2. Kawhi Leonard, 2011, 15th overall
As the second-biggest draft steal in the last decade, we have arguably the best player in the NBA at the moment. I’m not sure many thought that’s what the San Antonio Spurs were getting when they acquired his rights in the 2011 NBA Draft with the No. 15 overall pick.
Nevertheless, Kawhi quickly developed into an impressive 3-and-D wing to one of the most lethal stars in the league today. Fresh off winning a championship with the Raptors, Kawhi took his chances and made the move to Los Angeles to join Paul George and the Clippers.
Before the hiatus, many considered the Clippers as the favorites to win the championship this season. At the very least, they were on collision course for a huge Western Conference Finals matchup with the Lakers.
Kawhi certainly is one of the biggest steals in recent draft history.