Late-Round Draft Picks Who Became All-Stars

24 March 2026

When it comes to the NBA, the draft is often seen as the golden ticket for teams to land franchise-changing talent. We hear all the hype surrounding lottery picks, and rightfully so—many of them go on to become superstars. But what about those players who fly under the radar? You know, the ones picked in the late rounds with little to no expectations?

Well, every now and then, the basketball gods sprinkle some magic on those late-round selections, turning them into bonafide All-Stars. Some of these players even outperform the top picks of their draft class, proving that heart, determination, and sheer talent can outshine any draft position.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best late-round draft picks who defied the odds and carved out legendary careers.

What Qualifies as a Late-Round Pick?

Before we jump into the list, let’s define what we mean by “late-round” picks. In the modern NBA Draft, there are only two rounds, but back in the day, there were multiple rounds—some even had as many as 10! For the sake of this discussion, we’ll focus on players selected after the first round, meaning they were drafted in the second round or later.

These are the guys who teams overlooked, who didn't get the immediate superstar treatment, and who had to grind their way to the top.

1. Manu Ginóbili (57th Overall, 1999 NBA Draft)

You can’t talk about late-round success stories without bringing up Manu Ginóbili. The San Antonio Spurs took a chance on him with the 57th pick, and boy, did that decision pay off.

Ginóbili didn’t jump straight into the NBA after being drafted. Instead, he honed his skills overseas before joining the Spurs in 2002. From the moment he stepped onto an NBA court, it was clear this guy was special.

With his crafty footwork, fearless drives, and signature Eurostep, Ginóbili became a cornerstone of the Spurs dynasty. He played a crucial role in winning four NBA championships and was selected as an All-Star twice. Pretty good for a guy who was just three picks away from going undrafted!

2. Dennis Rodman (27th Overall, 1986 NBA Draft)

Dennis Rodman might just be the greatest rebounder in NBA history. But at the time he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round, nobody saw him becoming a Hall of Famer.

Rodman was a relentless force on defense and the boards. He didn’t score much, but he didn’t need to—his hustle and intensity made him one of the most valuable players of his generation.

Winning five NBA championships and earning two All-Star selections, Rodman proved that effort and passion could sometimes outweigh raw talent. Plus, his off-court antics made him one of the most unforgettable figures in sports history!

3. Draymond Green (35th Overall, 2012 NBA Draft)

Draymond Green was overlooked in his draft because scouts weren’t sure what position he fit in. He wasn’t tall enough to be a traditional power forward, and he wasn’t a sharpshooter like most wings. But what he lacked in size, he made up for in basketball IQ, leadership, and defensive versatility.

The Golden State Warriors struck gold when they picked him in the second round. Green became the heart and soul of the Warriors' dynasty, playing a crucial role in multiple championship runs.

With four rings under his belt and four All-Star appearances, it’s safe to say Draymond shattered every expectation set for a 35th overall pick.

4. Nikola Jokić (41st Overall, 2014 NBA Draft)

How does a player go from being drafted during a Taco Bell commercial to winning multiple MVPs? Ask Nikola Jokić.

When the Denver Nuggets selected Jokić with the 41st pick in 2014, not even they knew they were getting a future superstar. Jokic wasn’t an athletic freak, and he wasn’t heavily hyped coming out of Serbia. But what he lacked in flash, he more than made up for in skill.

Jokić is now a two-time MVP (and counting), an NBA champion, and a walking triple-double machine. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him one of the most unique big men the league has ever seen.

Not too shabby for a second-round pick, huh?

5. Marc Gasol (48th Overall, 2007 NBA Draft)

Marc Gasol was initially seen as nothing more than a throw-in player in the trade that sent his older brother, Pau Gasol, to the Lakers. But as we all know, Marc ended up making a name for himself in a big way.

Drafted 48th overall by the Lakers and then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, Gasol quickly developed into one of the best defensive big men in the game. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and made three All-Star appearances.

His leadership helped guide the Grizzlies to consistent playoff success, and he eventually won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

6. Gilbert Arenas (31st Overall, 2001 NBA Draft)

Gilbert Arenas might have had one of the biggest chips on his shoulder of any player in NBA history. Selected 31st overall in 2001 by the Golden State Warriors, Arenas was fueled by the belief that he was just as good—if not better—than the lottery picks ahead of him.

And he proved it.

After finding his groove with the Washington Wizards, Arenas became one of the most electrifying scorers of the 2000s. He earned three All-Star selections and had multiple seasons where he averaged over 25 points per game. Injuries and off-court issues cut his prime short, but there’s no denying his impact.

7. Kyle Lowry (24th Overall, 2006 NBA Draft)

Kyle Lowry wasn’t a second-round pick, but he was still overlooked in the first round, going 24th overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent his early years as a solid role player, but few expected him to make the leap to All-Star status.

Everything changed when he landed in Toronto. Lowry transformed himself into one of the best two-way point guards in the NBA, leading the Raptors to their first-ever championship in 2019.

With six All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the grittiest players in the league, Lowry proved that you don’t need to be a lottery pick to become a franchise legend.

What These Players Teach Us

What do all these players have in common?

They weren’t the most hyped names coming out of college or international leagues. They didn’t have the luxury of being handed starting roles right away. But what they did have was an unrelenting work ethic, a desire to prove people wrong, and a skill set that couldn’t be ignored.

Their stories remind us that talent comes in all forms, and sometimes, the best players aren't the ones grabbing the headlines on draft night.

So the next time your team picks up an unknown second-rounder, don’t be so quick to judge. You might just be looking at the next great NBA star in the making.