2017 NBA draft
The 2017 NBA Draft was the 71st annual player selection meeting for the National Basketball Association (NBA), conducted on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the Philadelphia 76ers chose guard Markelle Fultz from the University of Washington as the first overall pick.[1][2] The draft consisted of 60 selections across two rounds, with teams selecting amateur and international players eligible under league rules.[1] Notable top-10 picks included point guard Lonzo Ball (second overall, Los Angeles Lakers, UCLA), forward Jayson Tatum (third overall, Boston Celtics via trade from Brooklyn Nets, Duke), wing Josh Jackson (fourth overall, Phoenix Suns, Kansas), point guard De'Aaron Fox (fifth overall, Sacramento Kings via trade from Philadelphia, Kentucky), and forward Jonathan Isaac (sixth overall, Orlando Magic, Florida State).[3][2] The event featured multiple trades, including the Celtics' acquisition of the third pick and the Utah Jazz receiving guard Donovan Mitchell (13th overall, originally from Denver) in a swap with the Indiana Pacers.[4] A defining characteristic was the youth of the selections, with a record 16 college freshmen chosen in the first round alone.[5] Regarded as one of the deeper draft classes of the 2010s, the 2017 group has produced several perennial All-Stars and key contributors to championship contenders.[6] Jayson Tatum has earned six All-Star selections and led the Celtics to the 2024 NBA title as Finals MVP.[6] Donovan Mitchell, selected 13th, became a six-time All-Star and cornerstone for the Jazz before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.[7] Other standouts include center Bam Adebayo (14th overall, Miami Heat, Kentucky), a three-time All-Star and defensive anchor, point guard De'Aaron Fox (fifth overall), a one-time All-Star who guided the Kings back to the playoffs, and forward Lauri Markkanen (seventh overall, Minnesota Timberwolves via trade to Chicago, Arizona), a one-time All-Star known for his scoring prowess.[1] The class's impact underscores its talent depth, with players like these elevating their teams to sustained contention.[7]Eligibility and Entry Process
Eligibility Rules
The eligibility rules for the 2017 NBA draft were governed by the league's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which required all prospective players to meet specific age and status criteria to participate.[8] Under the CBA's Article X, Section 1, players had to be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft.[8] For non-international players, commonly referred to as the "one-and-done" rule, at least one full NBA season must have elapsed since the player's high school graduation, effectively barring direct entry from high school since its implementation in 2006.[8] Amateur status was a core requirement, meaning players could not have previously played in any professional basketball league outside the NBA or accepted compensation beyond actual and necessary expenses for participation in amateur events.[8] Exceptions applied to international players, defined as those who had resided outside the United States and Canada for at least three years prior to the draft and had not attended U.S. high school or college.[8] International players aged 22 or older with professional experience in leagues outside the U.S. and Canada were automatically eligible without the one-year post-high school restriction.[8] Those under 22 followed the standard 19-year-old rule and one-season removal from high school, provided they had not exceeded three years of professional play outside U.S. college basketball.[8] Players declaring as early entrants, typically college underclassmen, could withdraw their eligibility to preserve NCAA amateur status, with the 2017 withdrawal deadline set for May 24.[9] Declarations had to be submitted to the NBA by April 23, allowing prospects to participate in pre-draft activities like workouts without immediate forfeiture of college eligibility, a procedural change enabled by NCAA rules updates prior to 2017.[10] No major updates to the core eligibility framework were introduced specifically for the 2017 draft under the effective CBA of July 1, 2017 (ratified December 2016), though clarifications addressed transfers and prior professional exposure for international prospects, ensuring consistency with prior years while prohibiting high school seniors from entering directly. The 2017 draft rules followed the prior CBA, with no changes to eligibility.[8]Early Entry Declarations
The early entry process for the 2017 NBA draft allowed underclassmen from U.S. colleges and international players under age 22 to voluntarily declare their eligibility ahead of the standard post-college or age-22 requirements, provided they submitted a letter to the NBA by April 23, 2017.[10] This mechanism enabled prospects to test NBA interest while retaining the option to withdraw and preserve remaining eligibility, with NCAA players required to withdraw by May 24, 2017, to maintain amateur status.[10] A record 137 college underclassmen declared for the draft, spanning freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from various programs, reflecting growing participation in the process.[10] Prominent freshmen included Markelle Fultz from the University of Washington, who declared on March 10, 2017; Lonzo Ball from UCLA, who announced his entry on March 24, 2017; and Jayson Tatum from Duke, who declared on March 22, 2017.[11][12][13] Other notable declarants encompassed Bam Adebayo (Kentucky, freshman), OG Anunoby (Indiana, sophomore), and Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, freshman), highlighting the depth of talent from top programs.[10] In addition, 45 international players entered as early candidates, primarily teenagers from professional or developmental leagues in Europe and elsewhere, who met the NBA's age criteria of being at least 19 during the draft year or declaring early if younger.[10] Key examples included Frank Ntilikina, an 18-year-old guard from Strasbourg IG in France (born July 28, 1998), and Isaia Cordinier, a 20-year-old guard from Antibes in France (born November 28, 1996).[10] These players followed the same declaration procedure as college entrants but had until June 12, 2017, to withdraw, allowing more time for professional contract considerations.[14] For international players, eligibility required compliance with FIBA regulations, including obtaining approvals from their national federations or clubs to ensure no conflicts with existing contracts or amateur status, in addition to the NBA's submission process.[15] Overall, of the 182 total early entrants, 73 withdrew their names by the deadlines—primarily college players returning to school—leaving a final pool for the June 22, 2017, draft.[16]Automatic Eligibility
In the 2017 NBA draft, automatic eligibility applied to players who met specific criteria under the league's collective bargaining agreement without requiring a formal declaration, primarily U.S. college athletes who had exhausted their four years of eligibility and international prospects reaching the designated age threshold.[17] College seniors and graduate students whose original class had graduated were automatically included in the draft pool, as they no longer retained NCAA eligibility and thus transitioned directly to professional consideration.[18] This provision ensured that experienced domestic players, often overlooked in favor of younger talents, could enter the draft seamlessly, contributing to a broader pool of candidates beyond early-entry underclassmen. International players qualified automatically if they turned 22 years old during the 2017 calendar year, bypassing the need for early entry filings that applied to younger prospects.[10] These criteria, outlined in the NBA-NBPA agreement, aimed to balance opportunities for global talent while maintaining age-based protections for developing athletes.[17] Notable examples included French forward Mathias Lessort, who at 22 was eligible without declaration and was selected 49th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.[1] Among U.S. college players, automatic eligibility highlighted seasoned performers like Villanova's Josh Hart, a senior guard who led his team in scoring during the 2016-17 season and was drafted 30th overall by the Utah Jazz (later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers).[1] Similarly, Colorado's Derrick White, another senior, earned automatic status after a breakout final year and was picked 29th by the San Antonio Spurs.[1] These cases exemplified how automatic entrants often brought maturity and production to the draft, though many such players went undrafted or signed as free agents due to the emphasis on high-upside youth.Pre-Draft Events and Preparations
Draft Lottery
The NBA Draft Lottery is an annual event that determines the selection order for the first 14 picks in the NBA draft among the 14 teams that did not qualify for the playoffs, with the remaining picks assigned in reverse order of regular-season records. The process uses a weighted probability system, where ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14 are placed in a lottery machine, and four balls are drawn to form combinations out of 1,000 possible outcomes; each non-playoff team is assigned a number of these combinations based on their regular-season winning percentage, giving worse-performing teams higher odds of securing the top picks. In 2017, the 14 participating teams' odds for the No. 1 overall pick ranged from 25% for the Brooklyn Nets (20-62 record) down to 0.5% for the Miami Heat (41-41 record), with the Philadelphia 76ers holding 11.9% odds based on their 28-54 record.[19][20] The 2017 NBA Draft Lottery took place on May 16, 2017, at the NBA's headquarters in New York City, broadcast live on ESPN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, with Commissioner Adam Silver announcing the results onstage alongside representatives from each team. The drawing, conducted privately using the traditional ping-pong ball method, revealed the top three picks before the full order was finalized. Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck represented the team holding the Nets' pick, which had the highest odds.[3][21] The results saw the Boston Celtics, via a 2013 trade acquiring the Nets' unprotected first-round pick, win the No. 1 selection despite entering with only the Nets' 25% odds but no direct control over a top lottery slot based on their own 53-29 playoff-qualifying record—a historic first for a playoff team to claim the top pick through trade. The Los Angeles Lakers secured the No. 2 pick with their 15.6% odds intact, while the Phoenix Suns, who had the second-worst record (24-58) and 19.9% odds, dropped to No. 4, illustrating the weighted system's potential for variance that allows teams with middling odds to advance. The Philadelphia 76ers landed the No. 3 pick with their own selection (11.9% odds), while their acquired pick from the Sacramento Kings (via a 2015 trade, 8.8% odds) fell to No. 5. Reactions were mixed, with Celtics president Danny Ainge calling the outcome "very fun" and a validation of the team's patient rebuilding strategy, while Suns fans expressed disappointment over the drop; former Celtics star Paul Pierce captured the excitement on social media with a celebratory tweet.[3][22][23] This lottery operated under the weighted system in place since 1990, where the worst team had a 25% chance of the top pick to incentivize competitive play while allowing lottery outcomes to influence order. Although the 2017 collective bargaining agreement, ratified in July, introduced reforms to flatten odds starting with the 2019 lottery—capping the top three teams at 14% each to further discourage tanking—the 2017 event remained unchanged, preserving the high-stakes drama of the existing format.[20][24]NBA Draft Combine
The 2017 NBA Draft Combine was conducted from May 9 to 14 at the Quest Multisport facility in Chicago, Illinois, serving as a central pre-draft evaluation event for NBA teams to assess college and international prospects' physical capabilities, skills, and medical history.[25] The combine's activities encompassed anthropometric measurements to record height, weight, wingspan, and standing reach; athletic testing including standing and max vertical jumps, lane agility drills, three-quarter court sprints, and bench press repetitions; shooting and skills drills; 5-on-5 scrimmages over two days; comprehensive medical examinations; and formal interviews with representatives from all 30 NBA teams.[26] These elements allowed teams to gather standardized data on prospects' explosiveness, quickness, and endurance, while also providing insights into their basketball IQ and team fit during competitive play.[27] Approximately 77 prospects received invitations, with about 67 participating, though several high-profile college players such as Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, and Josh Jackson declined to attend, preferring private workouts to control their evaluations.[28] Markelle Fultz, widely projected as the top overall pick, was among those who participated and measured 6 feet 3.25 inches without shoes, 195.9 pounds, with a 6-foot-7.25-inch wingspan and 8-foot-1-inch standing reach, confirming his elite size for a point guard.[29] Other notable attendees included De'Aaron Fox (6 feet 2.25 inches without shoes, 6-foot-6.25-inch wingspan) and Bam Adebayo (6 feet 8.75 inches without shoes, 7-foot-3.5-inch wingspan), whose measurements underscored their positional versatility.[29] International representation was modest, featuring players like Mathias Lessort of France, who stood out for his rebounding prowess in scrimmages.[30] Athletic testing produced standout results that highlighted prospects' raw athleticism, such as Hamidou Diallo's 44-inch max vertical jump—the highest recorded at the event—and Jonathan Isaac's 9-foot standing reach, the longest among participants, both of which elevated perceptions of their defensive potential.[31] In the 5-on-5 scrimmages, Zach Collins emerged as a key performer, displaying fluid mobility, shot-blocking ability, and playmaking for a 7-footer, which significantly raised his draft stock from a mid-first-round projection to a likely lottery selection. Conversely, some prospects like Johnathan Motley faced scrutiny after measuring shorter than anticipated at 6 feet 7 inches without shoes, prompting questions about his positional fit despite strong agility times.[29] The interviews and medical checks also played a crucial role, revealing injury histories or intangibles that influenced team interest, with several participants using the event to solidify their professional trajectories. Over time, combine standouts like Collins (selected 10th overall) correlated with successful NBA careers, while others adjusted paths based on feedback received.[32]Invited Prospects
The NBA extended invitations to 77 prospects for the 2017 Draft Combine, an exclusive pre-draft event held in Chicago from May 9-14, which served as a key platform for showcasing athleticism, skills, and interviews, generating substantial pre-draft hype among scouts and fans.[25] These invites targeted a mix of college freshmen, sophomores, and international players, emphasizing elite talents expected to dominate mock drafts, though several top names declined participation to focus on private workouts or avoid injury risks.[25] The list reflected the depth of the class, with approximately 40 guards, 25 forwards, and 12 centers/big men, highlighting the guard-heavy nature of the prospects.[25] Among the guards invited were high-profile names like Lonzo Ball (UCLA), De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky), Malik Monk (Kentucky), Dennis Smith Jr. (NC State), and Frank Ntilikina (Strasbourg IG, France), alongside others such as Donovan Mitchell (Louisville), Frank Mason III (Kansas), and Jawun Evans (Oklahoma State). Forwards included Jayson Tatum (Duke), Josh Jackson (Kansas), Jonathan Isaac (Florida State), Lauri Markkanen (Arizona), OG Anunoby (Indiana), and John Collins (Wake Forest), while centers and bigs featured Bam Adebayo (Kentucky), Jarrett Allen (Texas), and Zach Collins (Gonzaga). Notable declines among invitees included Ball, Tatum, Jackson, Isaac, Markkanen, Monk, and Smith, who were projected as lottery picks but chose not to attend, creating buzz about their confidence in individual evaluations.[25][33] Several top invitees emerged as focal points due to their college or international performances and lofty mock draft projections. Markelle Fultz, a 6'4" point guard from Washington, led all freshmen nationally in scoring with 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in 25 appearances before a season-ending injury, positioning him as the consensus No. 1 overall pick in most mocks for his versatile scoring and playmaking.[34][33] Lonzo Ball, a 6'6" point guard from UCLA, averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a nation-leading 7.6 assists per game as a freshman, earning projections as the No. 2 pick for his elite vision and transition facilitation despite shooting inconsistencies.[35][36] Jayson Tatum, a 6'8" small forward from Duke, posted 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 34.2% from three, solidifying a top-5 projection with his smooth mid-range game and defensive potential.[37][33] De'Aaron Fox, a 6'3" point guard from Kentucky, dazzled with 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, leading many mocks to slot him at No. 3-5 for his explosive speed and defensive tenacity.[38][36] Josh Jackson, a 6'8" small forward from Kansas, contributed 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game with strong athleticism, projecting as a top-6 selection despite off-court concerns.[39][33] Dennis Smith Jr., a 6'3" point guard from NC State, averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game after missing early games due to injury, earning top-10 buzz for his athleticism and scoring burst.[40][36] Malik Monk, a 6'3" shooting guard from Kentucky, exploded for 19.8 points per game including a freshman-record 47 against North Carolina, positioning him as a top-12 pick for his shooting and quickness.[41][33] Jonathan Isaac, a 6'10" power forward from Florida State, averaged 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game with 1.5 blocks, drawing top-10 projections for his length and versatility despite a raw offensive game.[42][36] Lauri Markkanen, a 7'0" power forward from Arizona, shot 42.4% from three en route to 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, emerging as a top-7 international prospect for his floor-spacing big-man skills.[43][33] Frank Ntilikina, a 6'5" point guard from Strasbourg IG in France's LNB Pro A, averaged 4.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.0 minutes across 30 games as a teenager, generating top-10 hype for his size, defense, and upside in European play.[44][36] Other notable invitees like Donovan Mitchell (projected late first round) and Kyle Kuzma (mid-first) exceeded expectations post-draft, with Mitchell becoming a three-time All-Star and Kuzma earning All-Star honors by 2025.[25][36] Surprises in the invite list included lower-ranked prospects like Mitchell, who was viewed as a second-rounder pre-combine but used the event to boost his stock dramatically.[25] No major snubs occurred among consensus top talents, as nearly all lottery-projected players received invites, though the declines by Ball, Tatum, and others shifted focus to attendees like Fultz and Fox.[25] By 2025, invite status showed strong correlation with long-term success, with over half of the top-20 invitees (including Tatum, Fox, Markkanen, and Adebayo) achieving All-Star appearances or championship contributions, underscoring the event's role in identifying franchise cornerstones.[36][33]Draft Execution
Event Overview
The 2017 NBA Draft was held on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.[3] The event featured two rounds comprising a total of 60 selections—30 in the first round and 30 in the second—with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announcing each pick from the stage.[45] The proceedings were broadcast live on ESPN, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.[45] The draft order had been established earlier by the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16, 2017, which unexpectedly awarded the Boston Celtics the first overall pick despite their middling odds.[3] The event attracted a packed house at the 17,732-seat arena, with fans creating an energetic atmosphere as prospects awaited their selections.[46] Viewership averaged more than 3.5 million on ESPN, marking the second-largest audience ever for an NBA Draft on the network, though it represented a decline from the 3.7 million in 2015.[47] Pre-event buzz focused intensely on the debate over whether Washington guard Markelle Fultz or UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball would be selected first overall, fueled by their standout college performances and contrasting styles.[48] Trade rumors swirled in the weeks leading up, particularly around the Philadelphia 76ers' willingness to move up for the top pick, adding layers of intrigue to the proceedings.[49] LaVar Ball, Lonzo's outspoken father, further amplified the hype with bold predictions and media appearances that drew widespread attention.[50]First-Round Selections
The first round of the 2017 NBA Draft consisted of 30 picks, selected by NBA teams on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This draft class stood out for its youth, with an average age of approximately 19.5 years among first-round selections, including a record 16 freshmen chosen in the top 30. It also featured high international representation, with seven players of foreign nationality or origin drafted. Several draft-night trades reshaped the distribution of picks, notably involving the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School/Club | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia 76ers | Markelle Fultz | PG | Washington | Expected as the top prospect but career derailed by shoulder injury; by 2025, averaged 10.4 points per game over 255 regular-season appearances across multiple teams. |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Lonzo Ball | PG | UCLA | Solid playmaker early on; traded to Pelicans in 2019; by 2025, career averages approximately 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists in 270 games. |
| 3 | Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum | SF | Duke | Acquired via pre-draft trade from Brooklyn Nets (2013 deal); superstar by 2025 with multiple All-NBA selections, Finals MVP (2024), and career averages of 23.1 points, 7.2 rebounds per game. |
| 4 | Phoenix Suns | Josh Jackson | SF | Kansas | Considered a reach; struggled with consistency and off-court issues; by 2025, career 11.3 points average in 291 games. |
| 5 | Sacramento Kings | De'Aaron Fox | PG | Kentucky | Speedy guard who became All-Star; by 2025, franchise cornerstone (traded to San Antonio Spurs in 2025 offseason) with career 21.5 points, 6.1 assists per game. |
| 6 | Orlando Magic | Jonathan Isaac | PF | Florida State | Injury-plagued but defensive specialist; by 2025, approximately 4.8 blocks per 36 minutes in 200 games. |
| 7 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Lauri Markkanen | PF | Arizona | Selected by MIN, traded on draft night to Chicago for Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn; All-Star by 2025 with career 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds. |
| 8 | New York Knicks | Frank Ntilikina | PG | SIG Strasbourg (France) | International prospect; defensive role player; by 2025, 5.0 points average in 258 games. |
| 9 | Dallas Mavericks | Dennis Smith Jr. | PG | NC State | Athletic but injury-prone; by 2025, 12.7 points career average across teams. |
| 10 | Sacramento Kings | Zach Collins | C | Gonzaga | Selected by SAC, traded on draft night to Portland for picks 15 and 20; solid big man; by 2025, 9.5 points, 5.4 rebounds in 245 games. |
| 11 | Charlotte Hornets | Malik Monk | SG | Kentucky | Sixth man scorer; by 2025, breakout with Lakers, 14.3 points career average. |
| 12 | Detroit Pistons | Luke Kennard | SG | Duke | Sharpshooter; by 2025, 11.2 points per game in 378 appearances. |
| 13 | Denver Nuggets | Donovan Mitchell | SG | Louisville | Major steal; traded on draft night to Utah for Trey Lyles and pick 24; All-Star and scoring champion by 2025 with 25.8 points career average. |
| 14 | Miami Heat | Bam Adebayo | C | Kentucky | Defensive anchor and All-Star; by 2025, 16.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, multiple All-Defensive teams. |
| 15 | Portland Trail Blazers | Justin Jackson | SF | North Carolina | Traded on draft night to Sacramento as part of deal for pick 10; role player; by 2025, 8.9 points average in 316 games. |
| 16 | Chicago Bulls | Justin Patton | C | Creighton | Selected by CHI, traded on draft night to Minnesota for Jimmy Butler; minimal NBA impact; by 2025, 4.6 points in 32 games. |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | D.J. Wilson | PF | Michigan | Limited role; by 2025, 3.0 points average in 81 games. |
| 18 | Indiana Pacers | T.J. Leaf | PF | UCLA | Stretch big but inconsistent; by 2025, 4.4 points in 149 games. |
| 19 | Atlanta Hawks | John Collins | PF | Wake Forest | Athletic forward; by 2025, 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds career. |
| 20 | Portland Trail Blazers | Harry Giles | PF | Duke | Traded on draft night to Sacramento as part of deal for pick 10; injury-limited; by 2025, 3.7 points in 57 games. |
| 21 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Terrance Ferguson | SG | Advanced Prep International (Texas) | Direct from high school/AAU; 3-and-D wing; by 2025, 5.8 points in 226 games. |
| 22 | Brooklyn Nets | Jarrett Allen | C | Texas | Rim protector; All-Star by 2025 with Cavaliers (traded 2021), 12.7 points, 9.2 rebounds career. |
| 23 | Toronto Raptors | OG Anunoby | SF | Indiana | International (UK-born); elite defender; by 2025, traded to Knicks, 11.4 points, 1.5 steals per game. |
| 24 | Utah Jazz | Tyler Lydon | PF | Syracuse | Traded on draft night to Denver as part of deal for pick 13; minimal impact; by 2025, 2.3 points in 47 games. |
| 25 | Orlando Magic | Anžejs Pasečņiks | C | FC Barcelona Lassa (Latvia) | International prospect; selected by ORL, rights traded to Philadelphia for future picks; by 2025, 3.7 points in 32 games. |
| 26 | Portland Trail Blazers | Caleb Swanigan | PF | Purdue | Rebounder but weight issues; by 2025, 5.2 points in 94 games. |
| 27 | Brooklyn Nets | Kyle Kuzma | PF | Utah | Selected by BRK, rights traded to Los Angeles Lakers for future considerations; All-Star caliber scorer; by 2025, 17.2 points career average. |
| 28 | Los Angeles Lakers | Tony Bradley | C | North Carolina | Backup center; by 2025, 4.0 points, 4.3 rebounds in 182 games. |
| 29 | San Antonio Spurs | Derrick White | PG | Colorado | Steady guard; All-Defensive by 2025; 12.4 points, 1.4 steals career. |
| 30 | Utah Jazz | Josh Hart | SG | Villanova | Energetic role player; by 2025, 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds with Knicks (traded 2018). |
Second-Round Selections
The second round of the 2017 NBA Draft consisted of picks 31 through 60, selected during the non-televised portion of the event on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This round often highlights value selections, including overlooked college talents and international prospects, with teams frequently trading picks for cash considerations to acquire developmental players without the guaranteed contracts required for first-rounders. Several draft-day trades influenced selections, such as the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring the No. 42 pick from the Utah Jazz for cash.[51] The following table lists all second-round selections, including the acquiring team, player, position, and school or country of origin:
[51][1]
Second-round draftees are not afforded guaranteed rookie-scale contracts, prompting teams to offer non-guaranteed standard deals, two-way contracts, or Exhibit 10 training camp invitations; those not signed to NBA rosters receive a league-provided post-draft stipend of approximately $75,000 to aid their transition. Many selections from this round, particularly developmental big men and perimeter players, were initially assigned to the NBA G League for seasoning, with at least 20 of the 30 picks spending time there during their first professional season to build skills and earn call-ups. The round featured a notable influx of international and automatically eligible players—those aged 22 or older or with four years of college—totaling 10 such prospects, reflecting teams' strategy to stock rosters with cost-controlled overseas talent or mature college veterans.[1]
As of November 2025, several second-round picks have emerged as unexpected successes, outperforming their draft slots through sustained NBA contributions. Isaiah Hartenstein (No. 43), originally selected by the Houston Rockets, has developed into a versatile center, signing lucrative extensions and anchoring defenses for the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder, where his rebounding and rim protection helped contribute to the Thunder's Western Conference Semifinals run in 2024. Dillon Brooks (No. 45), also drafted by Houston and later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night, has carved out a role as a gritty defender across four teams, including earning rotation minutes with the Houston Rockets' 2025 playoff push through his physicality and three-point shooting. In contrast, busts like Jawun Evans (No. 39), hampered by knee injuries, and international stashes such as Jonah Bolden (No. 36) and Alpha Kaba (No. 60), who never secured consistent NBA minutes, highlight the risks of late-round investments, with many exiting the league within three years.
Draft Trades
Pre-Draft Trades
Several significant trades involving 2017 NBA draft picks occurred prior to the draft on June 22, 2017, reshaping pick ownership and providing teams with enhanced flexibility in their rebuilding efforts. These transactions included both recent deals in June and lingering effects from earlier agreements, allowing teams like the Philadelphia 76ers to amass multiple selections through strategic asset accumulation over years. In total, more than 15 pick movements took place pre-draft, often involving protections, swaps, and player exchanges that influenced lottery outcomes and second-round positioning.[4] One of the most impactful historical trades was the July 12, 2013, agreement between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, where the Celtics sent Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, and D.J. White to Brooklyn in exchange for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, Keith Bogans, the Nets' 2014, 2016, and 2018 first-round picks, and the right to swap first-round picks with the Nets in 2017. Following the 2017 draft lottery on May 16, the Celtics won the No. 1 overall pick via their swap right with the Nets, exchanging their own No. 17 selection for the top pick and bolstering their young core around Isaiah Thomas.[52] The Los Angeles Lakers' retention of their No. 2 pick also stemmed from prior trades, specifically the top-3 protected status owed to the Philadelphia 76ers. This obligation originated from the 2012 sign-and-trade of Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns to the Lakers, which included future pick rights. On February 19, 2015, in a three-team deal involving the Milwaukee Bucks and Suns, the Suns sent the Lakers' 2017 first-round pick (then top-5 protected, rolled over to top-3 for 2017) to the 76ers in exchange for Brandon Knight and other assets, while the 76ers sent Michael Carter-Williams to Milwaukee. The Lakers' lottery jump to No. 2 on May 16 ensured they kept the pick, avoiding conveyance to Philadelphia.[53] Closer to the draft, on June 19, 2017, the Celtics traded their No. 1 overall pick to the 76ers for the No. 3 pick, along with the 76ers' right to the Lakers' 2018 first-round pick (if it falls between No. 2 and No. 5) or otherwise the 76ers' 2019 first-round pick or the Sacramento Kings' 2019 first-round pick (top-10 protected). This move allowed Boston to target Duke forward Jayson Tatum at No. 3 while giving Philadelphia the top selection to draft Washington guard Markelle Fultz.[54] On June 20, 2017, the Atlanta Hawks traded center Dwight Howard and their No. 31 pick to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Marco Belinelli, center Miles Plumlee, and the No. 41 pick, enabling Atlanta to move up in the second round while shedding Howard's contract ahead of free agency.[55] The following day, June 21, 2017, the New Orleans Pelicans acquired the Washington Wizards' No. 52 pick in exchange for point guard Tim Frazier, adding depth to their late-second-round options as they eyed undrafted talent.[56] These trades notably enhanced the 76ers' draft haul, as prior deals like their 2015 acquisition of the Kings' 2019 first-round pick (via the Nik Stauskas trade) and other protections positioned them with two first-round picks (Nos. 1 acquired from Boston and 27 from earlier trades) and second-round picks including No. 36 from earlier swaps, accelerating their rebuild around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Overall, such pre-draft activity underscored the value of future assets in NBA roster construction, with lottery teams like Philadelphia and Boston emerging as primary beneficiaries.[53]| Date | Teams | Assets Received by First Team | Assets Received by Second Team | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 2013 | Boston Celtics ↔ Brooklyn Nets | Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, Keith Bogans, 2014/2016/2018 1st-round picks, 2017 1st-round swap right | Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, D.J. White | ESPN |
| February 19, 2015 | Philadelphia 76ers ↔ Phoenix Suns (via Bucks) | Lakers' 2017 1st-round pick (top-3 protected), other assets | Brandon Knight, etc. | ESPN |
| June 19, 2017 | Boston Celtics ↔ Philadelphia 76ers | No. 3 pick (2017), future 1st-round pick (2018 Lakers or 2019 76ers/Kings) | No. 1 pick (2017) | NBA.com |
| June 20, 2017 | Atlanta Hawks ↔ Charlotte Hornets | Marco Belinelli, Miles Plumlee, No. 41 pick (2017) | Dwight Howard, No. 31 pick (2017) | NBA.com |
| June 21, 2017 | New Orleans Pelicans ↔ Washington Wizards | No. 52 pick (2017) | Tim Frazier | NBA.com |
Draft-Day Trades
During the 2017 NBA Draft held on June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, teams completed 13 trades amid the live ESPN broadcast, injecting drama as Commissioner Adam Silver announced deals on stage and occasionally paused proceedings for final negotiations. These transactions primarily swapped draft picks but included one blockbuster involving an All-Star player, reshaping selections and accelerating roster rebuilds for several franchises.[4] The most prominent first-round trade unfolded around the seventh pick, when the Chicago Bulls sent Jimmy Butler and the No. 16 selection (later used on center Justin Patton) to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for guard [Zach LaVine](/page/Zach LaVine), guard Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 pick (forward Lauri Markkanen). Announced just before the pick was due, the deal created palpable suspense on stage as Silver confirmed its completion.[57] Subsequently, the Portland Trail Blazers traded down from the Nos. 15 and 20 picks with the Sacramento Kings to acquire the No. 10 selection, drafting Gonzaga center Zach Collins, while the Kings selected North Carolina forward Justin Jackson at No. 15 and Duke forward Harry Giles at No. 20.[58] The Utah Jazz then executed a pivotal swap with the Denver Nuggets, obtaining the No. 13 pick to select Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell in return for forward Trey Lyles and the No. 24 pick (later used on Syracuse forward Tyler Lydon). Silver's on-stage announcement of the trade amplified the moment's intensity. Further first-round deals included the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring the No. 25 pick from the Orlando Magic to draft TCU forward Anžejs Pasečņiks, sending a top-20 protected 2020 first-round pick and a 2020 second-round pick to Orlando. The Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers also traded late picks, with Utah receiving the No. 28 selection (Tony Bradley out of North Carolina) for the Lakers' No. 30 pick (Villanova guard Josh Hart) and No. 42 pick (Indiana forward Thomas Bryant).[59] In the second round, activity focused on smaller swaps and cash purchases to secure preferred prospects. The New Orleans Pelicans moved up by trading the No. 40 pick (Florida State guard Dwayne Bacon) and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 31 selection (Baylor guard Frank Jackson). The Memphis Grizzlies acquired the No. 35 pick (California forward Ivan Rabb) from the Magic and the No. 45 pick (Oregon guard Dillon Brooks) from the Houston Rockets, both in exchange for future second-round picks. The Golden State Warriors bought the No. 38 pick (Oregon center Jordan Bell) from the Bulls for cash considerations, while the Los Angeles Clippers purchased the No. 48 pick (North Carolina guard Sindarius Thornwell) from the Milwaukee Bucks for cash. The Indiana Pacers similarly acquired the No. 52 pick (Xavier guard Edmond Sumner) from the Pelicans for cash. The 76ers sold their Nos. 39 (Oklahoma State guard Jawun Evans) and 46 (Southern Methodist guard Sterling Brown) picks to the Clippers and Bucks, respectively, for cash.[60][61][62]| Trade | Teams Involved | Assets Exchanged |
|---|---|---|
| Butler Blockbuster | Chicago Bulls ↔ Minnesota Timberwolves | Bulls receive: No. 7 pick (Lauri Markkanen), Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn Timberwolves receive: Jimmy Butler, No. 16 pick (Justin Patton) |
| Collins Move-Up | Portland Trail Blazers ↔ Sacramento Kings | Blazers receive: No. 10 pick (Zach Collins) Kings receive: No. 15 pick (Justin Jackson), No. 20 pick (Harry Giles) |
| Mitchell Acquisition | Utah Jazz ↔ Denver Nuggets | Jazz receive: No. 13 pick (Donovan Mitchell) Nuggets receive: Trey Lyles, No. 24 pick (Tyler Lydon) |
| Pasečņiks Swap | Philadelphia 76ers ↔ Orlando Magic | 76ers receive: No. 25 pick (Anžejs Pasečņiks) Magic receive: 2020 first-round pick (top-20 protected), 2020 second-round pick |
| Late First-Round Swap | Utah Jazz ↔ Los Angeles Lakers | Jazz receive: No. 28 pick (Tony Bradley) Lakers receive: No. 30 pick (Josh Hart), No. 42 pick (Thomas Bryant) |
| Jackson Move-Up | New Orleans Pelicans ↔ Charlotte Hornets | Pelicans receive: No. 31 pick (Frank Jackson) Hornets receive: No. 40 pick (Dwayne Bacon), cash |
| Rabb & Brooks Acquisitions | Memphis Grizzlies ↔ Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets | Grizzlies receive: No. 35 pick (Ivan Rabb), No. 45 pick (Dillon Brooks) Magic, Rockets receive: future second-round picks each |
| Bell Purchase | Golden State Warriors ↔ Chicago Bulls | Warriors receive: No. 38 pick (Jordan Bell) Bulls receive: cash |
| Thornwell Purchase | Los Angeles Clippers ↔ Milwaukee Bucks | Clippers receive: No. 48 pick (Sindarius Thornwell) Bucks receive: cash |
| Sumner Purchase | Indiana Pacers ↔ New Orleans Pelicans | Pacers receive: No. 52 pick (Edmond Sumner) Pelicans receive: cash |
| Evans Sale | Philadelphia 76ers ↔ Los Angeles Clippers | Clippers receive: No. 39 pick (Jawun Evans) 76ers receive: cash |
| Brown Sale | Philadelphia 76ers ↔ Milwaukee Bucks | Bucks receive: No. 46 pick (Sterling Brown) 76ers receive: cash |