Uncovering Hidden Gems: The 2017 NBA Draft Second Round's Most Impactful Players Revealed

I still remember sitting in my living room during the 2017 NBA Draft, watching as the first-round picks came off the board with all the usual fanfare and excitement. The media coverage was predictably focused on the lottery selections - Markelle Fultz going first to Philadelphia, Lonzo Ball to the Lakers, Jayson Tatum to Boston. But what really caught my attention, and what I've come to appreciate more with each passing season, was the incredible value hidden in that year's second round. Looking back now, I'd argue the 2017 second round might be one of the most underrated talent hauls in recent NBA history, producing players who've significantly outperformed their draft positions and become genuine difference-makers for their teams.

The conversation about second-round steals from that draft inevitably starts with Monte Morris, who went 51st overall to the Denver Nuggets. I've followed Morris since his Iowa State days, where he set the NCAA record for assist-to-turnover ratio, and honestly, I thought he'd be a first-round pick. Denver got an absolute gem here - a steady, reliable point guard who's developed into a legitimate starting-caliber player. Last season with the Wizards, he averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 assists while maintaining his trademark efficiency. What impresses me most about Morris isn't any single spectacular skill but his overall basketball IQ and decision-making. He simply doesn't make mistakes, and in today's NBA where possessions are precious, that's incredibly valuable.

Then there's Dillon Brooks, selected 45th by the Houston Rockets (though immediately traded to Memphis). I'll admit, when Brooks first entered the league, I didn't anticipate he'd become the defensive stopper and emotional leader he is today. His offensive efficiency has been questioned at times - and rightfully so - but his defensive intensity is absolutely elite. I've watched him take on the toughest perimeter assignments night after night and consistently make life miserable for opposing stars. Last season with Memphis, he averaged over 14 points while serving as the heart of their defensive identity. Love him or hate him, Brooks has become exactly the kind of player every contender needs - someone willing to do the dirty work and embrace challenging defensive matchups.

The international finds from that second round deserve special mention too. I've always been fascinated by international prospects because they often develop in different systems that emphasize different skills. Isaiah Hartenstein, picked 43rd by Houston, has developed into exactly the kind of modern big every team covets. Watching his growth from his early days with the Rockets to his current role has been remarkable. He's become an excellent passer for his size, a solid rim protector, and someone who understands his role perfectly. Last season, he posted a player efficiency rating of over 20 while providing quality minutes for a playoff team.

What strikes me about these second-round success stories is how they often share certain characteristics - high basketball IQ, specific translatable skills, and perhaps most importantly, incredible work ethic. These aren't the most athletic players or the ones with the highest ceilings coming out of college, but they've maximized their opportunities through sheer determination and smart development. I've spoken with several NBA development coaches over the years, and they consistently emphasize that second-round picks who succeed typically possess an understanding of what they need to do to stick in the league, rather than trying to do everything.

This brings me to an interesting parallel I've observed in basketball cultures worldwide. While researching international basketball, I came across a fascinating snippet about the Magnolia team in the Philippines - how former governor Rene Pardo visited their practice and was welcomed by Jason Webb and longtime team manager Alvin Patrimonio. This reminded me that finding hidden gems isn't unique to the NBA. Every basketball culture has its own version of undervalued players who develop into key contributors. The principles of talent evaluation and development transcend leagues and borders. The ability to identify potential beyond the obvious stars, to recognize the subtle qualities that predict NBA success - that's what separates great front offices from good ones.

Jordan Bell, selected 38th by Chicago (then traded to Golden State), provided immediate value to a championship team as a rookie, which is almost unheard of for a second-round pick. His energy, athleticism, and defensive versatility made him a perfect fit for the Warriors' system. Though his career has had ups and downs since, his early contributions to a title team demonstrate how second-round picks can provide immediate rotational value. Meanwhile, Thomas Bryant, picked 42nd by Utah then traded to the Lakers, has shown flashes of being a legitimate scoring big when healthy. Before his injuries, he was putting up efficient numbers, including a season where he shot over 40% from three-point range - remarkable for a center.

Reflecting on these players' journeys, I'm struck by how development isn't linear. Some second-round picks contribute immediately, others take years to find their footing, and many bounce around before landing in the right situation. What the successful ones share is resilience and adaptability. They're willing to accept whatever role gives them a chance to prove themselves, then expand from there. This is something I think many fans underestimate - the mental toughness required to succeed as an underdog in a league full of stars.

The economic value these players provide is staggering when you really break it down. Getting starting-caliber production from players on second-round contracts creates massive surplus value for teams operating under the salary cap. Monte Morris's contract with Denver was arguably one of the best value deals in the league for several seasons. This financial flexibility allows teams to spend elsewhere, making these second-round finds crucial for team-building in a capped system. From an analytical perspective, the hit rate on second-round picks remains low, but when you find a contributor, the return on investment is enormous.

As I look around the league today, I see the legacy of the 2017 second round every night. These players have carved out meaningful careers against the odds, proving that draft position doesn't determine destiny. They've become the kind of reliable professionals that coaches trust, that teammates respect, and that analytically-inclined front offices value. Their success stories should serve as reminders that talent exists beyond the lottery, that development paths vary widely, and that the most complete picture of a draft class often emerges years after the event itself. The 2017 second round, in my view, stands as a testament to the importance of thorough scouting, patient development, and recognizing that basketball value comes in many forms beyond athletic measurables and college statistics.