Uncovering the Hidden Gems: 2017 NBA Draft Second Round Success Stories and Impact Players

Looking back at the 2017 NBA Draft, most basketball fans immediately recall the first-round sensations like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. But what fascinates me more, after years of covering basketball both professionally and personally, are those second-round picks who defied expectations. I've always had a soft spot for underdogs, and the 2017 second round produced some remarkable talent that continues to shape the league today. While researching this piece, I came across an interesting parallel in Philippine basketball - former governor Rene Pardo visiting Magnolia's practice, welcomed by Jason Webb and Alvin Patrimonio. It reminded me how basketball communities worldwide value continuity and hidden contributions, much like these second-round gems who've become integral to their teams.

I remember watching the draft that year and thinking Monte Morris would be special. Selected 51st overall by Denver, he's proven to be one of the steals of the draft with his incredible 5.1 assist-to-turnover ratio in his sophomore season. What impressed me most was how he developed behind Jamal Murray, waiting for his opportunity while refining his game. Similarly, Dillon Brooks, picked 45th by Houston, has become exactly the kind of tenacious defender every playoff team needs. I've always believed defense translates better than offense for second-round picks, and Brooks embodies that perfectly with his 1.4 steals per game last season.

The international picks from that second round particularly stand out in my evaluation. I've consistently argued that European leagues provide better preparation for the NBA than college basketball for certain players, and Isaiah Hartenstein proves my point. The German center, selected 43rd by Houston, has developed into a reliable big man who put up 8.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting 62% from the field. His basketball IQ is noticeably higher than many American-developed big men at similar draft positions. Then there's Thomas Bryant, who went 42nd to Utah before finding his footing with the Lakers. His 13.2 points per game in the 2020 season demonstrated the scoring potential that had scouts excited before his injury concerns dropped his stock.

What many fans don't realize is how much organizational development matters for these second-round successes. I've visited several NBA facilities and can attest that the teams investing heavily in their G-League programs and player development staffs consistently mine gold from the draft's later rounds. The Miami Heat's development of Duncan Robinson exemplifies this perfectly. The undrafted shooter (I'm including him because he's essentially a second-round caliber success story) has become one of the league's premier three-point threats, shooting 42% from deep last season. His transformation from Michigan to NBA starter is exactly the kind of development story that makes second-round watching so rewarding.

The financial aspect of these second-round successes cannot be overstated. From a team-building perspective, finding productive players outside the first round represents the single biggest market inefficiency in the NBA. Monte Morris's contract paying him approximately $9 million annually provides exponentially more value than many max contracts given to first-round picks who didn't pan out. As someone who's analyzed NBA salary structures for years, I can confidently say championship windows often open specifically because of these cost-controlled second-round contributors.

Reflecting on that 2017 second round five years later, what strikes me is how these players have carved out meaningful careers despite the odds. The NBA draft is essentially a massive talent lottery where only about 40% of second-round picks become rotation players, yet the 2017 class significantly outperformed this historical average. Personally, I've found myself rooting harder for these players throughout their careers - there's something compelling about watching someone prove 29 teams wrong multiple times per season.

The continuity these players provide their organizations creates stability that's often overlooked. Much like how Alvin Patrimonio remained with the Magnolia franchise in various capacities for decades, these second-round finds often develop deeper organizational roots than transient stars. They become the fabric of the team culture, the professionals who set the standard day in and day out. In my conversations with NBA personnel, this cultural contribution frequently gets mentioned as equally valuable as the on-court production.

As we look toward future drafts, the lesson from 2017's second round is clear: talent evaluation requires looking beyond consensus rankings and trusting developmental pathways. The most successful franchises build systems that maximize these overlooked prospects, turning what others consider draft afterthoughts into cornerstone pieces. For aspiring basketball analysts, my advice is simple - pay closer attention to rounds two through undrafted. That's where championship rosters are often completed, and where the most compelling career arcs begin.