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NBA Draft News and Profiles

Pistons draft 2014: Detroit can find a sleeper at 38th overall

The Detroit Pistons were ousted from the first round at the NBA draft lottery, forfeiting their top-8 protected pick to the Charlotte Hornets when the Cleveland Cavaliers made the leap all the way from No. 9 to the very top. But they will still pick in the second round with the 38th overall pick.

Lance Stephenson was drafted 40th overall in 2010
Lance Stephenson was drafted 40th overall in 2010
Andy Lyons

The Detroit Pistons lost their 2014 first-round pick, but the team is still optimistic of finding a solid player in the second round with the 38th overall pick.

"I’d anticipate that we would be able to get somebody at 38 that I think is going to be able to help us," assistant general manager George David said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "That range has been a range that historically you’ve been able to get productive players out of."

I have good news: he's right! Here's an incomplete look at players drafted 38th overall or lower since 2000 who have made a significant impact in the NBA:

Year

Player

2000

Michael Redd (43)

2001

Earl Watson (39)

2001

Bobby Simmons (41)

2002

Luis Scola (55)

2002

Matt Barnes (45)

2003

Kyle Korver (51)

2003

Mo Williams (47)

2003

Matt Bonner (45)

2003

Zaza Pachulia (42)

2003

Keith Bogans (43)

2004

Trevor Ariza (43)

2005

Amir Johnson (56)

2005

Monta Ellis (40)

2005

Marcin Gortat (57)

2005

Louis Williams (45)

2006

Paul Millsap (47)

2007

Marc Gasol (48)

2007

Ramon Sessions (56)

2008

Goran Dragic (45)

2009

Jodie Meeks (41)

2009

Danny Green (46)

2009

Jonas Jerebko (39)

2010

Lance Stephenson (40)

2010

Landry Fields (39)

2011

Chandler Parsons (38)

2011

Isaiah Thomas (60)

2012

Kyle O’Quinn (49)

2012

Khris Middleton (39)

2013

Ryan Kelly (48)

2013

Jeff Withey (39)

It's amazing how long some of these guys lasted with the benefit of hindsight, but decisions made in the heat of the moment aren't always so easy. Am I missing anyone? Let me know in the comments.

And, just for fun/misery, here's the last 38 players drafted 38th overall in the NBA, which includes a startling number of players who didn't play a single minute in the association:

Year

Player

2013

Nate Wolters

2012

Quincy Miller

2011

Chandler Parsons

2010

Andy Rautins

2009

Jon Brockman

2008

Kyle Weaver

2007

Kyrylo Fesenko

2006

Kosta Perovic

2005

Travis Diener

2004

Chris Duhon

2003

Steve Blake

2002

Rod Gizzard

2001

Michael Wright

2000

Eduardo Najera

1999

Laron Profit

1998

DeMarco Johnson

1997

Jerald Honeycutt

1996

Steve Hamer

1995

Rashard Griffith

1994

Darrin Hancock

1993

Conrad McRae

1992

Elmer Bennett

1991

Joe Wylie

1990

Jud Buechler

1989

Doug West

1988

Dean Garrett

1987

Norris Coleman

1986

Lemone Lampley

1985

Fernando Martin

1984

Charlie Sitton

1983

Chris McNealy

1982

Wayne Sappleton

1981

Clyde Bradshaw

1980

Terry Stotts

1979

Larry Wilson

1978

Lew Massey

1977

Ricky Love

1976

Phil Sellers

Now your thoughts.