Looking back at the 2017 NBA Draft, I've always found myself drawn to the second round picks—those under-the-radar selections that either become franchise cornerstones or fade into basketball obscurity. While everyone remembers the lottery picks like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell, what fascinates me is how teams approach those crucial second-round decisions where the margin for error is razor-thin. I've spent years analyzing draft strategies, and the 2017 second round particularly stands out for its mix of hidden gems and missed opportunities that continue to shape team rosters even today.
The moment the draft moved into the second round, you could feel the dynamic shift entirely. Teams started thinking differently—we weren't looking for immediate starters anymore but rather developmental projects or specific role players who could fill niche needs. I remember watching the draft that night and thinking how the Warriors' selection of Jordan Bell at 38th overall was absolute genius, even if it didn't ultimately pan out as they'd hoped. Bell had just come off a fantastic NCAA tournament performance, and Golden State saw exactly how his athleticism and defensive versatility could fit their system. That's the beauty of the second round—teams aren't just drafting talent, they're drafting for specific organizational needs and systems.
What many fans don't realize is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into these second-round evaluations. I've been fortunate enough to visit several NBA team facilities during draft preparation periods, and the level of detail is astonishing. Teams bring in prospects for workouts, conduct extensive interviews, and even analyze psychological profiles. This reminds me of the reference about Abarrientos and former governor Rene Pardo visiting Magnolia's practice—these informal interactions often reveal aspects of a player's character that stats alone can't show. When team management like Jason Webb and Alvin Patrimonio welcome visitors to observe practices, it demonstrates how basketball decisions often extend beyond just on-court talent evaluation.
The real steals of this draft emerged in that second round. Monte Morris at 51st to Denver proved to be one of the most intelligent picks—I've always admired how the Nuggets develop point guards, and Morris became exactly what they needed: a low-turnover, efficient backup who could stabilize their second unit. Then there's Dillon Brooks at 45th to Houston—though he was later traded to Memphis, where he blossomed into a tenacious defender and occasional scoring threat. What impressed me most about Brooks was his immediate impact; he started 74 games his rookie season and averaged 11 points, numbers you rarely see from second-round picks.
But let's talk about the international prospects, because that's where the 2017 second round truly shined. The Jazz selecting Donovan Mitchell's future running mate Royce O'Neale at number 55 might be the biggest heist of the entire draft. O'Neale was playing in Germany when Utah found him, and he's developed into one of the league's most reliable 3-and-D wings. I've always believed international scouting provides the biggest edge in the second round—teams can find players who've been competing against professionals overseas rather than college kids. The Raptors drafting OG Anunoby at 23rd was technically a first-round pick, but he fell due to injury concerns and represents exactly the kind of risk-reward calculation that makes the second round so compelling.
The financial aspect of second-round picks doesn't get enough attention either. Teams can sign these players to cheaper contracts, providing incredible value if they hit. For context, second-round picks in 2017 signed for about $1.5 million annually compared to $4-8 million for late first-rounders. That cap flexibility allows teams to build deeper rosters or make other moves. I've always argued that the most successful franchises—San Antonio, Miami, Denver—excel at finding these cost-controlled contributors who outperform their contracts.
Now, not every second-round story has a happy ending. For every Monte Morris, there are three or four players who never make an impact. The 76ers selecting Jonah Bolden at 36th looked promising initially—he had the athletic profile teams covet—but he couldn't stick in the rotation and was out of the league within two years. Similarly, the Lakers took Thomas Bryant at 42nd, who showed flashes but couldn't maintain consistency. What I've observed separates the successful second-round picks is often mental toughness and fit within the developing organization—factors that are incredibly difficult to quantify during pre-draft evaluations.
Five years later, the 2017 second round has produced about 8 legitimate rotation players, which is actually above average historically. What's fascinating is tracking how these players have developed—some, like Dillon Brooks, became immediate contributors, while others like Monte Morris took a couple of seasons to find their footing. The development paths vary wildly, which is why I always caution against quick judgments on second-round picks. Teams need to be patient and provide proper developmental resources, something organizations like Toronto and Miami do exceptionally well.
Reflecting on this draft class reinforces my belief that the second round represents the purest form of talent evaluation in basketball. Without the pressure of immediate returns that first-round picks carry, teams can focus on identifying players who fit their culture and development system. The success stories from 2017—Morris, Brooks, O'Neale—all landed in situations that maximized their specific skill sets. As I look toward future drafts, the lessons from 2017's second round continue to inform how I evaluate prospects: focus on fit over pure talent, value character as much as athleticism, and recognize that development isn't linear. These overlooked picks often become the difference between good teams and great ones, proving that sometimes the real treasures are hidden in plain sight.
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