18 best second-round draft picks in NBA history, ranked from Nikola Jokic to Dennis Rodman

With the right developmental system, legitimate NBA talent can be found anywhere in this era. 

From Giannis Antetokounmpo at No. 15, to Draymond Green at No. 35 and to Nikola Jokic at No. 41, plenty of key pieces on championship teams have been selected outside of the lottery, in the second round or even, in some cases, outside of the draft altogether.

The second round, which is now on a different day than the first round, can't be ignored — and history shows why. 

The Sporting News ranks the top 18 second-round picks in NBA history, from Nikola Jokic to Manu Ginobili.

MORE: Which teams have won the most NBA Championships?

18. Michael Redd, No. 43, Milwaukee Bucks (2000)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-foot-6, 220 lbs
• Age at draft: 20
• Position: Shooting guard
• College: Ohio State

NBA career: The 2000 NBA Draft is notoriously one of the worst in league history, but the Bucks found an unexpected gem in the second round in No. 43 overall pick Michael Redd. Redd only appeared in six games as a rookie, but he became a double-digit scorer by year two in Milwaukee and earned an All-NBA Third Team selection by year four. Redd was an All-Star in 2003-04 and averaged more than 20 points per game in six consecutive seasons before injuries brought his career to an early end. 

Career stats: Redd averaged as many as 26.7 points per game with the Bucks in 2006-07, one of his six seasons of at least 20 points per game.

• 19.0 ppg
• 3.8 rpg
• 2.1 apg
• 38.0% 3-pt

MORE: Ranking the top 13 players to never win an NBA Championship

17. Paul Millsap, No. 47, Utah Jazz (2006)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-7, 257 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Power forward
• College: Louisiana Tech

NBA career: The Jazz took a chance on Louisiana Tech's Paul Millsap deep into the second round of the 2006 draft, and he quickly proved to be a valuable role player before a breakout 2010-11 season. Millsap averaged 17.3 points per game in an otherwise rocky Jazz season, and he went on to become a four-time All-Star after signing with the Hawks in 2013. Millsap was a key cog on an Atlanta team that won 60 games in 2014-15, and he averaged a career-high 18.1 points per game in 2016-17 before signing with the Nuggets.

Career stats: Redd averaged as many as 26.7 points per game with the Bucks in 2006-07, one of his six seasons of at least 20 points per game.

• 13.4 ppg
• 7.1 rpg
• 2.2 apg
• 1.2 spg

MORE: Complete list of every NBA Finals MVP in history

16. Toni Kukoc, No. 29, Chicago Bulls (1990)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-10, 192 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Small forward
• Country: Croatia

NBA career: Kukoc didn't come over to the NBA until 1993, but by the time Michael Jordan returned from retirement, he proved to be a key complement for the continuation of the Bulls' dynasty. The Croatian forward earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 1995-96 and won three championships with the Bulls before seeing his role increase after Jordan's second retirement. Kukoc averaged double-digit points per game nine times in 13 seasons and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Career stats: Kukoc averaged a career-high 18.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 1998-99, soaking up some of the opportunities freed up by Jordan's retirement. 

• 11.6 ppg
• 4.2 rpg
• 3.7 apg
• 44.7% FG

MORE: Which teams have the most wins in an NBA season?

15. Carlos Boozer, No. 35, Cleveland Cavaliers (2002)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-9, 258 lbs
• Age at draft: 20
• Position: Power forward
• School: Duke

NBA career: Boozer quickly emerged as a potential long-term building block for the Cavaliers in his rookie season, earning a larger role on a team that had hopes of winning the LeBron James sweepstakes. After averaging a double-double next to James in 2003-04, Boozer controversially spurned Cleveland and signed with the Jazz as a restricted free agent. He would become a two-time All-Star in Utah, averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game twice along the way.

Career stats: Boozer averaged a double-double five times in 13 seasons and never averaged less than 10 points per game.

• 16.2 ppg
• 9.5 rpg
• 2.2 apg
• 0.9 spg

MORE: 12 craziest NBA Draft lottery conspiracy theories

14. DeAndre Jordan, No. 35, Los Angeles Clippers (2008)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-11, 165 lbs
• Age at draft: 19
• Position: Center
• School: Texas A&M

NBA career: The Clippers brought Jordan along slowly after drafting him early in the second round in 2008, but he became a starter in his third season and took flight alongside Blake Griffin and Chris Paul in year six. Jordan led the NBA in rebounds per game twice, earning a pair of First-Team All-Defense selections and an All-NBA First Team selection. Jordan ultimately averaged double-digit rebounds per game in seven consecutive seasons at his peak.

Career stats: Jordan has 10,785 career rebounds despite slipping all the way to the 35th pick in 2008.

• 8.5 ppg
• 9.7 rpg
• 0.9 apg
• 1.4 bpg

MORE: Most points in an NBA Finals game by a single player 

13. Rashard Lewis, No. 32, Seattle Sonics (1998)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-10, 215 lbs
• Age at draft: 18
• Position: Small forward
• School: Alief Elsik HS (TX)

NBA career: Lewis went right from high school to the NBA, and he was rewarded despite falling into the second round as a blue-chip recruiting prospect. Lewis emerged as a starter by his third season with the Sonics and continued to improve, ultimately earning his first All-Star selection in 2005 and averaging more than 20 points per game in three consecutive seasons. Lewis spent 16 seasons in the NBA, earning an All-Star selection with two different teams and winning a championship off the bench with the Heat in 2013.

Career stats: Lewis averaged 18.9 points per game over an eight-season span from 2001-2009, including a career-high 22.4 points per game in 2006-07. 

• 14.9 ppg
• 5.2 rpg
• 1.7 apg
• 38.6% 3-pt

MORE: 13 most devastating injuries in NBA playoffs history 

12. Jeff Hornacek, No. 46, Phoenix Suns (1986)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-4, 190 lbs
• Age at draft: 23
• Position: Shooting guard
• School: Iowa State

NBA career: Hornacek went from a 23-year-old second-round pick to a long-term NBA starting guard, emerging as a starter in his second season with the Suns and earning an All-Star selection with 20.1 points per game in 1991-92. Hornacek found a second home with the Jazz in the latter half of his career, starring alongside Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek and helping Utah finally break through to reach the NBA Finals twice before he finished playing in 2000.

Career stats: Hornacek's best statistical season came in 1991-92, when he averaged 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game with the Suns.

• 14.5 ppg
• 3.4 rpg
• 4.9 apg
• 49.6% FG

MORE: How does the NBA Draft lottery work?

11. Marc Gasol, No. 48, Los Angeles Lakers (2007)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-11, 255 lbs
• Age at draft: 22
• Position: Center
• Country: Spain

NBA career: Gasol was drafted by the Lakers in 2007 to potentially follow in his brother Pau's footsteps, but second-round picks are far from guaranteed to turn into legitimate NBA contributors, let alone All-Stars. After the Lakers traded the rights to Gasol as part of a deal for his brother, he came over to the NBA and quickly found his footing with the Grizzlies. Gasol was a three-time All-Star in Memphis, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012-13 and averaging a career-high 19.5 points per game in 2016-17. Gasol would win a championship after being traded to the Raptors during the 2018-19 season.

Career stats: Gasol averaged more than seven rebounds per game in each of his first eight NBA seasons.

• 14.0 ppg
• 7.4 rpg
• 3.4 apg
• 1.4 bpg

MORE: NBA Finals records, including most points, rebounds, assists and more

10. Khris Middleton, No. 39, Detroit Pistons (2012)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-7, 222 lbs
• Age at draft: 20
• Position: Small forward
• School: Texas A&M

NBA career: The Pistons found a gem in Middleton at No. 39 overall in 2012, but they flipped him to the Bucks for Brandon Jennings after he played 27 games as a rookie. Middleton steadily became more impactful in Milwaukee, emerging as a starter in 2013-14 and signing a lucrative extension in 2015. He averaged at least 20 points per game in four seasons and helped lead the Bucks to a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021, averaging 23.6 points per game during Milwaukee's playoff run. The Bucks traded Middleton in 2025, but he earned a special place in franchise history for his role in a golden era of Milwaukee basketball.

Career stats: Middleton averaged 19.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over a five-season peak from 2017-2022, earning three All-Star selections in that span.

• 16.6 ppg
• 4.8 rpg
• 4.0 apg
• 38.7% 3-pt

MORE: 7 gutsiest NBA playoff performances of all time

9. Gilbert Arenas, No. 31, Washington Wizards (2001)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-4, 191 lbs
• Age at draft: 19
• Position: Point guard
• School: Arizona

NBA career: Arenas didn't come without controversy during his 11-year NBA career, but the Wizards got tremendous value out of their No. 31 overall pick in 2001 — 30 picks after they whiffed on Kwame Brown at No. 1 overall. Arenas was a three-time All-Star in Washington, earning Most Improved Player honors in his second season and averaging more than 25 points per game three times. While injuries and a gun controversy marred the end of Arenas' career, his peak was one of the best of any second-rounder in NBA history.

Career stats: Arenas averaged a career-high 29.3 points per game in 2005-06, pushing the Wizards to the playoffs with a 42-40 record.

• 20.7 ppg
• 3.9 rpg
• 5.7 apg
• 35.1% 3-pt

MORE: Tallest No. 1 draft picks in NBA history

8. Maurice Cheeks, No. 36, Philadelphia 76ers (1978)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-1, 180 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Point guard
• School: West Texas A&M

NBA career: Cheeks started all 82 games in his rookie season despite his draft status, quickly emerging as a defensive force for the 76ers. He spent 11 seasons in Philadelphia, winning a championship in 1983 and earning four consecutive All-Defensive First Team selections and four All-Star selections. While known more for his defense than his offense, Cheeks did average more than 15 points per game twice in the mid-1980s. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Career stats: Cheeks averaged at least two steals per game in each of his first 11 NBA seasons.

• 11.1 ppg
• 2.8 rpg
• 6.7 apg
• 2.1 spg

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7. Jalen Brunson, No. 33, Dallas Mavericks (2018)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-2, 190 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Point guard
• School: Villanova

NBA career: Brunson wasn't supposed to be the prize of the Mavericks' 2018 draft, nor did he become the prize. Dallas selected Luka Doncic earlier in the night, and Doncic quickly emerged as a perennial All-Star. In the background, Brunson — who won two championships and one National Player of the Year honor at Villanova — was showing promise as a role player for the Mavericks. He moved from a key sixth man to a starter in his fourth season before signing with the Knicks and proving to be a capable No. 1 option. Brunson averaged at least 24 points per game in each of his first three seasons in New York, earning two All-Star selections and leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

Career stats: Brunson averaged a career-high 28.7 points per game in 2023-24, finishing fifth in MVP voting and earning an All-NBA Second Team selection.

• 18.1 ppg
• 3.2 rpg
• 5.0 apg
• 48.9% FG

MORE: Where does Jalen Brunson rank among the greatest Knicks of all time?

6. Dennis Johnson, No. 29, Seattle Sonics (1976)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-4, 185 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Guard
• School: Pepperdine

NBA career: Johnson was a tremendous success story for the Sonics, emerging as a starter early in his career and earning Finals MVP honors when Seattle avenged its 1978 loss and won its first championship in 1979. After a stop in Phoenix, Johnson became an NBA champion with the Celtics, averaging more than 15 points per game twice. Johnson was a six-time All-Defensive First Team selection and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Career stats: A five-time All-Star, Johnson was known for his defense but averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game with the Suns in 1981-82. 

• 14.1 ppg
• 3.9 rpg
• 5.0 apg
• 44.5% FG

MORE: Key stats in the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan 'GOAT' debate

5. Draymond Green, No. 35, Golden State Warriors (2012)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-6, 230 lbs
• Age at draft: 22
• Position: Power forward
• School: Michigan State

NBA career: The Warriors took a chance on an older, defensive-minded prospect in Michigan State's Draymond Green at No. 35 overall in 2012, and the decision aged beautifully despite his many controversies. One of Steve Kerr's first moves as head coach was to insert Green into the starting lineup in 2014, and Green rewarded him with stellar defensive play on the Warriors' way to a championship. Green has been part of four title-winning teams with Golden State, earning four All-Star selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award. 

Career stats: While not a high-volume scorer, Green set career-highs with 14 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in 2015-16 when the Warriors won a record 73 games.

• 8.7 ppg
• 6.9 rpg
• 5.6 apg
• 1.3 spg

MORE: Inside Draymond Green's history of fouls, cheap shots & fights

4. Alex English, No. 23, Milwaukee Bucks (1976)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-8, 190 lbs
• Age at draft: 22
• Position: Small forward
• School: South Carolina

NBA career: English came off the bench to start his career with the Bucks, but he truly found his footing in Denver after a brief stint with the Pacers. English averaged more than 20 points per game in nine consecutive seasons with the Nuggets, leading the NBA in scoring in 1982-83 and earning eight All-Star selections. A 25,000-point scorer, English was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Career stats: English led the NBA in scoring in 1982-83 and averaged a career-high 29.8 points per game in 1985-86.

• 21.5 ppg
• 5.5 rpg
• 3.6 apg
• 50.7% FG

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3. Manu Ginobili, No. 57, San Antonio Spurs (1999)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-6, 205 lbs
• Age at draft: 21
• Position: Shooting guard
• Country: Argentina

NBA career: One of the all-time great "draft-and-stash" picks, the Spurs selected Ginobili with the No. 57 pick in 1999. While he was only a two-time All-Star, his impact in San Antonio was tremendous. Ginobili won four championships with the Spurs, averaging double-digit points per game next to Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in 12 consecutive seasons and earning Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2007-08. Ginobili knew his role and brought value on both ends of the floor, and that earned him induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Career stats: While not a high-volume scorer, Green set career-highs with 14 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in 2015-16 when the Warriors won a record 73 games.

• 13.3 ppg
• 3.5 rpg
• 3.8 apg
• 36.9% 3-pt

MORE: Why did the Thunder leave Seattle for Oklahoma City?

2. Dennis Rodman, No. 27, Detroit Pistons

Bio information:

• Size: 6-7, 210 lbs
• Age at draft: 25
• Position: Power forward
• School: Southeastern Oklahoma State

NBA career: Rodman initially didn't attend college due to personal troubles, but he was given an opportunity after experiencing a growth spurt and found a home at the NAIA level at Southeastern Oklahoma State. Despite entering the NBA Draft at 25, Rodman was selected by the Pistons and didn't let them regret it. Rodman became one of the most prolific rebounders in NBA history, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and leading the league in rebounds per game seven times. Rodman won two championships with the Pistons and three with the Bulls on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Career stats: Rodman ranks top-25 all time with 11,954 career rebounds, averaging more than 15 rebounds per game in six different seasons.

• 7.3 ppg
• 13.1 rpg
• 1.8 apg
• 0.6 bpg

MORE: Ranking the 9 greatest players in Thunder history

1. Nikola Jokic, No. 41, Denver Nuggets (2014)

Bio information:

• Size: 6-11, 284 lbs
• Age at draft: 19
• Position: Center
• Country: Serbia

NBA career: Jokic was famously drafted while a Taco Bell commercial ran on ESPN's broadcast of the selections, and that about sums up the kind of anticipation that came with him when he arrived in the NBA a year later: none. Jokic quietly started to make his mark in Denver, and the Nuggets made the wise decision to commit to Jokic over Jusuf Nurkic long-term in 2017. Jokic became a three-time MVP, leading the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023. In 2025, he became the third player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double and third player to average a triple-double over a full season. A gifted passer in addition to his ridiculous scoring ability, Jokic's peak ranks among the best in NBA history despite falling all the way to the 41st pick in 2014.

Career stats: Jokic, who has five top-two MVP finishes to his name, finished the 2024-25 season just 39 triple-doubles away from the all time record. 

• 21.8 ppg
• 10.9 rpg
• 7.2 apg
• 36.0% 3-pt

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