There are second-round picks every year that end being great NBA players. Let’s take a look at 5 potential second-round steals in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The 2019 NBA Draft is less than a week away. While there are several players who project to be franchise-altering players in the first round, there are also many second-round prospects that are intriguing.
Late picks in the first round, as well as second-round picks, are extremely important in filling out your roster. For example, the Toronto Raptors just won the 2019 NBA Finals without a single lottery pick on their roster. This goes to show how draft night is much more important than just the top players, as many of those players end up being busts and fizzling out of the league anyways.
There have been many former second-round picks who ended up being extremely impactful in the NBA. Some of these players include including:
- Nikola Jokic (41st overall – 2014 NBA Draft)
- Draymond Green (35th overall – 2012 NBA Draft)
- Patrick Beverley (42nd overall – 2009 NBA Draft)
- Isaiah Thomas (60th overall – 2011 NBA Draft)
- DeAndre Jordan (35th overall – 2008 NBA Draft)
- Marc Gasol (48th Overall – 2007 NBA Draft)
- Paul Milsap (47th overall – 2006 NBA Draft)
- Monta Ellis (40th overall – 2005 NBA Draft)
- Manu Ginobili (57th overall -1999 NBA Draft)
While is extremely difficult to evaluate second round talent, finding a player that can contribute to your team immediately is still possible. You must evaluate what types of role players you need to fill the voids on the roster.
Most of the players that have second-round grades have one glaring flaw. Whether it be size, injuries, motor, off the court issues, or anything else, there is always something that is the reason they are not drafted in the first round.
With the draft just a few days away, let’s take a look at five players who could end up being a massive steal in the second round.