Walking through the Manila Arena last week, I felt that familiar buzz in the air - the kind that tells you something special is about to happen. From one sibling act to another, the youngest duo on the list - and even in the tournament altogether - was keen on leaving a strong first impression in Manila. Watching these young prospects reminded me why I've always been fascinated by basketball's underdog stories, particularly how the NBA draft's second round has become a treasure trove of talent that routinely gets overlooked.
I remember sitting through the 2014 draft, watching team after team pass on Nikola Jokić. When he finally got selected 41st overall by Denver, the broadcast barely mentioned it. Fast forward to today, and we're talking about a two-time MVP who fundamentally changed how centers play basketball. This pattern of discovering elite talent in the second round isn't accidental - it's become one of the most fascinating aspects of team building in modern basketball. What separates these success stories from the hundreds of players who fade into obscurity? Having covered the league for fifteen years, I've noticed certain patterns that consistently appear in these against-all-odds journeys.
The financial flexibility that second-round picks provide has become increasingly valuable under the current CBA. Teams can sign these players to more team-friendly contracts, often for multiple years without committing significant guaranteed money. Take Draymond Green's situation - selected 35th in 2012, he signed a three-year contract worth just $2.6 million total. That kind of value allowed Golden State to build their dynasty while managing salary cap constraints. I've spoken with several front office executives who admit they now approach the second round with the same analytical rigor they apply to lottery picks, something that wasn't true even a decade ago.
What fascinates me most is how development paths have evolved. Teams now create individualized programs for these overlooked talents rather than expecting immediate contributions. The Maine Red Claws, Boston's G-League affiliate, specifically designed a program for Jordan Clarkson to work on his shot creation before he became Sixth Man of the Year. Malcolm Brogdon told me last year that his Rookie of the Year campaign was possible because Milwaukee let him develop at his own pace rather than forcing him into a predefined role immediately. This patient approach represents a fundamental shift in how organizations view player development.
The international scouting revolution has also transformed second-round value. I was in Denver when they drafted Jokić, and their international scouts had been tracking him since he was 16. They understood his unique skill set wouldn't necessarily translate immediately, but they saw the potential for something special. Similarly, Manu Ginóbili was the 57th pick in 1999 but became the cornerstone of San Antonio's international recruiting strategy that yielded four championships. These successes have created a virtuous cycle where teams invest more in international scouting, which in turn yields more second-round gems.
Unlocking Hidden Gems: How NBA 2nd Round Picks Become Franchise Cornerstones isn't just a catchy phrase - it's become the defining team-building strategy for several successful franchises. Miami's discovery of Duncan Robinson (undrafted) and Max Strus (undrafted) demonstrates how development systems can create rotation players from seemingly marginal prospects. The Nuggets built their championship roster around Jokić (41st pick) while supplementing with Christian Braun (21st pick) and Peyton Watson (30th pick). What these organizations understand is that draft position becomes irrelevant once players step on the court - it's about fit, development, and opportunity.
I've noticed that the most successful second-round picks share certain mental attributes that aren't always evident in combine interviews. They possess what psychologists call "growth mindset" - the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When I asked Jokić about his development, he shrugged and said "I just kept playing." That undersells the incredible work ethic and basketball IQ that transformed him from a chubby second-rounder into the best passing big man in basketball history. These players often develop chip-on-shoulder mentalities that drive them long after they've proven themselves.
The economic impact of hitting on second-round picks cannot be overstated. While Zion Williamson's rookie contract paid him $20 million, Jokić made less than $6 million through his first four seasons. That value allowed Denver to build a deeper roster around him. In today's salary-cap environment, finding productive players on below-market contracts is essentially a competitive necessity. Teams that consistently identify and develop second-round talent create sustainable competitive advantages that can't be easily replicated.
Looking at the young prospects here in Manila, I see the same hunger I've observed in so many second-round success stories. The basketball world has become increasingly globalized, with talent emerging from unexpected places and developing through non-traditional pathways. The next Jokić or Green might be playing in a tournament nobody's watching, waiting for that one scout to see something others missed. That's what keeps me passionate about covering this sport - the endless possibility of discovery, the potential for any pick to become legendary. The second round is no longer the afterthought it once was; it's become where championships are quietly built while everyone's watching the lottery.