When it comes to the NBA, it's incredible to see how some undrafted players rise to prominence. It's almost surreal when players bypass the draft process yet make significant impacts on their teams. Arenaplus.ph showcases some of the best highlights from these undrafted gems, and the stories behind these athletes are as fascinating as their on-court performances.
Take Ben Wallace, for example. Standing at 6’9”, Wallace went undrafted in the 1996 NBA Draft. Yet, he became a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Think about that: out of all the players in those drafts, a guy who didn’t get selected turned out to be one of the best defenders in history. In 2004, Wallace played a crucial role in leading the Detroit Pistons to an NBA Championship. He averaged 9.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game during his career, solidifying himself as one of the greatest undrafted players ever.
Another standout is Udonis Haslem. Hailing from the University of Florida, Haslem went undrafted in 2002. Despite that setback, he built a solid career with the Miami Heat, contributing to three NBA Championships. By 2020, he had played over 850 games, proving his resilience and value. His ability to rebound and provide leadership on and off the court remains invaluable to his team.
What about Avery Johnson? This guy's journey is equally fascinating. After going undrafted in the 1988 NBA Draft, Johnson played for several teams before finding a home with the San Antonio Spurs. He was instrumental in their 1999 Championship run, even clinching the title with a key jumper in Game 5. His career stats feature over 5,846 assists, underscoring his vision and playmaking ability.
Fans can’t forget Brad Miller. Although he went undrafted in the 1998 NBA Draft, that didn’t stop him from becoming a two-time NBA All-Star. He played for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, tallying up 9,522 points and 6,199 rebounds over his 14-year career. Those numbers speak volumes about his consistency and skill level.
The phenomenon of undrafted players making it big in the NBA isn’t limited to the distant past. Yogi Ferrell, undrafted in 2016, signed a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks and made a name for himself by scoring 32 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. His performance earned him a two-year contract with the team, showing how undrafted players continue to defy the odds.
Fred VanVleet is another modern example. Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 Championship run. He even scored 22 points in the decisive Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors. With career averages of over 12 points and 4.5 assists per game by 2020, VanVleet proves that being undrafted doesn’t limit a player’s potential.
arena plus has an entire section dedicated to his highlights due to his notable performance.
Jose Calderon’s story also comes to mind. After going undrafted, the Spanish guard signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2005. Over his 14-year NBA career, he played for several teams, amassing 5,148 assists and maintaining a free-throw percentage of over 87%. That high efficiency at the free-throw line is particularly remarkable.
Another name to remember is Jeremy Lin. Undrafted in 2010, Lin became a global sensation with “Linsanity” during his time with the New York Knicks. In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he scored 38 points, leading his team to victory. He has played for multiple NBA teams and won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. That one game against the Lakers in particular demonstrated the unpredictable nature of undrafted talent.
An often-overlooked player is Bruce Bowen. Undrafted in 1993, Bowen found his niche with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became a defensive specialist. Known for his lockdown defense, he made eight All-Defensive teams and won three NBA Championships. His ability to shut down the opposing team’s best player was instrumental to the Spurs' success.
Lastly, we have Wes Matthews. Undrafted in 2009, Matthews quickly proved his worth, earning a spot with the Utah Jazz. With career averages of 13.2 points and shooting over 38% from the three-point line by 2020, he has established himself as a reliable shooting guard. His sharpshooting ability and defensive tenacity make him irreplaceable in the modern NBA game.
So, why do some players who go undrafted become stars while others fade into obscurity? It boils down to work ethic, opportunity, and perhaps a dash of luck. Teams that give undrafted players a chance often find hidden gems that not only surprise the audience but also elevate the entire team. For every undrafted player who makes it, countless others do not, but the ones who do remind us that the draft isn't the final word on a player's potential.