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The NBA Draft is a unique opportunity for a franchise to enlist generational talents. While many have had success picking exceptional talents early in the NBA draft, several 'late bloomers' have rewarded franchises that took a chance on them.
Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Bill Russell are some of the No.1 picks that have taken the league by storm. By that standard, it would be unwise to pass up on a player topping the prospect list in a bid to secure a "steal" in the NBA Draft.
While no one knows how a player will develop after they get into the NBA, the solution is to never pass up on the most likely candidates. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo (15th), Kawhi Leonard (15th), and Rudy Gobert (27th) are also considered draft steals because they have exceeded expectations that come with the position at which they were selected.
It makes perfect sense to want an earlier pick as you will get the opportunity to select some of the most highly-rated players in the NBA Draft. However, there have been a few top-tier prospects that have been chosen deep inside the draft. These players were overtly underrated but proved their doubters wrong, making them some of the NBA's biggest Draft steals.
That said, let's take a look at five players that are considered the five biggest draft steals in NBA history.
#5 Draymond Green, 35th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft
Draymond Green was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 5th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft second round. Although he is not known for his scoring, his defensive acumen and ability to make a pass have made him invaluable to the Warriors.
Green is also lauded for his high basketball IQ and ability to guard every position in the league. He is, without an iota of doubt, one of the most versatile players in NBA history.
For someone who was selected so late in the draft, his production levels have been unreal. He was a major player in the Warriors' dynasty that won three NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
Alongside his championship rings, he also holds awards for NBA Defensive Player of the year (2017), NBA steals leader (2017) and has made several All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive lists.
#4 Nikola Jokic, 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft
Nikola Jokic holds the record for being the only second-round draft pick to win an MVP title in the NBA regular season following his victory in the 2020-21 season. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.
When it comes to versatility, Jokic is mentioned with some of the greats in league history. He played all 72 games for the Nuggets during the regular season and averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. However, his team was swept by the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semi-finals.
With age on his side, Jokic is in the middle of what will seemingly be a rewarding career. The Serbian is only in his sixth season and has made three All-Star appearances (2019-2021), the All-NBA first team (2019, 2021), and the coveted MVP award in 2021.
#3 Manu Ginobili, 57th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft
Manu Ginobili did not feature for the San Antonio Spurs immediately after he was selected as the 27th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft second round. Although he was dominant in Europe before entering the NBA Draft, franchises were still skeptical about how well he would perform in the NBA.
His partnership with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker turned the Spurs into a dynasty in the 2000s. They combined for four NBA Championships in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Kawhi Leonard also played a role in the 2014 championship, earning his first ring in his third season in the NBA.
The chances of getting this kind of value from the second-to-last pick in the draft are next to none. However, Ginobili showed that his run in Europe was not a fluke and can be replicated anywhere.
Ginobili, won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2008, made two All-Star appearances (2005 & 2011), and has his No. 20 jersey number retired by the Spurs. He is responsible for making the Euro Step popular.
#2 Dennis Rodman, 57th pick in the 1986 NBA Draft
Dennis Rodman was not given much consideration in the draft because of his size. But he is perhaps the greatest rebounder in NBA history. He is worthy of the title because of his size compared to those in the top 25 list.
Rodman was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the 27th pick in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft. In what was one of the worst draft classes in the NBA, Rodman stood out and made a name for himself against all odds.
The ability to rebound the ball so well was not out of sheer luck for Rodman. He studied the spin of the ball and trajectory to anticipate where the ball will land. More often than not, he was correct, which saw him grab more boards than his bigger counterparts.
Although successful with the Pistons, he became a stronger force after he joined the Chicago Bulls dynasty. He won three of his five NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls (1996-1998). Added to that, he was the NBA's Defending Player of the Year in 1990 and 1991. For seven consecutive seasons, he led the league in rebounds (1992-1998).
#1 Kobe Bryant, 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft
While Kobe Bryant was not selected deep in the draft, his achievements for a 13th pick were phenomenal. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets for the LA Lakers in the 1996 NBA Draft to complete a trade deal.
That move made the LA Lakers one of the powerhouses in the NBA, as Kobe was instrumental in bringing five NBA Championships to the Staples Center. He is considered one of the greatest to put on purple and gold.
Bryant's career highlights and awards are numerous to mention. However, he was recognized for his efforts both offensively and defensively. While leading the NBA in scoring in 2006 & 2007, he almost made the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
In his 20-year career with the Lakers, he made 18 All-Star appearances, won the NBA Finals MVP in 2009 & 2009, and was the regular-season MVP in 2008. Both jersey numbers (8 & 24) he used while at Lakers have been retired by the franchise.
