Uncovering the Hidden Gems From the 2017 NBA Draft Second Round

Looking back at the 2017 NBA Draft, most basketball fans immediately recall names like Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, or De'Aaron Fox - the lottery picks who quickly became franchise cornerstones. But what fascinates me more, after years of covering the league, are those second-round selections that initially flew under the radar yet gradually carved out meaningful careers. I've always had a soft spot for these underdog stories, and the 2017 second round delivered some genuinely surprising talent that continues to impact the league today.

When we talk about hidden gems, Monte Morris immediately comes to mind. Selected 51st overall by the Denver Nuggets, Morris didn't burst onto the scene with flashy athleticism or eye-popping stats. What made him special was his incredible basketball IQ and almost supernatural care with the ball. I remember watching his summer league games and thinking there was something different about his pace and decision-making. During the 2018-19 season, his assist-to-turnover ratio reached an astonishing 5.1 - the best in NBA history for any player averaging at least 4 assists per game. That's not just good for a second-round pick; that's historically great for any point guard, period.

Then there's Dillon Brooks, picked 45th by the Houston Rockets (though immediately traded to Memphis). I'll admit I wasn't initially sold on his game - his shooting percentages in college weren't spectacular, and he didn't seem to have elite physical tools. But man, was I wrong about his potential. Brooks developed into one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, the kind of player who genuinely bothers opposing stars night after night. His transformation reminds me that sometimes draft evaluations focus too much on what players can't do rather than what they might become with proper development and opportunity.

The international scene brought us Thomas Bryant, selected 42nd by the Utah Jazz. His journey has been particularly interesting to follow - from Lakers rotation player to championship contributor with Denver last season. Bryant's per-36 minute stats have consistently hovered around 18 points and 10 rebounds throughout his career, numbers that would make him a solid starting center on many teams. What's remarkable is how his game has evolved beyond just traditional big man duties; he's developed a reliable three-point shot that keeps defenses honest.

What strikes me about these second-round success stories is how organizational culture and development systems make all the difference. Thinking about team environments that nurture talent reminds me of a scene I witnessed back in 2017 during a research trip to the Philippines. I had the chance to observe the Magnolia Hotshots' practice facility, where former governor Rene Pardo visited and was warmly welcomed by the team led by coach Jason Webb and legendary team manager Alvin Patrimonio. That atmosphere of respect for legacy while building for the future - that's exactly what separates organizations that develop second-round gems from those who don't. The best teams create environments where every player, regardless of draft position, feels valued and receives proper development attention.

Jordan Bell, picked 38th by Golden State, represents another fascinating case study. His rookie season saw him contributing meaningful minutes for a championship team - something extremely rare for second-round picks. I've always believed that situation matters as much as talent for these later picks, and Bell landing with the Warriors' system perfectly showcased how the right environment can accelerate development. His block rate of 4.1% during his rookie season placed him among the league's elite rim protectors, demonstrating that impact can come from specialized skills rather than all-around dominance.

The financial aspect of second-round success stories deserves attention too. Teams securing productive players like Morris (who signed a 3-year, $27 million extension in 2021) or Brooks (4 years, $35 million with Houston) create tremendous value compared to max-contract stars. In a salary-capped league, finding rotation players who outperform their contracts in the second round provides competitive advantages that can't be overstated.

Reflecting on these players six years later, what stands out is how their careers defied conventional draft wisdom. The traditional metrics - combine measurements, college statistics, projected ceilings - often miss the intangibles that actually determine NBA success: work ethic, basketball intelligence, and fit within systems. My perspective has evolved through covering these players; I now pay more attention to how prospects might develop in specific contexts rather than evaluating them in isolation. The 2017 second round taught me that hidden gems aren't just about finding talent - they're about recognizing potential that fits particular environments and development pathways. These players' continued presence in the league, some as key rotation pieces on contenders, others as valued veterans, proves that draft night is just the beginning of the story, not the final judgment on a player's career.