The NBA draft is right around the corner, and lottery picks including Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs figure to dominate the headlines. But this is a deep draft class, and if history means anything, teams will also be able to improve their rosters with second-round selections.
Just look at several past second-round picks. These dazzling dozen second-round picks could flat-out play, baby! You can get talent after round one.
Nikola Jokic, 2014 draft (41st overall pick)
Draymond Green, 2012 (35th)
Khris Middleton, 2012 (39th)
Marc Gasol, 2007 (48th)
Malcolm Brogdon, 2016 (36th)
Paul Millsap, 2006, (47th)
Manu Ginobili, 1999 (57th)
Dennis Rodman, 1986 (27th)
Bruce Brown, 2018 (40th)
Devonte' Graham, 2018 (59th)
Isaiah Thomas, 2011 (60th)
Jeff Hornacek, 1986 (46th)
Think about this group. Jokic was the 2020-21 NBA MVP. Green has won three championship rings. Middleton has been a big factor in Milwaukee's run to the NBA Finals. Gasol has played 14 NBA seasons. Brogdon averaged 21.2 PPG in 2020. Millsap was a four-time NBA All-Star. Ginobili was the first non-US player to win an NBA title and Olympic gold. Rodman was one of the premier rebounders in NBA history. Brown was a key contributor for the Nets this season. Graham averaged 18.2 PPG in 2019. Thomas and Hornacek enjoyed long NBA careers.
This year, I believe there are a number of players likely to go in round two that will make NBA rosters. I feel that many of them will shine like my dazzling dozen have.
Here are five potential second round picks to watch:
Luka Garza, Iowa
Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois
Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina
Jason Preston, Ohio
Herbert Jones, Alabama
Garza was one of the premier players in college basketball the last two seasons. He has improved his shooting range and is not afraid to go inside and battle on the boards. I feel he will surprise a lot of people on the next level.
Dosunmu averaged 20.1 PPG for the Illini last season, shooting 48.8 percent from the field. He's explosive and a leader in the backcourt who can be a factor in the pros. It may take a little time, but he will work his way up.
Sharpe needs to gain experience, but the potential is there. He averaged under 20 minutes per game for the Tar Heels. If given the chance, he could develop over the next few years and become a nice draft bargain.
Preston shined for the Bobcats in the MAC tournament and the NCAAs. A versatile, all-around performer, he averaged over 15 PPG, 7 RPG, and 7 assists per game. He is worth taking a shot on. I really love his game and passion.
Jones is an outstanding defender who can score under pressure. He was so vital for Alabama, and I think he will make a pro roster and succeed for a decade.
There you have it, five guys to keep an eye on in round two of the draft. Given the strong showing of the dazzling dozen mentioned earlier, it's important to remember that this is more than a one-round show.
The 17th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, will be held May 6, 2022, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. For more information visit dickvitaleonline.com.