Hidden gems: Examining the 9 biggest draft steals in NBA history

As an NBA fan, there's a special thrill in discovering diamondsin the rough who exceed all expectations relative to their draftslot.

The NBA Draft isn't an exact science, and there are manyexamples of prospects who slip through the cracks and becomefranchise-changing players.

Today, let's look back on some of the biggest draft steals inNBA history.

Nikola Jokic, No. 41 overall in 2014

Coming from Serbia, Nikola Jokic was relatively unknown enteringthe 2014 NBA Draft. When the Denver Nuggets snagged the versatilebig man with the No. 41 overall pick, nobody could have expectedhim to become a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP and one of most skilledcenters of all-time. Jokic is the lowest-drafted MVP in NBA historyand it isn't close, since every other Most Valuable Player was atop-15 pick. Just to give you an idea of how overlooked Jokic wasentering the NBA, Nuggets GM Tim Connelly wasn't asked a singlequestion about Jokic during his post-draft press conference back in2014. Every question from the assembled media was about JusufNurkic or Gary Harris, causing Connelly to comment, "So, no onewants to ask about our second-round pick Nikola Jokic? We arereally excited about him.” Perhaps the lack of buzz was due to thefact that Jokic was selected during a Taco Bell commercial.

As the broadcast mentioned, Nikola Jokic wasthe No. 41 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. But let’s not forget thatJokic was selected during a Taco Bell commercial. 😅 pic.twitter.com/m8zm1kxZDt

Giannis Antetokounmpo, No. 15 overall in2013

Entering the 2013 NBA Draft, there was a bit of buzz aboutGiannis Antetokounmpo given his length and athleticism, but he wasincredibly raw. Some scouts and executives had seen him playoverseas, but the competition was deemed to be weak. Nobody knewwhat to expect from the young, lanky project from Greece. TheMilwaukee Bucks decided to draft him with the No. 15 overall pick,and their gamble paid off spectacularly. Antetokounmpo developedinto a generational talent, winning multiple MVP awards and leadingthe Bucks to their first NBA championship in decades. What makesGiannis slipping to No. 15 look even worse is the fact that manyplayers who went ahead of him ultimately struggled, includingAnthony Bennett (No. 1), Cody Zeller (No. 4), Alex Len (No. 5),Nerlens Noel (No. 6), Ben McLemore (No. 7), Trey Burke (No. 9),Michael Carter-Williams (No. 10) and Shabazz Muhammad (No. 14).

Kobe Bryant, No. 13 overall in 1996

In 1996, the Charlotte Hornets selected a teenage Kobe Bryantwith the 13th pick and immediately traded him to the Los AngelesLakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. This move was undoubtedly oneof the biggest draft blunders in NBA history, as Bryant became oneof the greatest players the game has ever seen. His work ethic,talent and competitive spirit allowed him to become a five-time NBAchampion, an NBA MVP and one of the game's all-time greats. Whilethe 1996 NBA Draft was loaded,players like Todd Fuller, Samaki Walker and Vitaly Potapenko had nobusiness being drafted before Kobe. It's worth noting that Bryantwas the first guard to enter the NBA straight out of high school,which scared some teams off.

Draymond Green, No. 35 overall in 2012

Draymond Green slipped to the second round of the 2012 NBA Draftbecause he was viewed as a "tweener" without a clear-cut position.However, Green's success helped eradicate that term, as teamsstarted seeing the value in versatile players who could fillmultiple roles. Green's defensive prowess and basketball IQ havebeen instrumental during the Golden State Warriors' dynastic run.With his fiery leadership and two-way impact, Draymond is widelyregarded as the Warriors' heart and soul. Also, his resume isincredible: four NBA championships, a Defensive Player of the Yearaward, four All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections and eightAll-Defensive Team nods.

Kawhi Leonard, No. 15 overall in 2011

One of the most shocking storylines during the 2011 NBA Draftwas Kawhi Leonard slipping outside of the lottery. Finally, theIndiana Pacers drafted Leonard with the 15th overall pick andquickly traded him to the San Antonio Spurs for George Hill. Itdidn't take long for Leonard to make the teams that passed on himlook foolish. Right away, Leonard made an impact with his lockdowndefense and improved jumpshot. He played a huge role in the Spurs'2014 title, taking home the Finals MVP award. Leonard just keptgetting better and better until it became clear that he was asuperstar and one of the game's most dominant two-way threats. Now,he's a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-timeDefensive Player of the Year and five-time All-NBA selection, aswell as a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

Manu Ginobili, No. 57 overall in 1999

Manu Ginobili spent the first few years of his career playingoverseas, where he was very successful. While he was drafted withthe 57th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginobili wouldultimately remain abroad until the 2002-03 NBA season when hefinally joined the Spurs as a 25-year-old. Ginobili's fearlessstyle of play and exceptional basketball IQ turned him into a keycog in the Spurs' dynasty. Ginobili became a four-time NBAchampion, an Olympic goal medalist, a Sixth Man of the Year and afirst-ballot Hall-of-Famer. Not bad for someone who was nearly Mr.Irrelevant!

Isaiah Thomas, No. 60 overall in 2011

Speaking of Mr. Irrelevant, Isaiah Thomas was the 60th and finalpick of the 2011 NBA Draft. Thomas thrived in Sacramento and had abrief stint in Phoenix, but he played his best basketball inBoston. At the height of his stint with the Celtics, Thomasaveraged nearly 30 points per game – becoming a two-time All-Starand a fan favorite. Thomas is the ultimate underdog, from hisdraft-day story to his 5-foot-9 frame. Thomas proved his doubterswrong and became one of the league's most exciting scorers beforeinjuries impacted his game.

Gilbert Arenas, No. 31 overall in 2001

Gilbert Arenas slipped to the 31st overall pick in the 2001 NBADraft, where he was ultimately selected by the Golden StateWarriors. Despite slipping into the second round, Arenas' terrificscoring ability allowed him to become one of the most excitingguards of his era. His time with the Wizards was particularlymemorable, as "Agent Zero" was a three-time All-Star during hisstint in Washington. It's worth noting that Arenas played so wellas a second-rounder that the NBA added the Gilbert Arenas Provision inthe CBA, which made it easier for teams to keep talentedsecond-rounders or undrafted players who hit restricted free agencyafter breaking out.

Steve Nash, No. 15 overall in 1996

Selected with the 15th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by thePhoenix Suns, Steve Nash was not an immediate superstar. However,with his exceptional court vision and terrific work ethic, hetransformed himself into one of the most skilled point guards ofhis generation. While leading the Suns' high-octane offense, Nashwon back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. In addition to beinga two-time NBA MVP, Nash would become an eight-time All-Star,seven-time All-NBA selection, five-time assist champion,first-ballot Hall-of-Famer and a member of the NBA's 75thAnniversary Team.