The NBA's Top 10 Players Drafted in the Second Round

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

With so much attention paid to the "upside" of future Lottery and first round selections, second round selections are often taken for granted. Lets face it, after David Stern introduces the last pick in the first round, our attention disappears.

The second round is historically chock full of foreign names, unheard of high school players, and four-year best-of-the-rest college players. 

But as an NBA GM looking at a thin first round draft class (like we have this year), I would focus my efforts on getting a solid pick or two or three in the second round. 

Here are the top performers, from the past decade, that have been drafted in the second round.

(Not Included: Older generations with second round Picks like: Mark Price, Dennis Rodman and Jeff Hornacek.)

10. Louis Scola

Drafted 55th overall to the Spurs in 2002.  This pick was in the height of the Spurs reign of pioneering the overseas scouting frontier.  His impact was felt this year in the playoffs as he and Carl Landry physically owned the post play of the Lakers.  For his career, this second rounder averages 11.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg and is a perennial starter/sixth man.

9. Mo Williams

Maurice was drafted 47th overall in 2003 out of Alabama (Drafted by Utah).   Mo was underrated because of the lack of the Tide's success and because of other PG prospects in the SEC that year.  Mo had a career year with Cleveland and was selected to his first All Star Game.  Career Stats: 13.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 4.8 apg.

8. Mehmet Okur

Detroit took a chance on Okur with the 37th Selection in the 2001 draft.  My main reason for ranking him eighth above Mo and Scola is because he won a ring with the Pistons.  While I personally don't like the guy or his style of play, his numbers don't lie.  Career Stats: 13.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.7 apg.

7. Monta Ellis

The self-proclaimed "fastest dude in the NBA" was selected out of high school in Jackson, Miss by Golden State with the 40th pick of the 2005 draft.  Sure he's young and the scooter accident/injury was bad, but Ellis has an incredibly bright future.  As a previous Most Improved Player, Ellis scores in bunches.  The Four Year Career Stats: 16 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.5 apg.

6. Stephen Jackson

From Oak Hill Academy to Butler County Community College, Jackson was selected 42nd overall in the 1997 by Phoenix.  Love him or hate him, Jackson plays with passion and is loved by his teammates.  As a member of the Spurs' 2003 Championship Team Jackson's Career Numbers are: 15.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 3.2 apg.

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