When I look back at the 2017 NBA Draft’s second round, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and frustration. It’s like digging through a box of old basketball cards—some hidden gems shine through, while missed opportunities glare back at you. I remember watching the draft that year, thinking how teams often overlook talent in the second round, focusing too much on big names and flashy stats. But as someone who’s followed the league for years, I’ve learned that the real magic happens when you spot those under-the-radar players. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to analyze second-round picks, using the 2017 draft as our case study. We’ll cover steps to identify potential steals, methods to evaluate player development, and key pitfalls to avoid. Along the way, I’ll share my own takes and experiences, because let’s be honest, hindsight is 20/20, but it’s also what makes this so fun.
First off, step one in reviewing any draft is to look beyond the obvious stats. In 2017, players like Monte Morris and Dillon Brooks were picked in the second round, and they’ve since become solid contributors. Morris, for instance, was the 51st pick by the Denver Nuggets, and he’s averaged around 10 points and 3.5 assists per game over his career—numbers that many first-rounders would envy. I always tell people to focus on efficiency metrics, like true shooting percentage or defensive ratings, rather than just points per game. For example, Brooks, picked 45th by the Houston Rockets, has carved out a role as a tough defender, something that didn’t show up in his college stats alone. My method here is simple: start by watching game footage from their pre-draft workouts and college games, but don’t stop there. Look at how they’ve adapted to the NBA pace. I remember spending hours analyzing Brooks’ defensive stance; it’s those little details that separate a gem from a bust.
Now, step two involves understanding team dynamics and how they affect player growth. Take the case of Jordan Bell, who was picked 38th by the Golden State Warriors. He had a decent rookie season, even starting in some playoff games, but eventually fizzled out. Why? In my view, it’s because the Warriors’ system is so complex that it can stifle young players who aren’t given enough minutes to develop. Contrast that with someone like Thomas Bryant, picked 42nd by the Los Angeles Lakers—he got more playing time early on and has since become a reliable big man, averaging double-digits in scoring when healthy. Here’s a practical tip: when evaluating second-round picks, check the team’s roster depth and coaching philosophy. If a team is stacked at a position, like the Warriors were with big men, it might not be the best fit. I’ve made the mistake of overlooking this in the past, thinking talent alone would shine through, but environment matters just as much.
Another crucial step is to track international players and late bloomers. In the 2017 second round, we saw guys like Isaiah Hartenstein, who was picked 43rd by the Houston Rockets but spent time overseas before making an impact in the NBA. He’s now a key rotation player, and I love his energy off the bench. My approach here is to follow their development leagues or international stats closely. For instance, Hartenstein averaged about 8 points and 6 rebounds in the G-League before breaking into the NBA—numbers that hinted at his potential. But a word of caution: don’t get too caught up in hype. I’ve seen fans overrate players based on a few highlight reels, only to be disappointed. Instead, look for consistency. If a player puts up solid numbers over a full season, like Hartenstein did, it’s a good sign they’re worth the gamble.
When it comes to missed opportunities, the 2017 second round is full of what-ifs. One that sticks out to me is the pick of Frank Mason III at 34th by the Sacramento Kings. He had a strong college career, winning the Naismith Player of the Year, but struggled in the NBA and is now out of the league. In hindsight, I think teams should have paid more attention to his fit rather than his accolades. My advice? Always consider a player’s versatility and how they handle pressure. For example, Mason was a score-first guard, but in today’s NBA, you need players who can switch on defense and make smart passes. I recall watching him in summer league and thinking he’d adapt, but sometimes, the jump is just too big. This ties into a broader point: use advanced analytics, but don’t ignore the human element. Talk to scouts, watch interviews, and get a sense of their work ethic. I once chatted with a scout who mentioned that Mason’s dedication was unquestionable, but the NBA’s physicality got the better of him.
Now, let’s tie this back to the reference knowledge base, which mentions how former governor Rene Pardo visited the Magnolia practice and was welcomed by Jason Webb and Alvin Patrimonio. This isn’t directly about the NBA draft, but it highlights the importance of environment and mentorship—something that applies to evaluating second-round picks. Just like how Pardo’s visit might have inspired the team, a supportive coaching staff can turn a raw talent into a star. In the 2017 draft, players who landed with developmental-focused teams, like the San Antonio Spurs (who picked Derrick White at 29th, just outside the second round, but it’s a similar idea), often fared better. White, for instance, has become a defensive stalwart, and I attribute that to the Spurs’ culture. So, my tip here is to research the team’s development programs. If a second-round pick goes to a team known for nurturing talent, like the Miami Heat or the Spurs, it’s a positive sign. I’ve seen too many cases where talented players get lost in poorly run organizations.
In conclusion, looking back at the 2017 NBA Draft second round reveals both hidden gems and glaring missed opportunities, and it’s a lesson in patience and perspective. From my experience, the key is to blend data with intuition—don’t just rely on stats, but also consider the player’s journey and the team’s role. I’ve shared methods like analyzing efficiency metrics, assessing team fit, and tracking international progress, but remember, it’s an art as much as a science. As we reflect on picks like Monte Morris shining or Frank Mason fading, it’s clear that second-round evaluations require a keen eye and a bit of luck. So next time you’re diving into draft analysis, keep these steps in mind, and maybe you’ll spot the next big thing before anyone else does. After all, in the world of basketball, as in life, sometimes the best treasures are hidden in plain sight.
