Uncovering Hidden Gems From the 2017 NBA Draft Second Round Picks

I still remember sitting in my living room during the 2017 NBA Draft, watching names flash across the screen while thinking how many future stars were slipping through the cracks. While everyone was focused on the first-round picks like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell, my eyes were glued to those second-round selections - the real hidden treasures of any draft. Fast forward to today, and we're seeing exactly why uncovering hidden gems from the 2017 NBA Draft second round picks has become such a fascinating topic among basketball analysts and fans alike. These players have developed into crucial contributors, proving that draft position often means very little in the grand scheme of basketball talent evaluation.

The 2017 second round has produced some remarkable talent that continues to surprise the basketball world. Take Monte Morris, selected 51st by the Denver Nuggets - he's evolved into one of the league's most reliable backup point guards with an incredible assist-to-turnover ratio that still blows my mind. Then there's Dillon Brooks, picked 45th by the Houston Rockets, who has become one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. What's fascinating is how these players developed outside the spotlight that follows lottery picks, allowing them to grow at their own pace without the overwhelming pressure that often crushes young prospects.

What makes the success stories from this particular draft class so compelling is how they've shattered expectations. Thomas Bryant, selected 42nd by the Los Angeles Lakers, showed flashes of being a legitimate starting center before injuries hampered his progress. I've always believed that second-round picks have a unique advantage - they play with that chip on their shoulder, that burning desire to prove everyone wrong. Jordan Bell, though his career hasn't been as stable, still managed to contribute meaningful minutes to a championship-caliber Golden State Warriors team during their 2018 run. These aren't just roster fillers; they're genuine NBA talents who've carved out sustainable careers.

The development path for these second-round gems often involves what I like to call the "proving ground" - whether it's the G League, international basketball, or fighting for minutes on deep rosters. I've followed many of these players through their journeys and noticed how their diverse experiences shaped their games differently than the typical first-round picks who get handed rotation spots immediately. The recent news about Magnolia's practice session actually reminded me of how basketball development works globally - when 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, along with Abarrientos, it highlighted how basketball communities worldwide share similar values in nurturing talent regardless of where players were drafted.

Looking at the statistical impact, the 2017 second round has contributed approximately 15,000 total points, 7,500 rebounds, and 3,500 assists across the league through the 2022-23 season. These numbers might not jump off the page compared to the first-round production, but considering the minimal financial investment and the fact that many of these players were considered afterthoughts on draft night, the return has been phenomenal. Teams like Denver and Memphis have built sustainable success partly by hitting on these second-round selections, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere while getting production from cost-controlled contracts.

From my perspective as someone who's followed the draft process for over a decade, what separates successful second-round picks isn't just talent but situation and opportunity. The best organizations identify players who fit their system and culture, then develop them with patience and purpose. I've always preferred watching these underdog stories unfold - there's something special about seeing a player everyone overlooked become an integral part of an NBA rotation. The 2017 class particularly stands out because we're now seeing these players entering their prime years, with several having signed significant second contracts that reflect their value to their teams.

The international influence in this second round can't be overlooked either. While the first round featured obvious international talent like Lauri Markkanen, the second round brought us players like Isaiah Hartenstein, who has developed into a reliable big man after bouncing between several teams early in his career. This global scouting effort demonstrates how thorough teams have become in identifying talent from every corner of the basketball world. I've noticed that teams investing heavily in international scouting tend to find these diamonds in the rough more consistently, which gives them a competitive advantage in team building.

As we reflect on these success stories years later, it's clear that the narrative around second-round picks needs to change. Rather than viewing them as long shots, teams and fans should recognize them as opportunities to add genuine value. The 2017 class has taught us that talent exists throughout the draft, and sometimes the best players emerge from the most unexpected places. My personal take? I'll always bet on the second-round pick with the right work ethic over the lottery pick riding on reputation alone. The proof is in the performance we've witnessed from these remarkable athletes who continue to prove that draft night is just the beginning of the story, not the definition of it.