5. Tony Parker (Drafted 28th Overall In 2001)
The Spurs got it right more than once later in the draft and managed to pick up the future Hall of Famer Tony Parker at 28th overall in 2001. Like Manu, Parker was an amazing European player but some did not know how well he’d translate to the NBA. Parker was able to make everyone pay as he became a major fixture for the Spurs for a decade.
He had several years where he put up 17 points per game or more. Overall, his success at the Spurs led to being a 6-time NBA All-Star, 3-time All-NBA Second Team Selection, and 1-time All-NBA Third Team selection. Parker is also a key reason why the Spurs won 4 NBA Championships while he was there, even taking NBA Finals MVP honors in 2007 to prove it.