Draft Workout Memphis

Cleanthony Early, a forward from Wichita State, practices during a draft workout at the Memphis Grizzlies practice court at FedExForum Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Yalonda M. James)

(Yalonda M. James)

There are no sure things in the NBA Draft, even among the prized lottery picks. While second-round picks are far less likely to make a name for themselves, the right player in the right situation can become a diamond in the rough.

Here are five second-round selections from Thursday's draft with the upside to perform above their pay grade in the NBA:

1. Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State

New York Knicks (No. 34 overall)

Taken with the fourth pick in Round 2, Early is the best bargain in the draft for a host of reasons. He likely fell into the second round because he is undersized compared to the prototypical NBA small forward, but his pure scoring ability more than makes up for his build. A prolific scorer at times during his college career, Early will be especially valuable to the Knicks if they need someone to fill the void left by a potentially departing Carmelo Anthony. With improved ball-handling and further development of his jump shot, Early can be a big-time scorer in the NBA.

2. Walter Tavares, C, Spain

Atlanta Hawks (No. 43 overall)

Tavares is about as raw as they come, but his jaw-dropping size is impossible to ignore. At 7-foot-3, Tavares has an unguardable frame and has already shown promise while playing in Spain. Having only picked up a basketball for the first time a few years ago, if Tavares can avoid the injuries that tend to plague exceptionally big centers, he might develop into an extremely high-value pick for the Hawks at No. 43 overall.

3. Jordan Clarkson, PG, Missouri

Los Angeles Lakers (No. 46 overall)

The Lakers have needs all over the floor and Clarkson could be a part of the solution right away. As a point guard that can both score and facilitate, Clarkson will provide the Lakers depth at the very least and could work his way into a starter's role in the future. He was graded by some as a mid-first round pick and likely fell in the draft due to his size, which is below average for a two-guard. If Clarkson plays any part for the post-Kobe Bryant era Lakers, he will be a steal at 46th overall.

4. Nick Johnson, SG, Arizona

Houston Rockets (No. 42 overall)

Former Arizona guard Nick Johnson could flourish in Houston. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Johnson is a good value in the second round for the Rockets simply because of his potential to be a great Robin for Houston's Batman, James Harden. Paired together, Johnson and Harden have the potential to run circles around opposing defenses and create shots at will. Johnson is a little undersized (6-foot-3, 198 pounds) for an NBA shooting guard, but will play hard and rely on his elite athleticism to earn NBA minutes.

5. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, SF, NBA D-League

New York Knicks (No. 51 overall)

Antetokounmpo is nothing like his brother, Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Giannis Antetokounmpo, and isn't nearly as far along in his development, but a productive stint in the D-League proved he hasn't reached his ceiling. At No. 51 overall, Thanasis will provide great value if he continues to make strides in the D-League before taking the court for the Knicks. He has the tools to someday be an elite defender.