The Top 10 Greatest NBA Players Unselected in the First Round of the NBA Draft

In the first round of the NBA draft, some of the most iconic players in the NBA were not selected. Whether it was undrafted or the second round steal, these players violated expectations and engraved a legendary profession. This is the unselected NBA top player in the first round, some of whom are great players of all time, and they prove that draft positions do not determine destiny. Side note, if you are interested in seeing what changes have changed, THD produced a similar list in 2008.

1. NikolaJokic (No. 41, 2014)

Jokic’s success in the second round was the 3-time NBA MVP and the 2023 NBA champion. The Serbian big man has completely changed the center with his court vision through and scoring efficiency. He continues to use the Denver Nuggets as a perennial title contender.

2. Manu Ginóbili (No. 57th draft pick in 1999)

Ginóbili drafted at the bottom of the 1999 NBA Draft and became a four-time champion and Hall of Fame. Known for his creativity, fearless drive and international talent, Manu is a key piece of the Spurs dynasty and one of the greatest sixth men in history.

3. Dennis Rodman (No. 27, 1986)

The worm redefined the rebound and defense. Rodman is technically a first-round match, but is selected in the first round and is often combined with non-first-round legends. He won five NBA titles and won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, as well as the Pistons and Bulls Dynasty.

4. DraymondGreen (35th draft pick in 2012)

Green has always been the vocal heart and defensive soul of the Golden State Warriors. Draymond’s four-time NBA championship and 2017 defensive player make him essential in the Warriors’ dynasty.

5.

Marc Gasol thrived, entering a major center in Memphis, won the NBA title in Toronto in 2019 and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Gasol is known for its high IQ and versatility and is the cornerstone of the franchise for the “gravel and grind” Grizzlies.

6. GilbertArenas (No. 31, 2001)

“Agent Zero” was one of the most exciting scorers in the league in the mid-2000s. Arenas is three All-Star games with multiple 60-point games and is known for clutch moments and shortened his championship after an injury.

7. Michael Redd (43rd pick, 2000)

Redd quietly became one of the best scorers in the league in the 2000s, and even became an All-Star team and 2004 Olympic team. He averaged 20 points for six straight seasons and once scored 57 points in the game.

8. Ben Wallace (not drafted)

Wallace is the greatest undrafted player in NBA history, winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards and leading the Pistons to the 2004 championship. Wallace is a machine for rebounding and shooting that blends together in the Hall of Fame.

9. Manute Bol (31st pick, 1985)

BOL is one of the most worrying shooters in NBA history. The 7’7-inch center of the Sultan Center has a career average of 3.3 blocks per game and has multiple games with double blocks. He is still a love and unique character in the NBA legend.

10. Fred van Villet (not drafted)

Never drafted to the NBA championship, VanVleet played a key role in Toronto’s 2019 Championship Game. He has the record for most points in a game of an unstartered player (54) and earned an All-Star nod in 2022. Now the franchise leader in Houston, he is one of the most successful vacancies of all time.

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