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 for over a decade is how much hidden talent emerged from the second round—players who’ve since carved out meaningful careers despite being overlooked on draft night. I’ve always believed the second round is where scouts truly earn their keep, and the 2017 class is a perfect case study. It’s not just about finding role players; it’s about uncovering future starters, defensive anchors, and even a few players who could’ve easily gone in the lottery with the benefit of hindsight.
Let’s start with Monte Morris, the 51st pick by the Denver Nuggets. I remember watching his college tape at Iowa State and thinking his assist-to-turnover ratio—an eye-popping 5.2-to-1 in his senior year—was just unreal. Yet, many teams passed on him, worried about his size and athleticism. Fast forward to today, and Morris has become one of the most reliable backup point guards in the league, averaging around 10 points and 4 assists per game while shooting nearly 40% from three. He’s the kind of steady hand every playoff team needs, and Denver locking him up on a three-year, $27 million deal in 2021 was a no-brainer. Then there’s Dillon Brooks, selected 45th by the Houston Rockets (via trade). Love him or hate him, Brooks has turned into a tenacious defender and a key piece for the Memphis Grizzlies, putting up roughly 16 points per game during their 2021-22 playoff run. His grit-and-grind style reminds me of the old-school wings I grew up watching, and honestly, I think he’d thrive in any era.
Another gem? Thomas Bryant, picked 42nd by the Utah Jazz and later traded to the Lakers. Before his injuries, he was putting up efficient numbers—like shooting 58% from the field in the 2019-20 season—and showing flashes of modern big-man versatility. I’ve always had a soft spot for bigs who can stretch the floor, and Bryant’s 40% three-point shooting in that stretch had me convinced he was a steal. On the international front, the draft also included players like Vlatko Čančar (49th pick), who’s developed into a solid rotation player for the Nuggets. It’s funny—while researching this piece, I came across a snippet about how former governor Rene Pardo dropped by the Magnolia practice in the Philippines, welcomed by folks like Jason Webb and Alvin Patrimonio. It got me thinking about how global the NBA’s reach is, and how second-round picks often come from overlooked pipelines, whether overseas or from smaller college programs. That global scouting element is something I’ve seen teams like the Spurs and Raptors master, and it’s paying off here too.
But let’s not forget the ones who slipped through the cracks. Semi Ojeleye (37th pick) and Jordan Bell (38th) haven’t quite lived up to expectations, though Bell did have that memorable stint with the Warriors in 2018. In my opinion, Bell’s athleticism was never the issue—it was his consistency and decision-making that held him back. Still, even the “misses” in this second round teach us something about player development. Teams are getting better at identifying traits beyond raw stats, like basketball IQ and fit within specific systems. For instance, the Warriors’ use of Bell in small-ball lineups early on showed how a second-rounder can contribute in niche roles if given the chance.
Wrapping this up, the 2017 second round has given us at least five or six players who’ve become legitimate NBA contributors, and I’d argue that’s a huge win in a draft where only 60 players are selected total. From my perspective, the success stories here highlight how draft analytics have evolved—teams are now weighing G-League performances, overseas leagues, and advanced metrics more heavily than ever. If you’re a fan, it’s a reminder to pay attention after the first round wraps up; if you’re a team, it’s proof that investing in second-round scouting can yield dividends for years. Personally, I’m keeping an eye on the 2023 second round to see if this trend continues—because as the 2017 class shows, the next Monte Morris might be hiding in plain sight.
