NBA Draft History: Top 30 Steals of the Lottery Era

Jun 6, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) react during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2013 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena. San Antonio Spurs won 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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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