Unearthing Gold Late in the NBA Draft

Harry Sadoun Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Research finds Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs have a knack for finding gems late in the draft. For the upcoming draft, keep a close eye on the Brooklyn Nets who pick at 22 and 21 this year.  

As the 2023 NBA draft approaches, we analyzed which teams in the NBA have excelled in discovering hidden talent in the later rounds of previous drafts. To conduct this analysis, we delved into the past ten NBA All-Star events to identify the league's top-performing players.

The Numbers

Over the course of the last ten editions of the All-Star games, a total of 226 players were selected. Some were unable to participate due to injuries, COVID-19, and other obstacles. Among these 226 players, it is worth noting that only 84 "unique" players managed to secure a spot on the All-Star rosters, as certain players have been chosen on multiple occasions. 

Upon closer examination of the All-Star players, we discovered that out of the 84 players who made it to the prestigious event, 61 were selected within the "lottery" picks. Additionally, 22 players were chosen in the later rounds of the draft. Only one player, Fred VanVleet,  among the All-Stars, managed to achieve this feat without being drafted at all. For the purpose of this analysis, Fred VanVleet will be counted as a late pick. 

In the last 10 All-Star games, only 34 players have joined the league in the past 10 years. 7 of these players were late picks, ie. not from the ‘lottery’ picks, and 27 were picked in the top-14. 

The 7 late-round picks, drafted within the past 10 years, that made it to the All-Stars were:

• Rudy Gobert has made 3 All-Star appearances, but none of them came from his time with the Denver Nuggets who drafted him. His 3 appearances came from his time with the Utah Jazz. On draft night in 2013, Rudy Gobert was traded to Utah Jazz.
• Jarrett Allen’s single All-Star appearance came in 2022 whilst he was playing for Cleveland Cavaliers. 

As previously stated, the last 10 NBA All-Star teams have consisted of the same group of 84 players, and these players have accumulated the highest number of appearances in the prestigious game over the past decade:

• LeBron James: 10 appearances out of 10 possible.
• James Harden: 9 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Stephen Curry: 9 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Kevin Durant: 9 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Anthony Davis: 8 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Kyrie Irving: 7 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 7 appearances out of 10 possible.
• Kyle Lowry: 7 appearances out of 10 possible.

Since 2013, the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the teams with the highest number of NBA All-Star appearances by their drafted players. These three teams have contributed a total of five All-Star players each.

When examining the past ten editions of the All-Star games, it shows that players from all 30 NBA teams have been drafted players who subsequently participated in the All-Star games. Only one player from each of the following teams - Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Bobcats, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns - has managed to secure a spot among the All-Stars during this time frame.

Teams to watch out for

Based on all the information presented, it is highly likely that the upcoming 2023 NBA draft will introduce future stars to the league. We suggest paying close attention to the picks by the Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and San Antonio Spurs, as they have demonstrated an aptitude for discovering hidden talent in the later stages of the draft. Over the course of the past ten drafts, these teams have consistently shown a keen eye for identifying late-round gems. Especially the Denver Nuggets have struck gold, with Nikola Jokić who was just crowned Finals MVP in the series against Miami Heat. 

Considering the current draft order, it will be particularly intriguing to observe the Brooklyn Nets and their two first-round picks at the 21st and 22nd positions. With these two opportunities, it remains to be seen if the Nets can find prospects that will make a significant impact in the league.

Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun