The San Antonio Spurs always had a reputation in finding gems outside the lottery. It was, in fact, bonafide draft steals that eventually led them to a league record of 22 consecutive playoff appearances and several championships.

They had to, of course. After all, their highest pick since selecting Tim Duncan at No. 1 came in 2018, and that was when they drafted Lonnie Walker IV with the 18th pick. Throughout their lauded history, the Spurs managed to find players that went on to have a major impact on the organization and even in the NBA.

Tony Parker

Many forget that Tony Parker was the 28th overall pick in the 2001 draft. He was 6-foot-2 undersized point guard who lacked power and consistent shooting abilities. He then established himself as one of the Spurs’ Big Three, along with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. The trio eventually won four championships.

Parker earned the Finals MVP accolade in their third championship during 2007. Boasting six All-Star selections, the French guard was one of the quickest players in the league. Known for his offensive game, he led the league’s scoring in the paint for most of the 2005-06 season. Not only was he a guard, but also a supposedly undersized one.

Parker eventually retired after spending his last year with the Charlotte Hornets. Immediately a season after, the Spurs celebrated his legacy with a jersey retirement.

Tiago Splitter

Tiago Splitter’s relatively short-lived career and lack of accolades made him susceptible to oversight. San Antonio drafted Splitter with the 28th overall pick back in 2007. Known as one of the best players outside the NBA, he didn’t play in the league until 2010. Even then, he spent most of his time on the bench. Gradually however, Splitter saw his minutes rise, and with it came valuable contributions.

The big man had his most productive season in 2012-13, averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. However, he’s considered a draft steal largely due to his 2014 playoffs performance. Splitter put up 7.5 points in 61% shooting and became a key player for the team. His contributions enabled the Spurs to earn their ever-famous 2014 “revenge” title against the Miami Heat.

Splitter, who played five years with the Spurs, continues to be beloved by the San Antonio community. He is now a player development coach with the Brooklyn Nets.

Manu Ginobili

When it comes to draft steals, no name gets mentioned more than Manu Ginobili. The Argentine was a relative unknown, dropping to No. 57 overall during the 1999 draft. Little did everybody expect Ginobili’s enormous future impact in the league.

Manu is, most popularly, one of San Antonio’s Big Three. Along with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, the trio won four NBA championships. He became lauded for his up-tempo, aggressive style and clutch plays. Most importantly, he was a certified team player. Despite being starting caliber, the Spurs legend willingly accepted his role off the bench. Although he won the award only once in the 2007-08 season, Ginobili was eventually known as one of the best sixth men in NBA history.

The 6-foot-6 shooting guard, cited as a favorite among current NBA players, was also credited for popularizing the use of the Euro-step in the league. He retired in 2018 after 16 seasons and two All-Star selections. The Spurs hung his No. 20 jersey to the rafters shortly after.

Honorable mention: George Gervin

This tricky one has an asterisk as it spanned the ABA-NBA merger. At the time, the Phoenix Suns technically selected George Gervin with the 40th overall pick. Gervin, however, remained with the Spurs in the ABA. He then chose to stay with the team even as they eventually shifted to the NBA.

Despite these complicated technicalities, Gervin never played with the Phoenix Suns and is, to everyone, an undisputed Spurs legend. The Iceman became a nine-time All Star, known for his scoring ability and cool demeanor on court. He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame.