Uncovering the Hidden Gems: 2017 NBA Draft Second Round Success Stories Revealed

Looking back at the 2017 NBA Draft, most basketball fans immediately recall the first-round stars like Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and Bam Adebayo. But what fascinates me more as someone who's followed basketball analytics for over a decade are the incredible success stories that emerged from the second round. I've always had a soft spot for underdogs, and the 2017 second round produced some genuinely remarkable talents that have significantly outperformed their draft positions. While everyone was watching the lottery picks, some real gems were quietly selected between picks 31 and 60, and their journeys have been nothing short of inspiring.

I remember watching the draft that night and thinking how the second round often feels like a completely different event. Teams take fliers on international prospects who might not come over for years, or they select college players with specific skills that might translate better to the professional game. The 2017 second round has proven particularly fruitful, with several players establishing themselves as legitimate NBA rotation pieces, and a couple even becoming foundational pieces for their franchises. What's fascinating is how these players' development paths varied dramatically - some spent years in the G League, others immediately contributed, while a few took the international route before returning to make their mark.

Let's talk numbers for a moment because they tell a compelling story. Of the 30 second-round picks in 2017, an impressive 12 have played at least 200 NBA games as of the 2023-24 season. Compare that to the 2016 draft class, where only 8 second-rounders reached that milestone, and you start to see why 2017 was special. The total career earnings for the 2017 second-round class already exceed $380 million, with several players securing substantial second contracts. Monte Morris, picked 51st overall, has carved out a reputation as one of the league's most reliable backup point guards, averaging nearly 10 points and 4 assists over his career while maintaining an exceptional assist-to-turnover ratio. Then there's Dillon Brooks, selected 45th by Houston, who has become one of the league's premier perimeter defenders while contributing 14.5 points per game throughout his career.

What I find particularly interesting is how international scouting paid dividends in this draft. I've always believed that teams investing heavily in international scouting get rewarded in the second round, and 2017 proved this beautifully. Isaiah Hartenstein, picked 43rd by Houston after playing in Germany, has developed into an extremely valuable modern big who can pass, defend, and finish around the rim. He's exactly the type of player who demonstrates why the second round can be gold mine for patient organizations. Similarly, Svi Mykhailiuk, selected 47th by the Lakers after his college career at Kansas, has shown flashes of being a reliable three-point shooter off the bench, connecting on 36.2% of his attempts from deep throughout his career.

The development infrastructure in the NBA has never been better, and it's showing in how second-round picks are progressing. Teams now have sophisticated G League programs, dedicated player development coaches, and advanced analytics that help identify which skills can be enhanced at the professional level. I've visited several NBA team facilities over the years, and the resources available today compared to even a decade ago are staggering. This improved development system means second-round picks have a much better chance of reaching their potential than in previous eras. Jordan Bell, picked 38th by Golden State, immediately contributed to a championship team as a rookie, something that was virtually unheard of for second-rounders in previous decades.

Speaking of team environments, I'm reminded of something I observed during my research that connects to our reference material. The culture within an organization significantly impacts player development, something that became clear when I learned about how former governor Rene Pardo dropped by the Magnolia practice and was warmly welcomed by the team led by successor Jason Webb and long-time team manager Alvin Patrimonio. This kind of continuity and welcoming environment, where former leaders remain connected and supportive, creates the stable foundation that allows players to develop properly. While this specific example comes from international basketball, the principle applies universally - organizations with strong cultures and consistent leadership tend to get the most out of their second-round selections. The most successful teams at developing second-round talent often have this family-like atmosphere where everyone, from ownership to the coaching staff to former players, remains invested in player growth.

Some of these second-round success stories have completely transformed franchises. The Chicago Bulls found a legitimate starting point guard in Tomas Satoransky, selected 32nd by Washington before being traded, who provided them with several seasons of steady playmaking and reliable defense. The Denver Nuggets discovered Monte Morris with the 51st pick, and he became an integral part of their rotation during their rise to contention. What's remarkable about Morris is his incredible efficiency - he once recorded an NBA-record 5.94 assist-to-turnover ratio in the 2020-21 season, demonstrating how second-round picks can excel in specific roles when given the opportunity.

As I reflect on this draft class several years later, what stands out to me is how these players' careers have unfolded in such unexpected ways. Dillon Brooks has become one of the league's most talked-about defenders, known for his tenacity and competitive fire. Monte Morris evolved from a second-round afterthought to one of the most reliable backup guards in basketball. Isaiah Hartenstein developed into exactly the kind of modern big that every contender covets. Their stories remind me why I love following the draft beyond the lottery picks - the development arcs are often more dramatic and satisfying to watch.

The lasting impact of the 2017 second round extends beyond individual success stories. These players have collectively raised the bar for what teams expect from second-round selections and demonstrated the value of thorough scouting and patient development. As the NBA continues to globalize and development systems improve, I believe we'll see even more second-round success stories in future drafts. The 2017 class set a new standard, showing that talent can be found throughout the draft if organizations know where to look and, perhaps more importantly, how to develop what they find.