5 Best active players drafted at No. 17 overall ahead of crucial Lakers 2024 pick

1. Jrue Holiday, 2009

Starting with as topical a selection as they come, 2024 NBA champion Jrue Holiday was selected at No. 17 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. 15 years later, Holiday is an arguable Hall of Famer who has been an All-Defense mainstay and a key player on two championship teams.

If there's a reason to be optimistic about the No. 17 overall selection, then it's the fact that Holiday is the type of player that all 30 NBA teams would love to have.

Holiday has made two All-Star Game appearances, including one with the team that drafted him. He's also earned six All-Defense selections and won championships with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

Respected by his peers, elite on defense, and incredibly reliable on the offensive end of the floor, Holiday has carved out an incredible career.

This past season, Holiday responded to the adversity of being traded twice in one offseason by thriving as the steadying force for the Celtics. He stepped up in huge spots during the playoffs, including the NBA Finals, and earned All-Defense honors yet again.

If the Lakers can find a player at No. 17 overall who comes anywhere near Holiday's level of play and accolades, then it would be one of the biggest draft steals in franchise history.