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The NBA is the most, and arguably only elite basketball league in the World as of today. Virtually every professional basketball players in the World dreams of playing the the league as the ultimate destination and acknowledgement of their skills and abilities as basketball players.

Unfortunately, there is a cap to how many players a team can carry into a season (15 per standard roster, 2 players on two-way contracts) which makes the battle for roster spots an extremely competitive scenario.

The modern NBA draft allows just 60 players per draft and while international players could declare for the draft and be drafted, the majority of draft picks are sourced from the very robust U.S college basketball system.

Typically, all the players with the most star potential based on either performance antecedents, physical attributes or a combination of both are selected in the first round with the top 30 picks seen as having better potential to succeed in a very competitive NBA league. This is especially true for the top 5 picks, who are typically granted more opportunities for expression on their arrival to the NBA scene.

The next 30 men selected, typically referred to as second round picks are selected as an acknowledgement of their potential but there really isn't the burden of expectation placed on them. They can fail, and would not be labelled disappointments.

The Perils of Being a Second Round Pick

Being a second rounder though comes with more than just the baggage of reduced expectations. Second round picks have less of a, or no guaranteed deals on their contracts and some teams can exploit the flexibility of such deals by doing away with them anytime.

There is also a case of less opportunities to prove oneself as a second round pick. Most second round drafts will have very limited minutes for their teams, unlike top first round picks who are sometimes thrown right into the fray. Players like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo bell, top picks from the 2020 draft were immediately put in the starting line-up for their various clubs where they have excelled.

Second rounder's have to make the most of whatever opportunity presents itself when it does present itself. Places like Summer league and pre-season games are the likeliest places to show their stuff before they can be considered for the big games in the regular season.

All Hope Not Lost

There have been NBA second round picks who have defied odds to achieve success in the NBA. In recent memory, multiple NBA All star Draymond Green and 2020 NBA MVP Nikola Jokic are likely the most prominent names that comes to mind. There is also Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks who continues to anchor the NBA champions alongside Giannis.

Furthermore, it is unquestionable that the overall quality of talent being drafted is on the increase, so some supremely talented players could only be good for the second round based on initial assessment. Ultimately, draftees have a lot to prove, and making most of whatever opportunities they get will improve their chances of success in the NBA.