The Cinderella-like narrative in sports is one of the most inspiring stories fans root for. This is the perfect plot that a few late NBA draft picks have utilized to overcome and exceed their foreseen expectations. They were also the great testaments that they can still succeed no matter how the NBA odds are stacked against them.
These NBA superstars picked in the second round of the NBA draft are also tagged as the “Diamond in the rough” as their careers have panned out better than the other draftees in the batch. Some of these late selections have collected individual accolades, become NBA All-Stars, and were vital to championship teams and dynasties.
Without further ado, here are the top seven second-round NBA draft picks that improved their teams’ chances in the NBA championship odds.
Manu Ginobili
Manu Ginobili was drafted in 1999 in the second round and as the 57th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs. Although he didn't play immediately in the league after getting drafted, Ginobili still became a pivotal member of the Spurs franchise. He helped them win four championships in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 as the 6th man of the team. The Argentinian also bagged the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2008 and was selected as a two-time NBA All-Star in 2005 and 2011.