2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential steals
By Max Holm
On 2017 NBA Draft night, the top-10 went more or less how it was expected to go. However, afterward several teams got great value with players who slid down.
The big-name prospects went early and often in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Many teams took who they were mocked to select. Between Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball going No. 1 and No. 2, and De’Aaron Fox and Frank Ntilikina landing in Sacramento and New York, we didn’t have our jaws on the ground after 10 picks. Maybe Lauri Markkanen going seventh to Chicago in the Jimmy Butler trade was surprising, but he’s arguably a top-10 talent.
Players that can be considered steals came after the top-10 in this year’s class. The first round was full of young big men who were very flawed. They still went in bunches between 14-30. Skip forward to the second round and there was more value with some picks than the end of the first round. The second round sleepers remain an integral part of the NBA Draft. This is partially due to an abundance of front offices that continue to ignore where the league is heading.
Countless general managers selected big men without two-way upside when the league is going more towards length, shooting and versatility. Those who did not follow in their peers steps fared much better. When looking at the sleepers in this year’s draft, you’ll find players that fit the modern NBA game.
Honorable mentions:
- OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors (No. 23)
- Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz (No. 13)
- Davon Reed, Phoenix Suns (No. 32)
- Frank Jackson, New Orleans Pelicans (No. 31)
- Semi Ojeleye, Boston Celtics (No. 37)