Usually, through the draft, the NBA players enter the professional rank, but some players also follow a different route to the league. Through the draft, the association replenishes its talent base, but on the other hand, some people have made a name for themselves by working hard for it.
Despite being undrafted NBA players and having their dreams shattered in the process, the NBA has seen the players blossom. The trial has only served to fuel their desire to acquire recognition. It will also persuade the players to become standouts in the league. It is not easy to make your way to the NBA as talent can be found anywhere. Usually, stars are chosen from the top, but you can find good players at any spot in the draft. It is quite a significant thing to reach the NBA, and only a few managed to get there. For undrafted players, it becomes next to impossible to make out to the NBA.
Before getting a shot in the NBA, guys often play in minor leagues or overseas. Here are some of the undrafted NBA players to overcome the odds and reach the NBA and also serve as a source of inspiration for others at the same time.
Undrafted NBA players
So many players were not selected on Wednesday night and went undrafted. Consequently, it is hard to trim down the list to just ten undrafted players, and it would be unfair not to mention the others in the list if we see NBA history. You can get an insight into this by looking at the NBA picks.
Last year, the Miami Heat signed Kendrick Nunn and made him a starter in the NBA. In the Heat’s bid to contend for the title, the second-year pro has served an instrumental role. Next, we have Luguentz Dort, who recently missed the cut. The only name that appears to mind when it’s about the outstanding defender is Dort, as he is quickly catching up his defensive game. Here’s the list of the top undrafted NBA players.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet has served as a three-year starter at Wichita State. He also signed with the Toronto raptors and spent much of his time and the first season in the G League. During the raptors championship run in 2019, VanVleet broke out as the key contributor. Not only this, but his name is also figuring in the list of the free-agent market after he averaged 17.6 points in 2019-2020.
Udonis Haslem
It was in 2003, he signed with the hometown Miami heat and hasn’t left till now. He also played for a year in France. Without any doubt, Haslem has become one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He is also known as an insider defender and rebounder. Recently he announced that for his 18th season, he intended to return in 2020-2021.
Raja Bell
Before anyone knew about these, Bell played 12 seasons for a 3 and D wing. For two straight times, he was an all-time defensive team pick. Besides this, in his career also served as a shooter 40.6% from 3 point range.
David Wesley
Before signing with the New Jersey nets, Wesley spent a year in the continental basketball association. He served as a solid combo guard and perimeter defender in the 14 seasons of the NBA. Later on, he doubled the figures in his last ten consecutive seasons.
Darell Armstong
He served as an offensive spark plug for the Orlando Magic in the previous years. After averaging 13.8 points and 6.7 assists, he was honored with the sixth man of the year and most improved player award for his outstanding performance.
Brad Miller
For straight two times, he averaged 11.2 points in his career. With the Sacramento Kings, he was known as a key role player as the kings were playoff contenders. Before taking over the league, he carved out a 14-year career as a stretch center.
Bruce Bowen
He spent almost five years bouncing between France and CBA after spending four years at Cal State Fullerton. He caught with the San Antonio Spurs and transformed himself into one of the league’s best defenders. Eight times, he bagged all defensive positions and won three championships in collaboration with the spurs.
Chris Boucher
It was in 2018-19 that he became the first player to be chosen as the G League MVP and defensive player of the year. Currently, he is one of the valuable members of the raptors. This season, he has put up some of the astounding numbers. He averaged 13.5 points, 1.9 blocks, and 6.5 rebounds per season. Raptors regard Boucher as their best rim protector and best rebounders also. He usually shoots 51.7 percent from the field, whereas from beyond the arc, it is 38.3 percent.
He attained a new milestone in his career by scoring 38 points and 19 rebounds. He is also shortlisted for the NBA’s most improved player award.
Christian wood
Christian woods have named themselves one of the top young big men in the NBA. In last year’s contest, he averaged 13.1 points and consequently is in line to become the most improved player. He has almost doubled his efforts by scoring 21.1 points, 1.5 blocks, and 9.5 rebounds. Unfortunately, he got injured earlier this season and suffered from ankle sprains. Due to this only, he was left out of the NBA.
Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson has earned the recognition of the best 3 points marksmen in the game. He is not less than a diamond founded by the Miami heat. He is excellent when it comes to playing off screens. He was also undrafted, but still, he hasn’t missed a single game since then and appeared in all of the Heat’s 54 games so far. It would not be wrong to say that he brought in this achievement for the team, which is vast in itself. The best thing is he earned this at a time when many of his teammates were left out by injuries or illnesses since the beginning of the season.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned sportspersons figured among the undrafted NBA players for the current NBA season. Go through free sports picks to know more about the NBA. For more information regarding betting tips, you can tune in to BetAdrian for all the updates.