The narrative surrounding the NBA Finals often centers on the star power of the top draft picks, but the Pacers and Thunder's success in reaching the Finals offers a compelling counter-argument. It’s a powerful reminder that championship teams aren’t built solely on selecting the very first player available – a significant portion of success comes from strategically acquiring talent across the entire draft. The recent NBA Finals showcased a remarkable truth: neither the Indiana Pacers nor the Oklahoma City Thunder boasted a player selected as the No. 1 overall pick. This was a stark contrast to other playoff teams, highlighting a trend that’s reshaping the landscape of NBA success. The Pacers' victory in Game 1, spearheaded by Pascal Siakam's 19 points, and the Thunder's valiant effort against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 38 points, underscored this point perfectly. The team’s success wasn’t defined by a single, highly-touted first-round pick, but rather by a blend of contributions from players drafted at various positions and rounds. Examining the broader picture of the last 22 years reveals an even more significant trend: only five of the 22 No. 1 overall picks have ultimately won an NBA championship. These include Andrew Wiggins and Andrew Bogut, who shone on Stephen Curry-led teams, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, who thrived alongside LeBron James, and of course, LeBron James himself. This data demonstrates that being the top pick doesn’t automatically translate to championship success, challenging conventional wisdom. The influence of players drafted later in the draft is undeniable.

Consider the current NBA Finals contenders – Chet Holmgreen, drafted second overall in 2022, is a key player for the Thunder, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, selected 11th in 2018, is carrying the Thunder's offensive load. Furthermore, the Pacers' roster is populated with players drafted outside the top 10, including Pascal Siakam (27th pick in 2016), Benedict Mathurin (6th pick in 2022), and Jalen Williams (12th pick in 2022). Even Lu Dort, who went undrafted in 2019, has become a crucial contributor. This illustrates that exceptional talent can emerge from anywhere within the draft. The argument isn’t about dismissing the value of a top draft pick; rather, it’s about recognizing the broader pool of potential stars available.

As Austin Ainge famously stated during his introduction as the Utah Jazz's new head coach, "If you look at the playoffs and look at all the best players in the NBA, how many of them went No. 1?" He rightly pointed out that while being the No. 1 pick is advantageous, it’s not the sole determinant of success. The Pacers and Thunder's journey to the Finals serves as a powerful example, demonstrating that championship aspirations hinge on strategic drafting and the development of talent, regardless of the initial draft position. The upcoming draft presents another opportunity for teams to identify and cultivate future stars, and it’s a reminder that greatness can – and does – come from unexpected sources. The focus should be on building a well-rounded team, leveraging the strengths of all players, and embracing the potential of every draft pick, not just the one deemed the ‘best’ at the time of selection.

Ultimately, the most successful NBA teams are those that maximize their roster's potential, regardless of where those players were initially drafted.