The absolutely amazing play by Hassan Whiteside (33rd pick in 2010) got me thinking... Is it even possible in this day and age to find a superstar in the second round? Is a Tom Brady scenario possible in the NBA Draft?
I would go with no. Basketball stardom takes obvious ability that so few have. Therefore, those with that potential are all drafted early. But it was possible, I'd think an early second round point guard would be the most likely. To me a superstar makes the all-star game all but 3 or 4 years in the league. So a chandler parsons type max money guy doesn't count.
Arenas was probably the biggest. You got some other guys like Millsap, Captain Jack. Dennis Johnson was actually a finals MVP. Alex English was dope too
I don't think there could be a "Tom Brady" in the NBA Draft because most teams draft based on best player/most potential avaliable (unless you have a superstar at that postion already), rather than postion as teams do in the NFL. A lot of players slip in the NFL draft because teams don't have a need for them at their position.
Isaiah Thomas is not a super star by any means, but he is very good for the last possible pick in the draft.
Lol Whiteside will disappoint you all very soon. Everyone saw his natural talent. He took this long to develop because of his maturity. Wait until he gets money.
I think it would have to be an Ibaka type situation for it to happen (super raw player with little experience before the draft).
Milsap, Landry, Gortat, Asik, Isaiah Thomas aren't slouches. ... but definitely not stars. As far as "superstars", that term can only really apply to less than 10 guys. Players who are household names - people who even non NBA fans recognize.
It would think it would have to be a foreign player that was a stash and developed into something special.
