Jalen Brunson’s rise from a second-round pick to a key figure in the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in over five decades underscores an important lesson in team building: securing elite talent is not solely reliant on lottery picks.

Brunson, selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, was initially viewed as a player with strong leadership and basketball IQ but limited athleticism and upside. Draft guides described him as a traditional backup point guard lacking elite quickness and creative scoring ability. Yet, Brunson’s development into one of the most impactful second-round selections in NBA history has challenged these early assessments.

The Knicks’ championship roster further illustrates this point. Among the ten players who logged the most minutes during their title run, just two—Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges—were lottery selections. Four others, including Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and Jordan Clarkson, were second-round picks, while Jose Alvarado joined the team as an undrafted free agent.

The Knicks hold three draft picks—Nos. 24, 31, and 55—in the 2024 NBA Draft, slated to begin Tuesday night at Barclays Center. With over $200 million already committed to player salaries next season and efforts to avoid exceeding the NBA’s second apron salary cap threshold, these selections could prove strategically valuable. The team may look to replace outgoing free agents such as Robinson and Landry Shamet as it navigates roster adjustments.

Towns, originally the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was acquired by the Knicks through a 2024 trade package involving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. A New Jersey native, Towns was once sought by then-Knicks president Phil Jackson, who had chosen Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 pick when Towns went first overall.

Bridges, Towns’ Villanova teammate and a two-time national champion with Brunson, was picked 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2018. Known as a prototypical “3-and-D” wing, he later became involved in two significant trades—one that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix and a 2024 deal that saw the Knicks part with five future first-round picks in exchange for Bridges.

Other contributors also emerged outside of the lottery spotlight. OG Anunoby, selected 23rd overall in 2017 by Toronto despite his ACL injury, was acquired by the Knicks in 2023 through a trade involving RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Jarred Hart, chosen 30th in 2017 by the Lakers, was the sole senior drafted in his class and has been noted for his consistency and versatility.

Shamet, picked 26th overall in 2018, has played for multiple organizations before signing with the Knicks ahead of the 2024-25 season. Robinson, drafted 36th overall in 2018 after missing college playing time due to suspension, has grown into a key rim protector and rebounder despite initial concerns about his readiness and strength. McBride, also drafted 36th overall in 2021, joined the team via a draft-day trade.

Clarkson, taken 46th overall in 2014, defied expectations by carving out a productive NBA career, including a Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. Alvarado, undrafted out of Georgia Tech, joined the Knicks in 2024 after a stint with the New Orleans Pelicans and contributed valuable energy, defense, and shooting during the championship season.

As the Knicks prepare for the draft, their recent success highlights that impactful players can be found across all rounds and that building a championship-caliber roster extends beyond accumulating lottery picks alone.