The “B Side” of the NBA Draft: How Undrafted Players Reached the Pinnacle

Every summer, the NBA Draft shines the spotlight on the brightest college stars, international prospects, and a select few whose journeys are well-documented by scouts across the globe. Hundreds of young athletes dream of hearing their names called, and for a lucky sixty, that dream becomes reality. But what about the rest? What happens to those players who leave the draft stage empty-handed, consigned to the ranks of the undrafted? While the official narrative often focuses on first-round picks and lottery selections, there’s a hidden side to the NBA: the stories of determined athletes who, despite not being drafted, rose from obscurity to forge Hall of Fame-worthy careers or become cornerstone pieces for championship teams.

Below, we explore the “B side” of the NBA Draft—players who overcame the disappointment of going undrafted and defied the odds to become key contributors and, in some cases, bona fide stars. Their stories stand as evidence that talent, opportunity, and resilience can prevail regardless of one’s draft status.

The Disappointment of Draft Night

Every year, talented college athletes and international players witness the NBA Draft from a variety of vantage points—some from the “green room” in the Barclays Center, others from watch parties with friends and family, and many from living rooms across the globe, hearts pounding in anticipation. When the sixty spots fill up and a name is left off the board, the crushing reality sets in: there will be no draft hat for the undrafted, no celebratory handshake with the commissioner, and no official guarantee of a contract.

The initial sting of disappointment can be overwhelming. For many young athletes, going undrafted seems like the end of the line. Yet, time and time again, basketball fans are reminded that those not selected can still make a name for themselves in the world’s premier basketball league. In fact, a handful of NBA legends started off with that very same discouragement, only to transform it into a driving force that propelled them to unexpected heights.

Finding Alternate Routes

Historically, the journey for undrafted players involved trying out for teams in summer leagues, signing training-camp deals, or heading overseas to hone their craft. The evolution of the NBA G League (formerly the D-League) has expanded the possibilities considerably, providing a proving ground where up-and-coming athletes can develop in a more structured environment under the watchful eyes of NBA scouts.

Some players choose to pursue their careers internationally—competing in Europe, Asia, or Latin America—until they pique the interest of NBA franchises. Notable names have taken circuitous routes to the league, sometimes playing multiple stints overseas before finally catching on with a franchise that recognizes their unique skill set.

Fred VanVleet: Betting on Himself

One of the most remarkable modern-day success stories is Fred VanVleet. After starring at Wichita State University, VanVleet went undrafted in 2016, primarily due to doubts about his size and athleticism. Undeterred, he took a bet on himself. He turned down lucrative contracts from overseas to attend the Toronto Raptors’ training camp. VanVleet’s gritty defense, leadership, and offensive poise earned him a spot on the Raptors’ bench, and it wasn’t long before he became a critical piece of the franchise’s rotation.

His crowning moment came in 2019 when he helped the Raptors secure their first-ever NBA championship. By the 2020-21 season, VanVleet had distinguished himself as a reliable starting point guard, dropping a then-career-high 54 points in a single game. His story epitomizes what can happen when undrafted players combine skill, character, and relentless drive.

Udonis Haslem: The Heart of Miami

When discussing undrafted NBA players who define culture and leadership, Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat is a prime example. Emerging from the University of Florida, Haslem faced critiques about his size and skill set. He started his professional career in France, where he worked tirelessly to reshape his body and improve his overall game. When he returned, Haslem signed with the Miami Heat in 2003.

Over two decades later, Haslem remains a Heat icon. His longevity, grit, and unyielding loyalty to the franchise are legendary. Though he was never a superstar in the box score, Haslem’s contributions transcended mere statistics. He provided emotional leadership, ferocity on defense, and clutch rebounding that elevated the Heat in multiple Finals appearances and contributed to three championship runs (2006, 2012, 2013). He stands as a beacon for any aspiring athlete questioning whether going undrafted means the end of the dream.

John Starks: From Bagging Groceries to All-Star Status

Long before the days of multi-million-dollar G League investments and around-the-clock scouting, John Starks became one of the most iconic undrafted stories in NBA history. After going undrafted in 1988, Starks bounced around minor leagues, even working at a grocery store to make ends meet. He eventually found his way to the New York Knicks.

A spark plug off the bench, Starks displayed intensity, never shying away from big moments—like his memorable dunk in the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls. By 1994, he was an All-Star, a key piece of the Knicks’ gritty identity, and an emblem of New York basketball. His underdog narrative resonated in the city that prizes hustle and heart. Starks’ journey reminds us that success in professional basketball isn’t always predicated on draft position; it can be carved through hustle and determination.

Jeremy Lin and “Linsanity”

Jeremy Lin’s meteoric rise to global stardom was both improbable and unforgettable. The Harvard graduate went undrafted in 2010 and spent time with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, often shuttling between the NBA and its then-D-League affiliates. When Lin joined the injury-riddled New York Knicks in 2012, nobody could have predicted the frenzy that would ensue.

In a span of mere weeks, Lin went from fighting for a roster spot to orchestrating remarkable late-game heroics. Scores of 20 and 30 points became commonplace, culminating in the now-iconic “Linsanity.” He swiftly became one of the league’s most popular figures, garnering global attention. While Lin’s career would ebb and flow in the following years, the footprint he left during that magical stretch in New York proved that undrafted players can become international icons when opportunity and preparation collide.

A Shared Mindset: Determination and Resilience

A recurring theme among undrafted success stories is resilience. These athletes don’t have the instant validation of hearing their names on draft night. Instead, they must seize every opportunity to prove their worth—whether in scrimmages, training camps, or overseas leagues. Because front offices and coaching staffs aren’t financially or publicly invested in undrafted players as much as high draft picks, the margin for error is slim. Every minute on the court is a vital audition.

That adversity can become a powerful motivator. VanVleet’s well-known motto, “Bet on Yourself,” encapsulates the ethos shared by undrafted players across the league. Beyond the motivational catchphrase lies an unyielding confidence in one’s abilities, accompanied by a realistic understanding that success is never guaranteed. It requires dedication, humility, and perhaps most importantly, the willingness to adapt and continue learning.

The Role of the G League and Overseas Experience

The emergence of the NBA G League has been a game-changer for undrafted talent. Through programs like the G League Ignite and two-way contracts, players now have a clearer developmental path to the NBA. Staffed by seasoned coaches and heavily scouted by general managers, the G League offers undrafted players a platform to refine their craft while still under the NBA umbrella.

Similarly, many American players venture to international leagues in Europe, China, or Latin America, where the level of competition can rival or surpass that of many stateside minor leagues. This global playing field forces adaptation: smaller rosters, different playstyles, and language barriers all build mental toughness. By the time these players return to the NBA, they bring not just improved skills, but a more worldly perspective on the game.

The Lasting Impact on the League

Undrafted players who thrive in the NBA aren’t just personal success stories; they also shape how teams and fans perceive talent. Discovering the “next Fred VanVleet” or “next John Starks” has become an aspiration for front offices. Each undrafted success story fuels the belief that scouting misses exist, encouraging teams to expand their search parameters. NBA franchises have doubled down on analytics, international scouting, and G League partnerships, seeking to unearth hidden gems overlooked by the mainstream.

For fans, these stories are deeply inspiring. The “B side” of the NBA Draft speaks to the universal appeal of underdog triumphs. Watching a player fight from the margins—sometimes from a grocery store job or an overseas league—into the bright lights of the NBA resonates beyond basketball. These journeys remind us that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to bet on oneself can produce extraordinary outcomes, regardless of initial setbacks.

Conclusion

The pageantry and prestige of draft night rightfully capture much of the annual excitement in the NBA. Young superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson were always destined to shape the league. Yet, the stories that inspire hope come from those who initially heard silence when the draft concluded—who, through sheer force of will, clawed their way onto a roster, into a rotation, and sometimes into championship lore.

For every undrafted player who makes it, there are hundreds who do not. But the fact remains: going undrafted in the NBA is not a life sentence of unfulfilled dreams. If anything, it can become the spark that ignites a journey toward championship glory, cultural impact, and even global fame. It is a testament to the NBA’s paradoxical nature—that in a league known for first-round mystique, some of its most compelling chapters are written by those who never heard their names called on draft night. The “B side” of the NBA Draft, far from being a footnote, is a treasure trove of stories that continue to enrich and inspire the greatest basketball show on Earth.