Well, the glorious history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed numerous underdog players who were picked up quite late in the NBA drafts but ended up having outstanding careers, leading their respective teams to numerous victories. If you’re wondering why these players are often referred to as “draft steals”, it’s because these players are drafted by teams for lower picks and often end up exceeding the expectations— becoming All-Stars, MVPs, and even Hall of Famers.
In this article we will take a look at the top four biggest draft steals in the history of the NBA.
Top 4 Biggest Draft Steals in NBA History
Nikola Jokić
The Serbian professional basketball player, who is currently a center for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, is at the first spot in our list of the top four biggest draft seals in the history of the NBA. Often hailed as “The Joker”, Nikola Jokić is often looked upon as one of the greatest draft steals in the National Basketball Association history.
Nikola Jokić was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 41st overall draft (2nd round) in 2014. So far, the seven-time NBA All-Star, Nikola Jokić, has clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023–24 seasons. Additionally, Nikola has also represented the Serbian national team at the Olympic Games and clinched a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
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Draymond Green
At the second spot in our list of the top four biggest draft steals in the history of the National Basketball Association, we have Draymond Jamal Green, an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association. The four-time NBA champion, a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time member of the All-NBA Team, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Draymond Green was picked up by the Golden State Warriors as their 35th overall draft (second round) in 2012 and undoubtedly proved to be a steal deal and one of the most crucial players for the team. Draymond Jamal Green was named the “Defensive Player of the Year” in 2017 for playing for the Golden State Warriors.
Kobe Bryant
The late American professional basketball player Kobe Bryant, who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association as a shooting guard, is at the third spot in our list of the top four biggest draft seals in the history of the NBA.
Kobe Bryant, the five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 4-time All-Star MVP, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time scoring champion was picked up by the Charlotte Hornets as their 13th overall draft in 1996 and was later traded to the Lakers. With his dominant exploits on the court throughout his glorious 20-year-long career, Kobe Bryant not only proved to be one of the biggest draft steals for the Lakers but also revolutionised the history of the team.
Manu Ginóbili
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four biggest draft steals in the history of the National Basketball Association, we have the Argentine former professional basketball player, Manu Ginóbili, who is often hailed as one of the greatest shooting guards and sixth man in the league’s history. Manu Ginóbili was picked up by the San Antonio Spurs in their 57th overall draft (second round) in 1999 and undoubtedly proved to be one of the most worthy draft steals for the team.
The four-time NBA champion, Manu Ginóbili, also successfully led Argentina to a gold medal-winning the FIBA Olympics MVP award in Athens 2004. During his entire 16-year-long career, Manu Ginóbili was referred to as one of the “Big Three” during the Spurs’ era of success alongside Spurs teammates Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
