A few of the NBA’s most iconic gamers weren’t chosen within the first spherical of the NBA Draft. Whether or not undrafted or second-round steals, these gamers defied expectations and carved out legendary careers. Right here’s a have a look at the highest NBA gamers not drafted within the first spherical, some are all-time greats who show that draft place doesn’t decide future. Facet observe, THD produced a related listing method again in 2008 in case you are to see what’s modified.
1. Nikola Jokic (forty first decide, 2014)
The reigning king of second-round success, Jokic is a 3-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA champion. The Serbian huge man revolutionized the middle place along with his court docket imaginative and prescient, passing, and scoring effectivity. He continues to anchor the Denver Nuggets as a perennial title contender.
2. Manu Ginóbili (57th decide, 1999)
Drafted close to the underside of the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginóbili turned a four-time champion and a Corridor of Famer. Identified for his creativity, fearless drives, and worldwide aptitude, Manu was a key piece within the Spurs dynasty and one of many biggest sixth males in historical past.
3. Dennis Rodman (twenty seventh decide, 1986)
The Worm redefined rebounding and protection. Although technically a first-rounder, Rodman was picked final within the first spherical, usually lumped in with non-first-round legends. He gained 5 NBA titles and earned two Defensive Participant of the 12 months awards, anchoring the Pistons and Bulls dynasties.
4. Draymond Inexperienced (thirty fifth decide, 2012)
Inexperienced has been the vocal coronary heart and defensive soul of the Golden State Warriors. A four-time NBA champion and 2017 Defensive Participant of the 12 months, Draymond’s playmaking and toughness have made him indispensable within the Warriors’ dynasty.
5. Marc Gasol (forty eighth decide, 2007)
Marc Gasol blossomed right into a premier heart in Memphis, incomes an NBA championship with Toronto in 2019 and a Defensive Participant of the 12 months award. Identified for his excessive IQ and flexibility, Gasol was a franchise cornerstone for the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies.
6. Gilbert Arenas (thirty first decide, 2001)
“Agent Zero” was one of many league’s most electrifying scorers within the mid-2000s. A 3-time All-Star, Arenas had a number of 60-point video games and was identified for clutch moments and deep taking pictures earlier than accidents shortened his prime.
7. Michael Redd (forty third decide, 2000)
Redd quietly turned one of many league’s finest shooters within the 2000s, even making an All-Star group and the 2004 Olympic squad. He averaged over 20 PPG for six straight seasons and as soon as scored 57 factors in a recreation.
8. Ben Wallace (Undrafted)
The best undrafted participant in NBA historical past, Wallace gained 4 Defensive Participant of the 12 months awards and led the Pistons to the 2004 title. A rebounding and shot-blocking machine, Wallace is enshrined within the Corridor of Fame.
9. Manute Bol (thirty first decide, 1985)
Bol was one of the vital feared shot blockers in NBA historical past. The 7’7″ Sudanese heart averaged 3.3 blocks per recreation for his profession and had a number of video games with double-digit blocks. He stays a beloved and distinctive determine in NBA lore.
10. Fred VanVleet (Undrafted)
From undrafted to NBA champion, VanVleet performed a pivotal position in Toronto’s 2019 title run. He holds the file for many factors in a recreation by an undrafted participant (54) and earned an All-Star nod in 2022. Now a franchise chief in Houston, he’s one of the vital profitable undrafted guards ever.
Subsequent 20 Notable Gamers Not Drafted within the First Spherical
| Rank | Participant | Draft Standing | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Isaiah Thomas | sixtieth decide (2011) | 2× All-Star, 29 PPG season |
| 12 | Kyle Korver | 51st decide (2003) | All-Star, Prime 5 in profession 3PTM |
| 13 | Lou Williams | forty fifth decide (2005) | 3× Sixth Man of the 12 months |
| 14 | Danny Inexperienced | forty sixth decide (2009) | 3× NBA champion |
| 15 | Hassan Whiteside | thirty third decide (2010) | Led league in blocks and rebounds |
| 16 | Monte Morris | 51st decide (2017) | Elite assist-to-turnover ratio |
| 17 | Chris Andersen | Undrafted | 2013 NBA champion, elite shot-blocker |
| 18 | Patty Mills | fifty fifth decide (2009) | 2014 champ, Staff Australia chief |
| 19 | Jeremy Lin | Undrafted | “Linsanity,” 2019 champion |
| 20 | PJ Tucker | thirty fifth decide (2006) | NBA champion, elite defender |
| 21 | Cedric Ceballos | forty eighth decide (1990) | 1× All-Star, 21 PPG scorer |
| 22 | Raja Bell | Undrafted | 2× All-Protection, elite perimeter defender |
| 23 | JJ Barea | Undrafted | 2011 champ, Finals spark plug |
| 24 | Brad Miller | Undrafted | 2× All-Star, stretch huge |
| 25 | Darrell Armstrong | Undrafted | 6MOY, Most Improved |
| 26 | Marcin Gortat | 57th decide (2005) | Wizards playoff anchor |
| 27 | Maxi Kleber | Undrafted | Fashionable stretch huge |
| 28 | Lu Dort | Undrafted | Elite defender, OKC starter |
| 29 | Naz Reid | Undrafted | Starter-level manufacturing |
| 30 | Alex Caruso | Undrafted | All-Protection, 2020 champ |
