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NBA Draft: Best second round draft picks ever

By Chris Reichert

Dec 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) gestures to a spot on the court against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated San Antonio 97-94. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) gestures to a spot on the court against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated San Antonio 97-94. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after being called for a foul against the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after being called for a foul against the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Paul Millsap, 2006, No. 47 overall pick

Paul Millsap has evolved into perhaps the most well-rounded power forward in the NBA — aside from LeBron James who is basically the best at almost every position. Millsap dominated the NCAA scene while at Louisiana Tech, but the fact that it was Louisiana Tech and not a major school saw him drop to No. 47 in the draft, and wow did the Utah Jazz find a keeper.

Millsap spent most of his career with Utah, but in 2013 signed with the Atlanta Hawks and hasn’t missed an All-Star game since. After joining the Hawks, he was able to show off his array of skills, most notably his three-point shot which has really opened up his overall offensive attack. His first seven season in Utah he made a total of 31 three-pointers. Since joining Atlanta he’s averaged 75 made three-pointers per season — quite a stark difference.

2015-16 was a banner season for Millsap with him posting 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks — every one except for points were a career-high. He signed a three-year, $60 million contract with Atlanta and when that deal is up his career earnings will be at $113 million.

Millsap is finally being noticed for his defensive prowess as well with voters naming him to 2nd Team All-Defense in 2015-16.

Next: 2. Marc Gasol

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