Undrafted NBA players typically don't get very far. They either get stuck in the NBA G-League forever, or have to play overseas to make a living from basketball, some due to NBA Draft eligibility rules. However, every now and then, an undrafted NBA player ends up finding stardom in the league, or at least a big-time role.
Needless to say, this is not an easy thing to achieve. It's hard enough to make it in the league, and having a long and successful career is even harder. That's why the way these people have managed to achieve success is as impressive as it is commendable.
That's why today, we're going to take some time to talk about some of the best players who made it to the NBA despite never hearing their names during both rounds of the NBA Draft. They should be an inspiration to millions of clubs around the world.
10. Udonis Haslem
Udonis Halsem is one of the NBA's best undrafted players, not because of his game itself, but because of how long he's been able to stay in the league, even sometimes to a fault. He barely saw the floor in the last five years of his career, but he was an extension of his coach and mentor.
Prime Haslem was a solid player. He was a bruise on the glass, the last player you would want to face in a fight. He embodies the Miami Heat culture like no other, joining Dwyane Wade as the only players to have played during all three franchise championships.
9. Darrell Armstrong
Darrell Armstrong needed some time to establish his footing in the league. He went undrafted in 1991 and didn't get the opportunity until 1994 to join the Orlando Magic, where he was a player until the 1998 season when he finally broke out.
He was named Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year in the same season, and later became a starter. Armstrong ended up becoming one of the best players of his generation, not only due to his versatility but also his defensive expertise.
8. King Bill
Those who don't think Raja Bell is one of the best undrafted players in league history have never heard Kobe Bryant talk about his defense. His numbers weren't always impressive, but he was a solid defender and a solid defender night in and day out.
He was instrumental in perhaps the greatest Phoenix Suns team ever. An annoying, suffocating physical defender who was also an outstanding sniper, he helped set the blueprint for today's in-demand 3-and-D players.
7. Fred VanVleet
The Toronto Raptors, and more specifically Nick Nurse, deserve a lot of credit for finding and developing Fred VanVleet, one of the best undrafted NBA players in today's game. Coming off the bench, he helped them win their first NBA championship in franchise history.
VanVleet later became the starting point guard, and while the team was unable to achieve the same level of success, he was able to get a lot of money in free agency. Now, he's leading the way for the Houston Rockets as a 3-and-D guard.
6. Connie Hawkins
Draft eligibility rules cost Connie Hawkins a spot in the league early in his career. He was kicked out of Iowa State and banned from the league due to a betting scandal, so he continued to play for the Harlem Globetrotters and overseas before suing the NBA for $6 million.
He won the lawsuit and earned the opportunity to play for the Phoenix Suns in 1969, averaging over 20 points per game and becoming an All-Star in his first four seasons in the league. Knee problems cut short his career, but he was an NBA player and ended up making it to the Hall of Fame as well.
5. Brad Miller
Although not the most athletic or physical guy, Brad Miller went on to have a long and successful major league career. He was one of the first bigs to legitimately stretch the floor with his shooting, not to mention being an elite passer at his position.
Miller began his career in Charlotte before becoming an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, being the second undrafted player to earn the honor. He was also effective for the Sacramento Kings due to his flashy passing, averaging over 13 points, nearly nine rebounds, and four dimes per game, and he made another All-Star appearance.
4. Avery Johnson
Being 5'10″ tall, it was not surprising to see Avery Johnson back down the design in 1988, especially considering the fact that he played for a lesser-known program like Southern University. He struggled to find his footing in the league before 1994 when he was given another opportunity with the San Antonio Spurs.
Johnson was an instant offensive spark for the Texans in his first two seasons with the organization, becoming a key part of the playmaking offense. He helped them win the NBA Championship in 1999, and even had his jersey retired after he tallied the second-most assists in franchise history.
3. Bruce Bowen
Bruce Bowen is the type of player every team and coach would kill for. The ultimate defender, he is the type of stopper every player should strive to be. He was one of several undrafted NBA players in 1993 due to his lack of offensive game.
He had to play in France and the NBA for four years before getting a nod to the league in 1997. Four years later, he became a starter for the Miami Heat and later joined the San Antonio Spurs and helped them win three championships in six years. . He also reached five consecutive All-Defensive First teams.
2. John Starks
John Starks has one of the craziest stories in NBA history. He went undrafted in 1988 and was signed and cut by the Golden State Warriors. Then, he was injured during a tryout with the New York Knicks, and the team was prohibited from cutting him unless he healed before the end of December, which did not happen.
They were largely stuck with him, yet he blossomed into an elite playmaker and above-average defender, becoming a key part of the Knicks during the 1990s. He helped the team reach the NBA Finals and became an All-Star, but the Knicks ultimately fell to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets.
1. Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace is not only the greatest single player in NBA history, but he is also one of the ten greatest defenders the game has ever seen. He's been named Defensive Player of the Year (4) and is probably the only player who can legitimately hold his own against premiership Shaquille O'Neal.
He was a four-time All-Star (the most of any undrafted NBA player) and was a defensive anchor on one of the most dominant defensive teams ever, helping the Detroit Pistons win the championship in 2004 against Shaq and Kobe Bryant. And the Los Angeles Lakers. We haven't seen such an intimidating and physical defensive goalkeeper since he left the game.
