Uncovering the Hidden Gems From the 2017 NBA Draft Second Round

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 as someone who’s followed basketball scouting and player development for years is how much hidden talent emerged from the second round—players who weren’t just roster fillers but genuine difference-makers. I’ve always believed the second round is where scouting departments truly earn their paychecks, and the 2017 class is a perfect example of that. While the first round gets the prime-time coverage, it’s often in those later picks where you find the gritty, overlooked players who bring unexpected value to their teams, sometimes even outshining their more-heralded counterparts.

One of the standout names from that second round has to be Monte Morris, selected 51st overall by the Denver Nuggets. I remember watching him at Iowa State and thinking his poise and low turnover rate would translate well to the NBA, but even I didn’t anticipate him becoming such a steady floor general. In the 2020-21 season, Morris averaged 10.2 points and 3.2 assists while shooting nearly 39% from three—numbers that don’t jump off the page, but his assist-to-turnover ratio was among the league’s best. For a second-round pick, that’s incredible value. Then there’s Dillon Brooks, picked 45th by the Houston Rockets (and later traded to Memphis). Love him or hate him, Brooks developed into a tenacious defender and a key piece for the Grizzlies, averaging over 14 points per game in multiple seasons. His edge and competitiveness remind me of players who just needed the right system to thrive, and Memphis gave him that platform.

But it’s not just about the players who stuck in the NBA—international picks and those who found success overseas also deserve attention. Take Isaiah Hartenstein, chosen 43rd by Houston, who later blossomed into a reliable big man with the LA Clippers, putting up around 8 points and 6 rebounds per game in limited minutes. Or consider the story of Thomas Bryant, selected 42nd by the Utah Jazz and later traded to the Lakers, where he showed flashes of being a solid rotational big before injuries hampered his progress. What’s interesting to me is how many of these second-rounders were initially undervalued due to perceived limitations, whether in athleticism or skill set, yet they carved out roles through sheer work ethic and adaptability.

Speaking of undervalued talent, I can’t help but draw a parallel to the reference about Abarrientos and the warm welcome from the Magnolia team in the Philippines. While that’s from a different context, it underscores a universal truth in basketball: sometimes, the most impactful contributors are those who fly under the radar. In the 2017 draft, players like Jordan Bell (38th pick) and Semi Ojeleye (37th pick) had moments where they contributed to playoff teams, even if they didn’t become stars. Bell, for instance, played meaningful minutes for the Golden State Warriors during their 2018 championship run, averaging about 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in the playoffs—modest stats, but his energy and defense provided a spark off the bench. It’s these kinds of contributions that highlight why teams shouldn’t overlook the second round; they’re often where you find the glue guys who help build a winning culture.

From a team-building perspective, the 2017 second round was a goldmine for savvy front offices. The Toronto Raptors, for example, snagged OG Anunoby with the 23rd pick (technically late first round, but close enough), and he’s since become one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings. But even later, picks like Sterling Brown (46th) and Damyean Dotson (44th) had stretches where they provided depth and shooting for their teams. As someone who’s analyzed draft trends, I’ve noticed that second-round success often hinges on fit and opportunity—players like Morris thrived because Denver’s system emphasized ball security, while Brooks found a home in Memphis’s gritty identity. It’s a reminder that drafting isn’t just about talent; it’s about vision and patience.

Now, reflecting on all this, I’d argue that the 2017 second round might be one of the most underrated in recent memory. Beyond the names I’ve mentioned, there were others like Kadeem Allen (53rd) and Matt Williams Jr. (undrafted but in a similar vein) who had brief NBA stints, showcasing the depth of that class. In my view, this draft reinforces why I’m such a proponent of investing in second-round scouting—it’s where you can find gems that elevate your team without the high cost of a lottery pick. Sure, not every pick panned out, but the hit rate here is impressive when you consider that around 40% of second-rounders from 2017 have had meaningful NBA careers, based on my rough estimate of players logging at least 100 games. That’s a testament to the evolving landscape of player evaluation, where analytics and international scouting are closing the gap between rounds.

In conclusion, while the 2017 NBA Draft will always be remembered for its first-round stars, the second round offered its own treasure trove of talent. From steady contributors like Monte Morris to defensive stalwarts like Dillon Brooks, these players have proven that draft position isn’t destiny. As a basketball enthusiast, I find stories like these more compelling than the obvious successes—they’re a reminder of the unpredictability and depth of the sport. So next time you’re watching a draft, don’t tune out after the first round; you might just miss the birth of the next hidden gem.