The 2017 NBA draft class is often remembered for a transcendent superstar in Trae Young, but the impact of that year extended far beyond the first pick. While Young and Donovan Mitchell formed the headline act, the success of this draft class is measured by the sheer number of players who carved out sustained, high-level roles in the league. From role players to starters, the 2017 rookie class has been remarkably durable and influential.
The Protégés: Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell
At the summit of this draft class stand two contrasting point guards who chose different paths to stardom. Trae Young, drafted fifth by the Atlanta Hawks, embraced the franchise-player burden in a scoring-centric offense, becoming an immediate engine for the team. Conversely, Donovan Mitchell, the thirteenth overall pick by the Utah Jazz, embraced a developmental grind, spending his first two seasons learning from an established veteran roster before exploding into an All-Star. Their journeys highlight the diverse outcomes available to even the most heralded prospects.
Immediate Contributors and Role Players
Beyond the superstars, the class delivered reliable contributors who quickly became pieces in larger organizational puzzles. Josh Jackson, the fourth pick by the Phoenix Suns, provided instant perimeter defense and a steady jump shot before being traded, showcasing the immediate floor-spacing some top picks offer. Jayson Tatum, while often viewed as a generational talent, entered the league in this draft year and spent his rookie season developing under the watchful eye of the Boston Celtics’ veteran core, laying the foundation for his eventual ascension.
Josh Jackson brought athleticism and perimeter shooting to a Suns team needing spacing.
Jayson Tatum balanced scoring outbursts with disciplined play in a developmental role.
Lonzo Ball, the third overall pick, prioritized elite playmaking and defense for the Lakers.
The Supporting Cast and Unsung Stories
The narrative of the 2017 class is incomplete without acknowledging the players who embraced specific, often gritty roles. Dennis Smith Jr., drafted ninth by the Charlotte Hornets, embodied the high-flying, emotional style of play, thrilling fans with athletic dunks while battling injuries. Malcolm Brogdon, the thirty-sixth pick, represents the ultimate sleeper story, transitioning from a backup in the system to a veteran leader and reliable scorer who provided crucial minutes for years.
Impact and Legacy
Looking at the 2017 class through the lens of team building reveals its true value. These players were not just names on a draft board; they were the building blocks for contender status. The Oklahoma City Thunder utilized the youthful energy and defensive intensity of this draft to complement its core, while the Brooklyn Nets leveraged the scoring punch of a young guard. The class provided the necessary depth and talent to shift the competitive landscape of the Eastern and Western Conferences.
