Ranking the Biggest NBA Draft Steals of the Past Decade

With the 2015 NBA draft just days away, don't forget that some of the brightest stars in the league weren't highly touted lottery picks.

Nearly every year, there are one or two talented performers who slip through the cracks and land late in the first round or even in the second. These sleepers enter the NBA with question marks or deficiencies, but then they carve up the Association and make general managers rethink their profession.

Among the countless draft thefts over the past decade, which ones are the absolute biggest steals?

We looked at every candidate's production and impact in relation to their draft placement and narrowed it down to a star-studded top 10. Our list includes a couple of prolific Europeans, some shutdown defenders and several All-Stars.

Read on to find out who is worthy of our exclusive club.

Note: Does not include players selected in lottery range (Nos. 1-14).

The following players are those who could soon be considered some of the top steals of this era, but their careers are just getting started. These are the standouts from 2012-2014.

Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors PF (No. 35 in 2012) 

2015 (Per 36): 13.3 PTS, 9.4 REB, 4.2 AST, 1.8 STL, .443 FG%, .337 3FG%; 16.4 PER, 8.5 WS

With the 2015 Larry O'Brien trophy in hand, Green has cemented his status as a draft steal. He had a great college career, but no one knew it would translate to such brilliant versatility in the Association. Green's size (6'7"), defensive positioning and instincts allow him to guard up to three positions including center, and he's developed into an inside-out supplementary scorer.

Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks SF (No. 39 in 2012)

2015 (Per 36): 16.0 PTS, 5.3 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.8 STL, .467 FG%, .407 3FG%; 15.6 PER, 6.7 WS

While Giannis Antetokounmpo got a lot of buzz coming out of Greece, and Jabari Parker was the beloved prodigy hailing from Duke, Middleton sneaked under the radar in 2012 via Texas A&M. He's clearly the Bucks' best two-way player, and the unrestricted free agent's shooting touch and defensive prowess should earn him a handsome contract this summer.

Terrence Jones, Houston Rockets PF (No. 18 in 2012)

2015 (Per 36): 15.6 PTS, 8.9 REB, 2.4 BLK, .528 FG%, .351 3FG%; 18.3 PER, 3.0 WS

Jones was physically imposing in college during back-to-back Final Four runs for Kentucky, but he didn't wow NBA scouts from a skills standpoint. Now he's a force in Houston's frontcourt, mixing in the usual athleticism and power with three-point range and a great nose for the ball.

Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz C (No. 27 in 2013) 

2015 (Per 36): 11.4 PTS, 12.9 REB, 3.2 BLK, .604 FG%; 21.6 PER, 9.3 WS

At the time of the 2013 draft, it didn't seem outlandish that the ultra-raw Gobert would slip to No. 27. But now it sounds preposterous, considering the 7'1" Stifle Tower is one of the most impactful centers in the league. The lack of depth in the 2013 class makes this an even bigger heist.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks G/F (No. 15 in 2013)

2015 (Per 36): 14.6 PTS, 7.7 REB, 2.9 AST, 1.2 BLK, .491 FG%; 14.8 PER, 6.2 WS

Speaking of the 2013 draft, can you believe 14 teams passed on the Greek Freak? Although he still has a lot to polish and learn, Antetokounmpo is already doing damage in every phase of the game. His ability to attack on offense and guard multiple spots on defense make him inestimably valuable moving forward.

Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers G (No. 46 in 2014)

2015 (Per 36): 17.1 PTS, 4.7 REB, 5.0 AST, 1.2 STL, .448 FG%, .314 3FG%; 16.9 PER, 2.4 WS

The jury is still out on the 2014 class, so we'll tab Clarkson as the early favorite for "Steal of the Draft" honors. Los Angeles slowly brought him along as Ronnie Price and Jeremy Lin took more reps, and his second-half surge was a bright spot for Lakers fans during the team's dismal season. Clarkson's speed, vision and improving jump shot suggest a productive career.

Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards C (No. 57 in 2005) 

Career (Per 36): 14.2 PTS, 10.8 REB, 1.8 BLK, .549 FG%; 17.7 PER, 5.1 WS/Year

The Polish Hammer was an unknown European commodity whose rawness bumped him toward the end of the draft. He spent his first few years backing up Dwight Howard, but by the end of his time with the Orlando Magic, it was clear he could become much more. Gortat is now a bruiser who's one of the more dependable true centers you'll find in the NBA.

Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks SF (No. 38 in 2011)

Career (Per 36): 15.3 PTS, 5.4 REB, 3.3 AST, .470 FG%, .373 3FG%; 15.3 PER, 5.9 WS/Year

Parson's modest production at Florida didn't seem like it would translate to NBA success. Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets knew otherwise, and the club groomed him into an all-purpose wing who could attack the rim and connect from deep.

Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors PG (No. 24 in 2006)

Career (Per 36): 15.2 PTS, 6.8 AST, 1.6 STL, .417 FG%, .348 3FG%; 17.3 PER, 5.4 WS/Year

After a promising couple of years at Villanova, Lowry bolted early for the NBA. His unproven track record and diminutive stature (6'0") didn't scream "star point guard," but here he is, fresh off an All-Star campaign in 2014-15. Lowry's ability to score from inside and out has carried the Raptors of late.

Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder PF/C (No. 24 in 2008)

Career (Per 36): 14.5 PTS, 9.5 REB, 3.3 BLK, .533 FG%, .372 3FG%; 18.2 PER, 7.0 WS/Year

Here is a great example of a risk-reward pick. Ibaka had the tools to become an NBA player, and his upside was high for the team that had the guts to take him. In Oklahoma City, he flourished as an elite rim protector and solid role player on offense.

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets PG (No. 18 in 2009)

Career (Per 36): 16.5 PTS, 7.6 AST, 1.4 STL, .466 FG%, .369 3FG%; 18.3 PER, 6.3 WS/Year

Like Lowry, Lawson's draft stock was tempered by his size. The NCAA champ at North Carolina was drafted after the likes of Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn and Brandon Jennings, but he turned out to be a more dynamic playmaker than any of them.

Drafted: No. 40 in 2005 by Golden State Warriors

Career (Per 36): 19.4 PTS, 4.8 AST, 1.7 STL, .454 FG%, .314 3FG%; 16.8 PER, 3.7 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 20.2 PTS, 4.4 AST, 2.0 STL, .445 FG%, .285 3FG%; 16.5 PER, 3.6 WS

Monta Ellis' landing spot in our draft steal hierarchy is hurt by his relative lack of playoff success and inefficient shooting.

However, the prep-to-pro second-rounder was still an enormous theft. Scarcely do you find scorers and playmakers of his caliber that late in the draft.

Ellis' time with the Golden State Warriors was marked by electrifying athleticism, erratic play and injuries, but he persevered to become a catalyst for the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks. In Rick Carlisle's pick-and-roll heavy schemes, he's been a key creator and decision-maker, proving to be a triple threat when turning the corner.

In an interview on ESPN's Afternoon Show with Cowlishaw and Mosley (h/t Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com), Carlisle praised Ellis' production and career outlook:

If it continues like this, he may be known as the best player that never made an All-Star Game. He is that good. But I really do believe down the road, he's got a lot more chances to get in there. He's that good and he's getting better. At age 29, his skill level continues to rise, his recognition of situations is better, and so on and so forth.

There's a huge amount of risk attached to raw high school stars, so it's understandable for top-10 teams to pass on a player like Ellis. But the fact that he fell to 40th should make more than a few clubs weep.

Drafted: No. 35 in 2008 by Los Angeles Clippers

Career (Per 36): 11.1 PTS, 12.4 REB, 2.4 BLK, .664 FG%; 17.2 PER, 6.2 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 12.1 PTS, 15.7 REB, 2.3 BLK, .710 FG%; 21.0 PER, 12.8 WS

Los Angeles Clippers behemoth DeAndre Jordan snuck into our top 10 because he is a game-changing presence.

You can find all sorts of energy guys and role players in the second round, but none of them look like Jordan, who's a 6'11" muscle-bound kangaroo. Despite his rawness in college, it's still crazy to think a player with his unmatched physical tools would fall to No. 35.

Rebounding remains the bread and butter of Jordan's game. He absolutely annihilates opponents with his explosiveness and strength, and he's fresh off leading the NBA in rebounding (15.0 per game) and rebounding percentage (24.5 percent).

Jordan has made huge strides as a defender, going from an undisciplined shot-blocker to a legitimate rim protector. Last season he committed a career-low 3.1 fouls per 36 minutes and led the league in defensive win shares (5.4).

While his offensive skill is still pretty raw, he's a double-double machine who converts piles of putbacks and pick-and-roll lobs. Doc Rivers and Chris Paul have done a nice job of maximizing Jordan's gifts and using him to put a ton of pressure on opponents.

Drafted: No. 30 in 2005 by New York Knicks

Career (Per 36): 16.8 PTS, 10.8 REB, 2.7 AST, .533 FG%; 19.2 PER, 6.7 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 15.5 PTS, 10.2 REB, 3.4 AST, .511 FG%; 17.8 PER, 3.2 WS

Although his 2014-15 campaign was spent in a reduced role and his future is uncertain, David Lee still belongs in the upper tier of draft steals.

Lee's vision, dexterity with the ball and rebounding instincts made him a double-double factory during his prime. He earned All-Star appearances with both the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, and he was one of the key acquisitions that turned the Dubs into a dangerous playoff squad.

At the zenith of his reign, he was a 20-point, 10-rebound star who could pace his club offensively while controlling the glass. And although Lee's defensive shortcomings moved him down Golden State's depth chart, we still saw glimpses of his pick-and-roll mastery in the Finals.

Lee has enjoyed such a productive career because he can face up and drive, post up or do a little bit of everything off screens. When he catches the ball on a short roll to the rim, he's a threat to attack the cup, quickly zip a pass to an open shooter or drill a mid-range jumper.

It made sense for Steve Kerr to increase Draymond Green's role at the expense of Lee. After all, it was one of the critical moves that led to a championship. But that doesn't mean we should downplay Lee's talent and incredible value as a No. 30 overall pick.

Drafted: No. 21 in 2006 by Phoenix Suns

Career (Per 36): 12.0 PTS, 9.2 AST, 2.0 STL, .470 FG%, .263 3FG%; 16.7 PER, 5.2 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 10.8 PTS, 9.6 AST, 1.6 STL, .426 FG%, .314 3FG%; 13.5 PER, 1.6 WS

Even though Rajon Rondo's past couple of seasons have featured lackluster effort and drama for the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, he remains a huge draft steal.

More than half of the NBA passed on this four-time All-Star back in 2006. He proceeded to wheel and deal his way to three Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals and a memorable 2008 title run.

Rondo's vision, anticipation and accuracy as a distributor made him one of the best passers of all time. He averaged 11-plus assists per game three different times and has captivated fans by dropping dimes that are seemingly impossible.

The ultra-confident floor general also rebounds exceptionally well for his position, and he's a lethal ball hawk on defense. Rondo has averaged as many as 5.6 boards per game in a season, and he led the NBA in steals (2.3 per game) in 2009-10.

His less-than-pretty exit from Boston and contentious stint in Dallas have damaged his free-agent value. Nevertheless, he's a champion, was a master of his craft for many years and should be considered a massive draft heist.

Drafted: No. 47 in 2006 by Utah Jazz

Career (Per 36): 16.9 PTS, 9.1 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.6 STL, .503 FG%, .340 3FG%; 19.1 PER, 7.0 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 18.3 PTS, 8.6 REB, 3.4 AST, 2.0 STL, .476 FG%, .356 3FG%; 20.0 PER, 8.3 WS

Three-quarters of the 2006 draft had elapsed before the Utah Jazz took a chance on little-known Paul Millsap out of Louisiana Tech. He made an immediate impact and played in all 82 games as a rookie reserve, and now he's a two-time All-Star and one of the most coveted free-agent power forwards.

His superb footwork and scoring touch allow him to attack foes from many angles, but he didn't become an All-Star until he joined the Atlanta Hawks and expanded his three-point range. Jeff Miller of the Associated Press explained how the long ball expanded Millsap's game:

"Since being freed to shoot from the three-point stripe, Millsap's offensive skills have blossomed," Miller wrote in February. "By connecting on nearly 34 percent of his long-range shots, he's finding more room to dart into the lane and get to the foul line."

Millsap has never been particularly athletic, but his positioning and extraordinary feel for the game have fueled his effectiveness as a slasher and stopper. And it doesn't hurt to have hands worthy of an NFL star, as Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer notes:

"He should be a tight end. He's got amazing hands," Budenholzer told Miller. "That helps him defensively, that helps him offensively, that helps him pass. I didn't realize Paul could do this much, be this impactful."

Drafted: No. 60 in 2011 by Sacramento Kings

Career (Per 36): 19.9 PTS, 5.9 AST, 1.2 STL, .441 FG%, .363 3FG%; 19.1 PER, 5.8 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 23.0 PTS, 5.9 AST, 1.2 STL, .420 FG%, .373 3FG%; 20.6 PER, 6.1 WS

Thanks in part to his 5'9" stature, Washington product Isaiah Thomas was one pick away from going undrafted in 2011. The Sacramento Kings were smart to take a flier on him at No. 60, and he supplied a dynamic return on their late-draft investment.

He lands high in our steals rankings because he generates so much offense for someone who landed last in the draft. Thomas has a tremendous feel for operating the pick-and-roll, and he's become a dangerous shooter from any spot on the floor. Consequently, he's posted 20-plus points and at least 5.9 assists per 36 minutes in each of the past two seasons.

The Kings didn't view Thomas as their point guard of the future, so he was shipped to the Phoenix Suns last summer, and then again to the Boston Celtics at the 2015 trade deadline. All the changes in scenery didn't affect his creativity and effectiveness, because the Suns and Celts were both much better off when he was on the floor.

Phoenix scored 8.8 more points per 100 possessions when Thomas was in the game compared to when he sat, and Boston was plus-8.5 (per 82games.com). He keeps offenses humming because he can shoot the three, drop dimes or use angles to convert floaters and bankers in the lane.

Four years ago, Thomas wasn't assured a spot on an NBA roster. His value is drastically different now, as he holds a guaranteed contract through 2017-18.

Drafted: No. 30 in 2011 by Chicago Bulls

Career (Per 36): 14.2 PTS, 5.2 REB, 2.4 AST, 1.6 STL, .440 FG%, .333 3FG%; 16.5 PER, 6.6 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 18.6 PTS, 5.4 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.6 STL, .462 FG%, .378 3FG%; 21.3 PER, 11.2 WS

Even before Jimmy Butler's outstanding 2014-15 campaign that earned him Most Improved Player honors, the Chicago Bulls swingman was viewed as a draft steal.

After a solid career at Marquette, draft decision-makers underestimated Butler's lockdown defensive talent and offensive potential. Chicago plucked him with the last pick of the first round in 2011, and he eventually turned into the franchise's star wing.

Butler's horizontal and vertical athleticism enables him to disrupt opponents in every phase of the game, and his instincts put him in great position to make plays. He's now coming off back-to-back seasons on the NBA's All-Defensive second team.

Offensively, Butler's never been a natural shot creator, but hard work and steady shooting improvement have yielded robust results. Nowadays he's scoring 20 points and dishing three-plus assists per game while taking on Chicago's toughest defensive assignments.

"Obviously, to get where he is today, you have to have a lot of talent, which he does have," former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau told USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt. "But when you combine that with his intelligence, his drive, then you get something special."

Two-way wings like Butler are a rarity, so he should fetch a lofty sum as Chicago's most prized restricted free agent.

Drafted: No. 15 in 2011 by San Antonio Spurs

Career (Per 36): 15.3 PTS, 7.6 REB, 2.2 STL, .496 FG%, .368 3FG%; 18.8 PER, 7.0 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 18.7 PTS, 8.2 REB, 2.6 STL, .479 FG%, .349 3FG%; 22.0 PER, 8.6 WS

Kawhi Leonard is just breaking into his prime, but he's already racking up the hardware and looking like a monumental draft burglary for the San Antonio Spurs.

He's earned a Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, and ranked top 10 in defensive rating in each of the last two seasons. Leonard's rangy athleticism and sharp awareness have made him an upper-echelon Swiss army knife.

On the offensive end, Leonard has grown from the raw rim-rocker we saw at San Diego State into a skilled shooter and underrated shot creator. Meanwhile, his defensive tools and energy constantly stifle opponents, and he can check nearly all five positions.

Kirk Goldsberry of Grantland.com said that Leonard's value as a stopper is pretty much incalculable at the moment:

It turns out Leonard is one of the best, not just at stealing the ball, but also at reducing the scoring prowess of his assignments....Leonard's defense makes you want to come up with a more elegant stat for defense—something like an Almost Steal....Maybe he's not a conventional superstar, but Leonard is one of the most important players in the whole league.

Leonard's dominance on defense and exponential growth on offense have made him the Spurs' torchbearer moving forward. And the best part is that we haven't even seen his best act yet.

Drafted: No. 45 in 2008 by San Antonio Spurs

Career (Per 36): 16.9 PTS, 6.3 AST, 1.4 STL, .470 FG%, .361 3FG%; 17.2 PER, 4.6 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 17.4 PTS, 4.8 AST, 1.1 STL, .501 FG%, .347 3FG%; 17.4 PER, 6.8 WS

Goran Dragic first turned heads when he was Steve Nash's backup, and the flashes of brilliance have blossomed into stardom for the young Slovenian.

The southpaw slasher's game instantly translated to the league due to his knack for getting into the lane and creating for his team. Dragic's shifty handles and magnificent body control allow him to finish plays around the trees in the paint, as evidenced by his 67.2 percent shooting within three feet of the rim.

It's nearly impossible for opponents to corral him because he has a great nose for the hoop and an elusive aggressiveness. Dragic's rate of success in attack mode is illustrated by his 54.7 percent shooting on drives during 2014-15 (per SportVU). That stat outclasses the likes of point guards Stephen Curry, Derrick Rose, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.

Numbers like that have fueled Dragic's status as a highly coveted weapon. Not only did the Miami Heat trade for him at the deadline this past year, but ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that they plan to offer him a five-year, $80 million deal this summer.

Dragic has narrowly missed being an All-Star in the past, but the 2014 Most Improved Player and All-NBA third team selections are respectable milestones. His achievements are all the more impressive when you consider he was selected in the mid-second round of a draft that saw the likes of D.J. Augustin, Mario Chalmers and Sean Singletary picked ahead of him.

Drafted: No. 48 in 2007 by Los Angeles Lakers

Career (Per 36): 15.1 PTS, 8.4 REB, 3.2 AST, 1.7 BLK, .509 FG%; 18.7 PER, 8.3 WS/Year

2015 (Per 36): 18.9 PTS, 8.4 REB, 4.1 AST, 1.8 BLK, .494 FG%; 21.7 PER, 10.2 WS

Shame on everyone for passing on Marc Gasol. And shame on the Los Angeles Lakers for letting him slip away.

Of course, trading for Marc's brother Pau wasn't regrettable—it helped net the Lakers a couple of rings—but giving up the draft rights to Marc in the process certainly was lamentable. It didn't take long for the young Spaniard to prove he was much more than an afterthought in the 2008 blockbuster trade.

The Memphis Grizzlies star has turned into the best two-way center in the game. For the past five seasons, the two-time All-Star has streamlined his squad's run to the Western Conference playoffs.

Gasol has never been an elite scorer, but his offensive game is exceptionally versatile. He's dangerous whether he's posting up, distributing from the high post or sinking mid-range shots. Not many true centers have the capability to dish nearly four assists per game.

Marc vastly outshines his older brother on the defensive side, anchoring the Grizzlies' stingy, physical playing style. There aren't any statistics that fully encapsulate his impact on that end, but here's something to chew on: Opponents shot 41.4 percent on two-pointers against him last year, which is 9.1 percent worse than they fared against the rest of the league, per SportVU.

With the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award and 2015 All-NBA first team honors in tow, the unrestricted free agent is certain to get a lot more love this summer than he did in 2007.

Dan O'Brien covers the NBA draft for Bleacher Report.

Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR