford Robinson, 1989 NBA Draft, 36th overall, Portland Trail Blazers
Robinson is considered one of the best second-round picks in the history of the NBA draft. Through his 18-year career, he played with the Trail Blazers, Suns, Pistons, Warriors, and Nets.
In 1993, Robinson won the Sixth Man of the Year award and in the following season was voted to the All-Star team. In 2000 and 2002, Robinson made the All-Defensive Second Team. No team, not even the Blazers would have thought Robinson would have the long and successful career that he did, but they reaped the benefits.
Robinson’s career averages are 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
18. David Lee, 2002 NBA Draft, No. 30 overall, New York Knicks
After his rookie season, Lee became one of the most underrated big men in the league. The way he would score wasn’t exciting, but it was very efficient. In four of his nine years, Lee averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.
The 2009-10 season was a career-high in averages with 20.2 points and 11.7 boards. The two-time All-Star was a steal in the 2002 draft after dropping all the way to the last pick of the first round. Now he is coming off the bench for the Warriors as they try to advance to the NBA Finals. For his career, Lee is averaging an impressive 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Next: 17. Sweet Lew
17. Rashard Lewis, 1998 NBA Draft, No. 32 overall, Seattle SuperSonics
Declaring for the draft immediately after his senior year of high school made Lewis a huge risk, but he ended up being a huge reward. In his 16 years in the NBA, he played for the Sonics, Magic, Wizards, and Heat.
Lewis was named an All-Star in 2005 and 2009. He was also a part of the Heat team with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh and was able to win a championship in 2013. Standing 6’10 and having the ability to shoot the three efficiently, Lewis was one of the first of the “stretch power forwards” that are so common in the league today.
For his career, Lewis averaged 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Next: 16. The Croatian Mozart
16. Drazen Petrovic, 1986 NBA Draft, No. 60 overall, Portland Trail Blazers
Some may have never heard of Drazen Petrovic, but those who have know how incredible he was, especially at shooting. Reggie Miller has said that he was the best shooter to ever play the game.
After playing in Europe for some time, Petrovic made his NBA debut in 1989. He played five seasons in the NBA before losing his life in a car accident in the summer of 1993. Many players have said that if he would have played a couple more years, he would have been one of the best in the game.
For his short career, Petrovic averaged 15.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from three.
Next: 15. Silky
15. Michael Redd, 2000 NBA Draft, No. 43 overall, Milwaukee Bucks
Michael Redd was selected 43rd overall in the 2000 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He is one of the great three-point shooters in the history of the NBA. He wasn’t only dangerous from deep, Redd could score with the best of them at all levels. During the 2006-07 season, he averaged 26.7 points per game while shooting 46 percent.
In 2004, Redd was named an All-Star for the Eastern Conference. He was also a part of the 2008 USA Team that won the gold medal in Beijing. Looking back on all that he did during his career, he was the definition of a “steal” in the NBA draft.
For his career, Redd averaged 19.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Next: 14. The Mississippi Missile
14. Monta Ellis, 2005 NBA Draft, No. 40 overall, Golden State Warriors
Coming straight out of high school to the NBA, it was expected for Ellis to struggle in the beginning of his career. However, Ellis’ scoring ability was NBA-ready to say the least. In just his second year of his career, he averaged 16.5 points per game.
In 2007, he won the Most Improved Player award, as he improved his scoring average by 9.7 points per game. Throughout his career he has played for the Warriors, Bucks, and now the Mavericks, all of which he is expected to be the leading scorer. Even at a bit undersized at 6’3 playing the shooting guard position, Ellis doesn’t let any defender stop him from getting his buckets.
For his career, Ellis is averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
13. Terry Porter, 1985 NBA Draft, No. 24 overall, Portland Trail Blazers
Porter played 17 seasons in the NBA for the Blazers, Timberwolves, Heat, and Spurs. His best years were when he was a part of the Blazers in the late 80’s, early 90’s as he helped them appear in two NBA Finals. The two-time All-Star was one of the best players in franchise history, as the Blazers retired his No. 30 jersey.
His best season was during the 1988-89 season when Porter averaged 17.7 points, 9.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Porter still holds the NBA Finals record for most free-throws made in a single game without missing (15).
For his career, Porter averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds.
Next: 12. Trillsap
12. Paul Millsap, 2006 NBA Draft, No. 47 overall, Utah Jazz
It wasn’t until his third year when Millsap started catching the eyes of the NBA, but after he did, he kept them on him. He isn’t necessarily one of the popular big men in the league, but the two-time All-Star has proved that he is one of the best.
After spending his first seven seasons in Utah, Millsap signed with the Atlanta Hawks and is now the main reason why they had the best season in franchise history. Like all the other big men in the league, Millsap has adapted and developed the ability to shoot the three every now and then to keep the defender guessing.
Even though this past season hasn’t been his best statistically, he has had more impact for his team than ever before. For his career, Millsap is averaging 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Next: 11. Iron Man
11. A.C. Green, 1985 NBA Draft, No. 23 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
During his 16-year career, Green played for the Lakers, Suns, Mavericks, and Heat. He is a three-time NBA Champion, all of which he won with the Lakers in 1987, 1988, and 2000. Green was a key contributor playing alongside the great Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Voted as an All-Star in 1990, Green had built the reputation of a “do it all” type of player. He could finish around the rim while also grabbing rebound after rebound.
For his career, Green averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Next: The Paperboy
10. Jeff Hornacek, 1986 NBA Draft, No. 46 overall, Phoenix Suns
Throughout 14 seasons in the NBA, Hornacek played for the Suns, 76ers, and the Jazz. During the best season of his career in 1991-92, he averaged 20.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds that helped him be voted as an All-Star.
Hornacek was also known for the great showdowns between the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. His ability to shoot from deep made the Utah Jazz a great team along with the Hall of Fame players John Stockton and Karl Malone.
His career averages are 14.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Next: 9. Joe D.
9. Joe Dumars, 1985 NBA Draft, No. 18 overall, Detroit Pistons
Dumars was a part of the famous “Bad Boys” Pistons team in the early 90’s that gave the league fits. Playing for Detroit, he is a two-time NBA Champion and won the NBA Finals MVP in 1989.
Dumars was also a six-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team, and four-time NBA All-Defensive First Teamer. His No. 4 jersey was retired by the Pistons and hangs in the rafters at The Palace of Auburn Hills arena. In 2006, Dumars was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
For his career, Dumars averaged 16.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.2 rebounds.
Next: 8. Hair Canada
8. Steve Nash, 1996 NBA Draft, No. 15 overall, Phoenix Suns
Nash is considered to be one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA. Through 18 years in the NBA, Nash played for the Suns, Mavericks, and Lakers.
In 2005 and 2006 Nash won the Most Valuable Player award and was also an eight-time All-Star. Unfortunately, Nash is a part of the list of players that were the best to ever play, but never win a championship.
Nash’s career averages are 14.3 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds.
Next: 7. FedEx
7. Rajon Rondo, 2006 NBA Draft, No. 21 overall, Phoenix Suns
Although Rondo was drafted by the Suns, he was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. On draft night, if GMs knew what Rondo would become, he could have been the first overall pick, but that is what makes him a steal.
Rondo has had four seasons where he has averaged 10+ assists, three of which he also scored in double figures. The most impressive thing that Rondo did was fit in with the “Big 3” made up of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. Even though he was young, Rondo was counted on by head coach Doc Rivers to lead and distribute.
His leadership helped lift them to NBA Champions in 2008. The four-time NBA All-Star is one of the best distributors and defenders that the point guard position has to offer.
Rondo’s career averages are 10.8 points, 8.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Next: 6. The Big Grizzly
6. Marc Gasol, 2007 NBA Draft, No. 48 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Gasol was traded and began playing in the NBA in 2008 for the Memphis Grizzlies, where he currently plays. Although Gasol has only played in the NBA for six years, it is safe to say he will be one of the biggest steals in draft history.
The two-time All-Star was also named to All-NBA First Team this past season as he was one of the most dominating big men in the league. In 2013, he won Defensive Player of the Year, which supports the fact that he performs on both ends of the floor. When it comes to the center position, Gasol is also the best passer the NBA has to offer.
Thus far in his career, Gasol is averaging 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.
Next: 5. Hibachi
5. Gilbert Arenas, 2001 NBA Draft, No. 31 overall, Golden State Warriors
Arenas was an immediate scorer in the NBA and in his best season of his career in 2005-06, he averaged 29.3 points per game. Arenas was voted as an All-Star for the Eastern Conference three times in his career and won the Most Improved Player award in 2003.
Arenas brought the Wizards back to relevancy making the playoffs three straight years. Still during the 2005-06 season, Arenas averaged a staggering 34 points per game in the playoffs. He is still one of the best scoring point guards the league has ever seen.
For his career, Arenas averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds.
Next: 4. Dennis the Menace
4. Dennis Rodman, 1986 NBA Draft, No. 27 overall, Detroit Pistons
Along with Dumars, Rodman was a key player in the “Bad Boys” to help them claim their championships. Rodman was most known for playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen while they dominated the 90’s.
Rodman’s addition helped kick off the second three-peat for the Bulls. He is the best rebounder the NBA has ever seen. In his 14-year career, he won the NBA Title five times while also winning Defensive Player of the Year twice.
For his career, Rodman averaged 7.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Next: 3. TP
3. Tony Parker, 2001 NBA Draft, No. 28 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Coming from France at just 19 years old, Parker was not a big name in the draft to say the least, but he has had the most success.
He has helped the Spurs win four NBA championships while winning the Finals MVP award in 2007. Throughout his 13-year career, Parker has been voted to the Western Conference All-Star team six times. Without the elite point guard play from Parker, the Spurs may not be the dynasty that they are today.
So far in his career, Parker is averaging 16.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.
Next: 2. Obi-Wan Ginobili
2. Manu Ginobili, 1999 NBA Draft, No. 57 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Being selected 57th overall and having the career that he has makes Ginobili one of the top steals in NBA draft history. Ginobili, Parker, and Tim Duncan made up the “Big 3” in San Antonio that has dominated this generation of the NBA.
He is a four-time NBA champion while also being a two-time All-Star. The unique part about Ginobili is that he is most productive when coming off the bench. In 2008, he won the Sixth Man of the Year award and was named All-NBA Third Team. He helped to introduce the “euro step” move that is used routinely in NBA games today.
Thus far for his career, Ginobili is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.
Next: 1. The Mailman
1. Karl Malone, 1985 NBA Draft, No. 13 overall, Utah Jazz
Malone is arguably the best power forward to ever play the game of basketball. His brute strength mixed with his soft touch around the rim made him impossible to guard. Throughout his career, he was two-time league MVP and a 14-time All-Star.
Malone and point guard John Stockton ran the best pick-and-roll game NBA fans have ever seen, even still today. Although he was not able to win a championship during his career, he made two NBA Finals appearances and never missed the playoffs once. Malone paved the way for all power forwards today and will go down as one of the best players to ever play.
For his career, Malone averaged 25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks.
Next: The NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time
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