We gave you the biggest busts in NBA Draft history on Wednesday, a look at the worst No. 1 overall picks since 1989, when the format went to two rounds.
Now for something more positive as the 2016 NBA Draft is set to begin on Thursday night: The hidden gems unearthed in the second round, when teams can find a low-cost, low-risk sleeper that can blossom into a potential star. Here are the 10 best picked since ’89:
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
10. Clifford Robinson, Portland Trail Blazers, 36th overall, 1989
Ask anyone who grew up in the 1990s and they’ll tell you they loved watching “Uncle Cliffy.” Was it the headband? His ability to stretch the floor as a big man? NBA teams loved him too — he ended up playing until he was 40.
(Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY Sports)
9. Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors, 40th overall, 2005
Career averages of 18.7 points, 4.8 assists and nearly two steals are a great return for where he was chosen.
(Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)
8. Carlos Boozer, Cleveland Cavaliers, 34th overall, 2002
Any doubts about the 6-foot-9 Duke product were quickly erased when he became a terrific scorer/rebounder who had a solid career.
(Sam Sharpe / USA TODAY Sports)
7. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers, 35th overall, 2008
I’m just going to put this up and leave it at that.
(Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports)
6. Rashard Lewis, Seattle SuperSonics, 32nd overall, 1998
A high-school-to-pros success story, Lewis was a fantastic shooter. Despite his career 14.9 ppg, he had eight consecutive years averaging over 16 per contest.
(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
5. Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz, 47th overall, 2006
I have the feeling I might get some “Really?” tweets sent my way, but stop a minute and just look at his career numbers, especially the last six years. He’s an underrated star on both ends of the floor and a joy to watch … and I don’t see any signs of that stopping.
(Spruce Derden, USA TODAY Sports)
4. Marc Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers, 48th overall, 2007
A hulking center who can score, block shots, rebound and hit his free throws? Not bad for the 48th overall selection.
(Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE)
3. Gilbert Arenas, Golden State Warriors, 30th overall, 2001
For a stretch in the middle of his career, Arenas was a bona fide NBA superstar. The gun incident in the Wizards locker room that got him suspended all but ended his NBA career and made us wonder what more he could have done on the court.
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
2. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, 35th overall, 2012
Sure, he’s only played four seasons. But look at what he’s done all over the court in the last two years: He won a ring, he helped lead the Warriors to the greatest regular season in league history … and he’s only 26. It’s scary that might not have reached his ceiling yet.
(John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)
1. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs, 57th overall, 1999
Is he a Hall of Famer for all the rings he’s helped bring to San Antonio? It’s a debate worth having about one of the most consistent players of his generation.
