When we talk about the NBA Draft, our minds usually jump straight to the glitz and glamour of the main event, the one where college stars and international phenoms hear their names called, often with dreams of immediate NBA stardom. But there's another draft, a crucial stepping stone for many, that often flies under the radar: the NBA G League Draft. And in 2017, the Northern Arizona Suns made a significant choice with the very first pick.
That honor, the first overall selection in the 2017 NBA G League Draft, went to Eric Stuteville. A 6-foot-11, 245-pound forward from Sacramento State, Stuteville wasn't exactly a household name, but his collegiate career had shown promise. He was a four-year player, and in his senior season, he put up solid numbers: 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. What really stood out, though, were his school records – he was the all-time leader in both points (1,013) and games played (125) at Sacramento State. He'd even had a taste of NBA Summer League action with the Sacramento Kings, a clear indication that he was on the radar.
Following Stuteville, the Reno Bighorns snagged Brandon Austin at number two, and the Lakeland Magic picked Maverick Rowan third. Thomas Wimbush rounded out the top four, chosen by the Long Island Nets. It's interesting to note that Stuteville and Wimbush were among the 13 players from the first round who had participated in the NBA G League Player Invitational earlier that year in Chicago. This event serves as a vital showcase, bringing together potential draftees and giving teams a closer look.
The international flavor of the G League was also evident in this draft. Thirteen international players from ten different countries were selected, including notable first-rounders like Mychal Mulder from Canada (ninth overall), Maksym Pustozvonov from Ukraine (17th), and Daesung Lee from South Korea (20th). This highlights the G League's role as a global talent pool, not just for domestic prospects.
For those unfamiliar, the G League draft is just the beginning of building a team. The players drafted join returning players, affiliate players, those with NBA Draft rights, and local tryout participants to form training camp rosters, which can't exceed 17 players. Every team had to make at least three selections, and every drafted player received an invitation to training camp. This whole process, for the seventh year running, took place at the NBA G League headquarters in New York, with all 26 teams actively participating.
Looking back at the full results, you see a mix of players aiming to prove themselves, whether it's to earn a spot on a G League roster, catch the eye of an NBA scout, or continue their professional journey. The G League, after all, is the NBA's official minor league, a proving ground for players, coaches, and even front-office staff. It's where the next wave of talent is often discovered, and the 2017 draft was no exception, with Eric Stuteville leading the charge.
