For many aspiring NBA players, all that`s truly needed is an opportunity. This will undoubtedly be the case for the 29 prospects whose names are called during the second round of the 2025 NBA draft.
Over recent years, players selected in the second round have frequently developed into some of the league`s most valuable, dependable, and productive contributors. According to research data, among players drafted in the second round since the year 2000, 15 have been selected for at least one All-Star Game, and 10 have earned a spot on an All-NBA team.
As the second day of the NBA draft approaches, it prompts reflection on those second-round picks who significantly surpassed expectations in the league after not being chosen in the initial round.
Here are some of the most remarkable second-round draft success stories in the NBA since 2000.
Jalen Brunson, 2018
Pick: No. 33
Team that drafted him: Dallas Mavericks
Brunson, a highly decorated high school player and a two-time NCAA champion at Villanova where he also earned National Player of the Year honors, averaged solid numbers during his college career. The Mavericks picked him in the second round not long after selecting Luka Doncic. Brunson`s influence in Dallas steadily increased, culminating in an impressive performance during the 2022 NBA playoffs. Following the 2021-22 season, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks. He has since achieved consecutive All-Star selections, led the Knicks deep into the playoffs, and finished fifth in MVP voting for the 2023-24 season.
Nikola Jokic, 2014
Pick: No. 41
Team that drafted him: Denver Nuggets
Famously drafted by the Nuggets during a Taco Bell commercial break, the Serbian native had a quiet start, spending a year playing overseas after being selected. Jokic joined the Nuggets for the 2015-16 season, becoming a starter midway through and earning All-Rookie First Team honors with averages of 10 points and seven rebounds. Since his rookie year, `The Joker` has averaged close to a triple-double for his regular-season career and has been named to an All-NBA team every season since 2019. He secured back-to-back MVP awards in 2021 and 2022, led Denver to their first championship in 2023 where he was named Finals MVP, and finished as the MVP runner-up this season after another dominant statistical year.
Draymond Green, 2012
Pick: No. 35
Team that drafted him: Golden State Warriors
Green played four seasons at Michigan State, averaging solid all-around stats, before being selected early in the second round by Golden State. The Warriors have been a perennial playoff team since his arrival. Green was a pivotal component in their four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), contributing significantly with his defensive prowess and playmaking, integral to the franchise`s dynastic run. A multiple-time All-Defensive team member and the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, Green has maintained career averages of 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
Khris Middleton, 2012
Pick: No. 39
Team that drafted him: Detroit Pistons
Middleton spent three seasons with Texas A&M before declaring for the draft, averaging respectable points and rebounds. Drafted by Detroit, he played only 27 games before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In Milwaukee, Middleton quickly established himself as a key offensive threat, consistently averaging double figures. He was instrumental in leading the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, delivering strong scoring and rebounding numbers in the playoffs. He was recently traded to the Washington Wizards in February.
Carlos Boozer, 2002
Pick: No. 35
Team that drafted him: Cleveland Cavaliers
Boozer had a standout three-year collegiate career at Duke, contributing to a national title in 2001 and consistently averaging double figures. Drafted by Cleveland, he made an immediate impact and was named to the All-Rookie First Team. He later spent six productive seasons with the Utah Jazz, earning two All-Star selections and receiving votes for the NBA`s Most Valuable Player award. Boozer had a successful 13-season career in the league, averaging 16.2 points and 9.5 rebounds.
Gilbert Arenas, 2001
Pick: No. 31
Team that drafted him: Golden State Warriors
Arenas played two seasons at Arizona, averaging 15.8 points, before being selected by Golden State as the 31st pick. He quickly emerged as a dynamic scorer, earning the Most Improved Player award in 2003 after a breakout season. He then signed with the Washington Wizards in the offseason, where he spent eight seasons as a primary offensive force, earning three All-Star selections during his time there.