Last week, when the Los Angeles Clippers and Doc Rivers traded for his son, Austin Rivers, it wasn't just a fascinating case of nepotism. The three-team deal was also one of the most interesting examples of the "Second Draft" in recent history.
The Second Draft is a concept popularized by former ESPN Insider John Hollinger describing when young players fall out of favor with their original team and become available for a much lower price. That fits Rivers, less than three years removed from being drafted 10th overall by New Orleans. It also describes Reggie Bullock, the second-year wing the Clippers sent to the Phoenix Suns as part of the trade.
Dion Waiters, the fourth overall pick in 2012 recently acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder for a lottery-protected first-round choice, is another example of a recent Second Draftee. In the release announcing the deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thunder GM Sam Presti referenced Waiters' potential coming out of college, calling him "a player that we've tracked and liked since his time at Syracuse."
With more Second Draft opportunities likely between now and next month's trade deadline, it's a good time to re-evaluate how well the strategy has worked and four current players who could be good Second Draft candidates.
Second Drafts past
Waiters and Rivers weren't the first 2012 lottery picks jettisoned by their original teams.