NBA’s Biggest Draft Steals of the Last Decade: How These Teams Struck Gold

NBA’s Biggest Draft Steals, The NBA Draft is often called an inexact science, but some franchises have demonstrated remarkable skill at uncovering hidden gems. This 1,500+ word investigation reveals:

✔ The 7 most shocking draft steals since 2014
✔ How these players outperformed their draft slots
✔ The scouting genius behind each selection
✔ What current draft prospects share their traits
✔ Which teams consistently find value late

NBA’s Biggest Draft Steals, We’ll analyze these picks through our proprietary “Steal Score” metric that considers:

• Draft position vs. career value

• Contract value produced

• Championship impact

• All-Star/All-NBA appearances

The Top 7 Draft Steals Since 2014

1. Nikola Jokic (2014, 41st pick)

The Ultimate Steal:

• 2x MVP (lowest draft pick ever to win)

• Championship ring in 2023

• Produced $328Minvalueon$148M contracts

How Denver Found Him:

• International scout Rafal Juc insisted he was special

• Saw elite passing in Serbian league games no one else watched

NBA’s Biggest Draft Steals, According to NBA NewsZ, Jokic’s career win shares (105.3) are higher than every top-5 pick from his draft combined.

“We had him as a late first-rounder but never imagined this. His basketball IQ is extraterrestrial.” – Former Nuggets GM Tim Connelly

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (2013, 15th pick)

The Greek Freak Development:

• Grew 2 inches post-draft

• Went from skinny project to physical marvel

• 2x MVP, 2021 championship

Bucks’ Development Secrets:

• Hired Greek coach to help him adjust

• Focused on gradual strength training

3. Rudy Gobert (2013, 27th pick)

Defensive Juggernaut:

• 3x DPOY

• Changed how teams value rim protection

• Jazz got 9 seasons of elite play

4. Donovan Mitchell (2017, 13th pick)

The Jazz/Cavs Franchise Saver:

• 5x All-Star by age 27

• Carried two different franchises

• Denver famously passed on him for Tyler Lydon

5. Bam Adebayo (2017, 14th pick)

Modern Big Blueprint:

• Defensive anchor for 2 Finals teams

• Developed playmaking no one saw at Kentucky

• Heat culture personified

6. Tyrese Haliburton (2020, 12th pick)

Point God Emerges:

• Kings traded him (mistake)

• Now leading Pacers’ elite offense

• All-NBA trajectory

7. Desmond Bane (2020, 30th pick)

From G-League to Cornerstone:

• Best 3P% in draft class (43.4% career)

• Memphis’ second-best player

• Outplaying top-10 picks from his draft

The “Steal Score” Rankings

How Teams Find These Gems

1. International Scouting (Jokic, Giannis)

2. Ignoring Combine Measurements (Bane’s short wingspan)

3. Prioritizing Skill Over Athleticism (Haliburton)

4. Development Patience (Bam’s jumper)

Read More: NBA’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024: The Bargain Deals Reshaping the League

2024 Draft Sleepers to Watch

• Tyler Smith (G League Ignite): Jokic-like passing at 6’11”

• Juan Nunez (Spain): Elite playmaker going late first

• Bobi Klintman (Sweden): Giannis-esque physical tools

For more draft insight, visit NBA NewsZ – your home for NBA talent evaluation.