Ranking the 5 best draft day steals in Spurs history

2. Manu Ginobili

Entering the 1999 NBA Draft, no one knew who Manu Ginobili was. This particular draft class featured players like Elton Brand, Baron Davis, and Lamar Odom, who went on to have great NBA careers. The Spurs would select a crafty, left-handed, Argentinian guard named Manu Ginobili with the 57th pick. However, he didn’t sign with the Spurs immediately, as he was still playing in Italy.

Finally joining the Spurs in 2002, Ginobili took the league by storm, impressing fans and fellow players with his passes and bringing the euro-step with him. Making two All-Star Games, winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award, and winning four NBA titles, Ginobili’s resume is stacked. Ginobili would become one of the fan favorites all over the globe because of his team style of play and his overall sportsmanship.

In April of this year, it was revealed that Manu Ginobili will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame 2022. Ginobili’s legendary career will forever be immortalized, and Spurs fans can’t contain their excitement for when that day comes.

1. Tony Parker

Back in 2001, the Spurs took a chance on a young, French point guard, Tony Parker with the 28th pick. Entering the league at 19 years old, Parker became one of the best players in his draft class. Making the All-Rookie Second Team, Parker’s momentum continued to elevate his game.

In the 2005-06 season, at 23 years of age, he would make his first of six All-Star appearances, proving to the league that he’s one of the top guards. Winning four titles and forming a Big Three with Ginobili and Duncan, his fast-paced style of play proved to be a great fit with the team.

Out of everyone in his draft class, Parker would be the only player to win more than two titles. Some might say he was carried by Duncan and Ginobili, but that's far from the case. Together with his other awards, he was the Finals MVP in 2007 when the Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Parker, now retired, is one of the most recognizable players across the world. He revolutionized the way modern point guards play, with quickness and fearlessness to take on any defender.