Four NBA second-round picks who could prove to be steals

Over the last decade or so, the second round of the NBA Draft has produced some truly exceptional talents, with none greater than three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the 41st overall pick in 2014.

While this year’s draft was considered to be weaker than in years past, there will surely be some second-rounders who will exceed expectations 

With that in mind, here are four players selected in Thursday’s second round who could end up being steals. 

Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks 

The 6-foot-3 point guard might not be a Villanova Wildcat, but another former Big East star is heading to New York. The Knicks sent three future second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for the draft rights to Kolek, the 34th overall pick. 

Kolek was one of the best floor generals in college basketball last season, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 assists, the most in Division-I, while shooting 49.6% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc.

New York needed a true backup point guard to lead their deep bench unit. While it’s unclear whether Kolek will assume that role as a rookie, the fact that he stepped up in several crucial moments during his collegiate career should give the Knicks confidence that he can be a reliable contributor. 

The pressure of playing in New York shouldn’t faze Kolek, either, considering he was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Big East Tournament, which was held at his new home arena, Madison Square Garden.