Some of the NBA’s most iconic players were not selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. Whether it was undrafted or a second stolen, these players went against their expectations and carved out legendary careers. Let’s take a look at the top NBA players who weren’t drafted in the first round. Some of the best people ever prove that a draft position doesn’t determine fate. In the side notes, THD created a similar list in 2008 if you are interested in seeing what has changed.
1. Nikola Jokic (41st pick, 2014)
The king of second round success, Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA champion. The Serbian big man revolutionized the position of the centre with his court vision, passing and scoring efficiency. He continues to pin the Denver Nuggets as a perennial title contender.
2. Manujinobiri (57th pick, 1999)
Drafted near the bottom of the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginóbili has become a four-time champion And then he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Known for his creativity, fearless drive and international talent, Manu was an important work in the Spurs dynasty and one of the greatest sixth men in history.
3. Dennis Rodman (27th pick, 1986)
The worm has redefines rebound and defense. Technically it’s the first round, but Rodman was chosen last in the first round, often summarised in the legend of the first round. He won five NBA titles, pinned the Pistons and Bulls dynasties, and won two awards of the year.
4. Draymond Green (35th pick, 2012)
Green was the vocal heart and defensive spirit of the Golden State Warriors. The playmaking and toughness of Draymond, the four-time NBA champion and the 2017 defensive player of the year, made him an integral part of the Warriors dynasty.
5. MarcGasol (48th Pick, 2007)
Mark Gasol has blossomed at Memphis Premier Center, winning the NBA Championship in Toronto in 2019 and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Known for his high IQ and versatility, Gasol was the cornerstone of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzly franchise.
6. Gilbert Arenas (31st Pick, 2001)
“Agent Zero” was one of the league’s most emotional goal scorers in the mid-2000s. The three-time All-Star Arena has multiple 60-point games and was known for her clutch moments and deep shooting before the injury shortened Prime.
7. Michael Red (43rd pick, 2000)
Redd quietly became one of the league’s best shooting games in the 2000s, creating an All-Star team and a 2004 Olympic team. He averaged over 20 ppg on six straight wins and once scored 57 points in the game.
8. Ben Wallace (undrafted)
Wallace, the biggest draft player in NBA history, won four defensive player of the year awards, leading the Pistons to the 2004 title. A rebound and shot blocking machine, Wallace is surrounded by the Hall of Fame.
9. ManuteBol (31st Pick, 1985)
Bol was one of the most feared shot blockers in NBA history. 7’7” Sudan Centre had multiple games with double digit blocks averaged 3.3 blocks per game. He remains a unique person loved in NBA lore.
10. Fred Vanvrit (undrafted)
From the draft to the NBA champion, Vanvleet played a pivotal role in Toronto’s 2019 title run. He held a record of most points in the game by undrafted players (54) and won an All-Star nod in 2022.
The next 20 notable players have not been drafted in the first round
| Rank | player | Draft status | Notable results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Isaiah Thomas | 60th Pick (2011) | 2x All-Star, 29 ppg season |
| 12 | Kyle Cover | 51st Pick (2003) | Top 5 All-Star, career 3ptm |
| 13 | Lou Williams | Pick 45 (2005) | 3x6th Man of the Year |
| 14 | Danny Green | Pick 46 (2009) | 3×NBA Champion |
| 15 | Hassan White Side | 33rd Pick (2010) | He led the league with blocks and rebounds |
| 16 | Monte Morris | 51st pick (2017) | Elite Assist vs Turnover Ratio |
| 17 | Chris Andersen | Not drafted | 2013 NBA Champion, Elite Shot Blocker |
| 18 | Pati Mills | 55th Pick (2009) | 2014 champion, Team Australia Leader |
| 19 | Jeremy Lynn | Not drafted | “Linsanity” 2019 Champion |
| 20 | PJ Tucker | 35th Pick (2006) | NBA champion, elite defender |
| twenty one | Cedric Seboros | Pick 48 (1990) | 1x All Stars, 21 ppg scorer |
| twenty two | Rajabel | Not drafted | 2x All Defense, Elite Boundary Defender |
| twenty three | JJ Barea | Not drafted | 2011 champion, Final Spark Plug |
| twenty four | Blood Miller | Not drafted | 2x All Stars, Stretch Big |
| twenty five | Darrell Armstrong | Not drafted | 6moy, the most improved |
| 26 | Marcin Gortat | Pick 57 (2005) | Wizard playoff anchor |
| 27 | Maxi clever | Not drafted | Modern stretch big |
| 28 | Lu Dort | Not drafted | Elite Defender, OKC Starter |
| 29 | Naz Reid | Not drafted | Starter level production |
| 30 | Alex Caruso | Not drafted | All defense, 2020 champion |
