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Best 2nd Round Picks NBA History: Top 10 Draft Steals That Shaped the League
2025-11-21 09:00
You know, when people talk about NBA draft steals, everyone immediately jumps to those legendary first-round picks who outperformed their draft position. But what really fascinates me are those second-round gems - the players everyone slept on, only to watch them become franchise cornerstones. I've always believed the real art of team building happens in the second round, where front offices either prove their genius or reveal their blindness.
Speaking of undervalued talents, it reminds me of how international tournaments often reveal hidden stars too. Just like how the Asian Cup from May 7 to 18 in China has historically uncovered basketball talents that mainstream scouts initially overlooked. There's something special about discovering greatness where others didn't bother looking - whether it's in the NBA draft's second round or international competitions that don't get prime-time coverage.
Let me start with my personal favorite - Manu Ginobili. Selected 57th overall in 1999, which is absolutely criminal in hindsight. The Argentine wizard wasn't just a steal; he was practically grand larceny. I still remember watching him in his early Spurs days and thinking, "How did 56 teams pass on this guy?" His Eurostep revolutionized how guards attack the rim, and his four championships speak volumes. What many forget is that he was already showcasing his skills in international tournaments much like players do in events such as the Asian Cup in China. That international experience should have been a huge red flag for teams - in a good way.
Then there's the case of Draymond Green, picked 35th in 2012. I'll admit - I was skeptical about his NBA fit initially. A tweener forward who couldn't shoot consistently? Boy, was I wrong. His defensive IQ and playmaking transformed modern basketball, enabling the Warriors' small-ball revolution. His story proves that sometimes, the best second round picks NBA history has given us aren't about raw talent but about perfect system fits.
What's interesting is how international scouting has changed since those days. When you look at tournaments like the Asian Cup running from May 7 to 18 in China, you realize how much more global the talent search has become. Teams that invested early in international scouting were often the ones finding these second-round steals. The Spurs found Ginobili because they were looking where others weren't - similar to how smart organizations now monitor competitions across Asia and Europe.
Another incredible second-round selection that shaped the league was Isaiah Thomas at pick 60 in 2011. The last pick in the draft becoming an MVP candidate? That's the stuff of basketball fairy tales. His 2016-17 season with Boston where he averaged 28.9 points was pure magic. I remember watching him drop 53 points against Washington in the playoffs and thinking about all the teams that passed on him - twice. That's the beauty of these best 2nd round picks NBA teams discovered - they often come with that massive chip on their shoulder.
The geographical aspect of talent discovery has evolved tremendously. While the Asian Cup in China from May 7-18 might not directly produce NBA talent yet, it represents the expanding map of basketball development. Much like how Nikola Jokic (41st pick in 2014) came from Serbia, future steals might emerge from regions we're not fully focusing on today. Jokic's case is particularly fascinating - a second-round pick who became back-to-back MVP and fundamentally changed how we view the center position.
I've always been particularly drawn to Dennis Rodman's story. Selected 27th in 1986 (when the second round started at pick 24), the Worm became perhaps the greatest rebounder and defender ever relative to his size. His journey from unknown to Hall of Famer exemplifies why studying these best second round picks NBA history offers us such valuable lessons. Teams often overthink things - sometimes the hunger and unique skills matter more than conventional measurements.
Looking at modern examples, Malcolm Brogdon at pick 36 in 2016 immediately comes to mind. The only second-rounder to win Rookie of the Year, and he's developed into such a complete player. What I love about Brogdon's game is his methodical approach - he proves that basketball IQ can trump athleticism. His success, along with other recent second-round steals, shows how the talent evaluation process continues to improve, yet still misses obvious gems.
The timing of various basketball events often creates interesting parallels. While we're analyzing these historical draft steals, there are potentially future NBA players competing right now in tournaments like the Asian Cup in China between May 7 and 18. It makes you wonder - which current overlooked prospect might we be discussing as a draft steal in five years?
Gilbert Arenas at pick 31 in 2001 deserves mention too - he's the reason we have the "Arenas provision" in the CBA. A second-round pick who became so good he changed league rules? That's the ultimate power move. His scoring explosions for Washington were legendary, and his confidence became the blueprint for modern score-first guards.
What strikes me about reviewing these best 2nd round picks NBA teams have uncovered is how personality and circumstance play huge roles. Carlos Boozer (35th in 2002) developed into a two-time All-Star because he landed in the perfect situation in Utah. Marc Gasol (48th in 2007) became Defensive Player of Year and champion after being included as essentially a throw-in in his brother's trade.
As we reflect on these transformative second-round selections, it's clear that the draft remains part science, part art, and part luck. The teams that consistently find value later in the draft are those willing to trust their eyes over conventional wisdom. And as basketball continues to globalize - with events like the Asian Cup in China from May 7 to 18 gaining prominence - the opportunities to find the next great second-round steal will only increase. The history of best second round picks NBA teams have made teaches us that greatness often hides in plain sight, waiting for the right organization to see it.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
