In the not-too-distant past, the second round of the NBA draft seemed headed toward footnote status, an “oh by the way” portion of ESPN’s five-hour annual broadcast. Many second-round picks were traded. Others were used to select international prospects who remained overseas, never making their way to the league. Trades involving second-rounders barely received mention. Indeed, Round 2 can be such an afterthought that some of the rapid-fire picks announced by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum never appear on ESPN’s telecast, occurring during a commercial break.
While the NBA’s second round has at times appeared to be losing prominence, it’s possible those days are over, with an array of factors responsible for that. The 2017 implementation of two-way contracts expanded rosters from 15 to 17 players per team. The pandemic has meant that many of those two-way signees have been needed to contribute in games over the past two seasons – not just sit at the end of the bench and wait for a chance to play.
As a result, a strong argument can be made that the second round of the NBA draft has actually never been more important, because roster depth has never been as essential. Led by New Orleans wing Herbert Jones (35th overall pick) and Chicago guard Ayo Dosunmu (38th), 2021’s second round was one of the more productive in recent history. Jones logged 2,335 minutes during the 2021-22 regular season, one of nine second-round rookies to play at least 500 minutes (compared to four apiece in the previous two campaigns). Dosunmu scored 679 points, one of eight second-round rookies to tally at least 200 (compared to just four in 2020-21 and only one in 2019-20). Jones and Dosunmu played vital roles in helping New Orleans and Chicago reach the NBA playoffs, ending postseason droughts for those franchises since 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In the weeks prior to Thursday’s event, numerous draft websites have essentially asked the question “Who is the next Herb Jones?” while mining for potential second-round steals. In addition to its No. 8 pick in the lottery portion of the draft, New Orleans also owns a pair of Round 2 selections, at No. 41 and 52.
Here are a few prospects projected for the second round who seem to be garnering draft buzz and/or have a connection to the region:
Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
A highly-touted high school prospect in 2021 who chose an unconventional NCAA destination in order to play for his father as his college head coach, Baldwin was once considered a first-round lock but is now described as a potential sleeper. Per USA Today, the 6-10 forward “has the physical skill set and defensive aptitude that make him an enticing option in the second round.”
JD Davison, Alabama
The Crimson Tide have produced several pros in recent years, including a 2021 lottery pick (Josh Primo) that draft class’ best second-round choice (Jones) and two other high recent picks (Collin Sexton, Kira Lewis Jr.). The 6-foot Davison has been described by multiple analysts as one of the best athletes in this draft.
Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga
One the most experienced players in the draft, the 6-5 guard played 131 college games over four seasons, highlighted by a Final Four appearance in 2021. NBADraftRoom.com on Nembhard: “He projects as a player who can step in right away and run a second-team offense in the NBA, which is a skill that should get him drafted in the second round or have him be a priority free-agent signing.”
Dereon Seabron, North Carolina State
An athletic slasher, his performance at the draft combine in Chicago helped him garner significant attention. ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony tweeted that Seabron “helped himself with two strong outings, showing impressive speed, ball-handling and passing while playing mostly PG at 6-foot-6 with a 6’9 wingspan.”
Jalen Williams, Santa Clara
Like Seabron, this 6-6 guard enjoyed an excellent trip to the Windy City, with USA Today noting that he was the “breakout star of the NBA draft combine. Williams has an absolutely insane physical profile, and one ideal for success in the modern NBA. He finished in the 90th percentile or better in his three-quarter sprint and his standing vertical.”
Jaylin Williams, Arkansas
Not be confused with Jalen Williams, he has a completely different game and body type from the similarly-sounding guard. A 6-10 center, this Razorback is described by USA Today as “one of the more intriguing big men in the draft, and arguably the best passer at his position.” He was particularly adept in the SEC at making hustle plays, including drawing charges at a high rate.
From the 12
Who are your biggest draft sleepers among prospects not projected to be chosen in the top 20-ish of the first round?
@rtnorthrup: Love (Colorado forward) Jabari Walker as a potential second round fit.
@roland_padilla: (UCLA guard) Johnny Juzang. I think he’ll be someone who can provide instant offense off the bench. Needs to improve on defense big time to last in the league.