In the fast-paced world of the NBA, success stories aren’t always scripted from the get-go. Some players take a detour before hitting their stride, proving that the journey to stardom isn’t always a straight line. In this exploration, we delve into the unexpected paths of NBA players who didn’t start in the limelight, but through grit and resilience, found their way to the top later in their careers.
1. James Harden
James Harden’s early NBA seasons were marked by gradual growth, and it wasn’t until his fourth season, now with the Houston Rockets, that he truly blossomed into a basketball superstar. In his rookie year (2009-10) with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden showcased potential as a sixth man, averaging 9.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. By his sophomore season, these numbers improved to 12.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
The turning point in Harden’s career occurred during the 2012-13 season when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. In this transformative season, he not only earned his first All-Star selection but became a statistical juggernaut, averaging an impressive 25.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. This marked the inception of his scoring prowess and the establishment of Houston as his platform for greatness.
As Harden continued to evolve, his impact on the game became increasingly profound. He became a perennial All-Star, earning selections for eight consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2020. In the 2017-18 season, he achieved the pinnacle of individual success, securing the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Harden’s MVP campaign was characterized by historic scoring feats, including a streak of 30-point games that captivated the league.
Throughout his career, Harden’s offensive arsenal expanded, incorporating step-back threes and crafty drives to the basket. His on-court leadership and ability to carry the scoring load for his team solidified his status as one of the premier players in the league. Harden’s journey from a promising rookie to an MVP-caliber superstar underscores not only his skill development but also his resilience and determination to excel in the NBA’s highest echelons.
2. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s NBA journey is a story of statistical ascension, with his breakout season occurring in his fourth year. In his rookie season (2011-12) with the Chicago Bulls, Butler’s numbers were modest, averaging 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in limited playing time. However, his tenacity on defense caught the eye of coaches.
It was in the 2014-15 season, during his fourth year with the Bulls, that Butler emerged as a star. As a full-time starter, he experienced a significant uptick in production, averaging 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. This marked a considerable leap in his offensive output and led to his first All-Star selection.
A change of scenery did not slow down Butler’s ascent. His time with the Minnesota Timberwolves saw him maintain elite-level production, with notable averages of 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game during the 2017-18 season. This period also marked his third All-Star selection, affirming his status as one of the premier two-way players in the league.
A move to the Philadelphia 76ers further underscored Butler’s impact. Despite playing only 55 games in the 2018-19 season, he averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His contributions were instrumental in the 76ers’ playoff run, emphasizing his value in high-stakes situations.
Jimmy Butler’s statistical evolution continued with the Miami Heat, where he became the focal point of the offense. In the 2019-20 season, he posted impressive averages of 19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Notably, his all-around contributions were crucial in leading the Heat to the NBA Finals. Lastly, his 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists were also crucial for the Heat, which made a surprising Finals run against the Nuggets.
3. Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson‘s NBA journey has been characterized by steady improvement, culminating in an unexpected breakout season after signing a notable deal with the New York Knicks. In his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson showcased promise, averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. This solid debut was followed by a slightly lower output in his sophomore campaign, with averages of 8.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
Brunson’s ascent truly took shape in his third and fourth seasons with the Mavericks. During these years, he saw a considerable increase in his scoring output, posting averages of 12.6 points and 16.3 points, respectively. His significance to the team became most apparent during the 2022 playoffs when he played a pivotal role in the first-round series against the Utah Jazz, stepping up in the absence of Luka Doncic.
In a surprising move, Brunson signed a four-year deal with the New York Knicks, which some considered overpriced. However, his debut season in the Big Apple silenced critics as he exploded onto the scene, averaging an impressive 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. This stellar performance showcased Brunson’s scoring ability and playmaking prowess.
The momentum has carried into the current season, where Brunson has elevated his game even further. Averaging 25.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, he has solidified his status as a key contributor for the Knicks. Brunson’s consistent growth, especially in the scoring department, has turned heads across the league, making him an integral part of the Knicks’ plans for the future.
4. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry‘s NBA trajectory is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and a relentless commitment to improvement. His career began with the Memphis Grizzlies, but it wasn’t until his tenure with the Houston Rockets that he started to carve out a prominent role. In his rookie season, Lowry showcased glimpses of his potential, averaging 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
The breakthrough, however, came during his fourth season with the Rockets (2009-10). In this pivotal campaign, Lowry’s numbers saw a notable uptick, as he recorded 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. This stellar performance earned him a reputation as a gritty, two-way point guard capable of impacting various facets of the game.
Lowry’s journey continued with the Toronto Raptors, where he truly solidified his status as one of the premier point guards in the league. Across multiple seasons, he consistently posted impressive all-around numbers, playing a pivotal role in the Raptors’ championship run in 2019.
The biggest breakthrough of Lowry’s career came in the 2015-16 season when he earned his first All-Star selection. His averages of 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game showcased his evolution into an elite playmaker and scorer. This recognition marked a turning point, elevating Lowry into the upper echelon of NBA guards.
In the subsequent seasons, Lowry’s impact only grew. He continued to earn All-Star nods, and in the 2018-19 season, he played a crucial role in leading the Raptors to their first NBA Championship. Nowadays, as a member of the Miami Heat, Lowry’s game is far away from what it used to be, but still remains an important piece for the Heat.
5. Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray‘s progress is a compelling narrative of growth, adaptability, and statistical brilliance. His rookie season in 2016-17 with the San Antonio Spurs showcased his raw talent, averaging 3.4 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in limited playing time. It was evident early on that Murray possessed a unique set of skills, particularly on the defensive end.
As Murray transitioned into his third season in 2018-19, his role expanded, and he became a key figure for the Spurs. During this breakout campaign, he demonstrated an all-around game, posting averages of 12.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. This marked the beginning of Murray’s evolution into a dynamic playmaker with the ability to impact various facets of the game.
During the 2021-22 NBA season, Murray saw his best season up to date with 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.3 rebounds in 68 games for the Spurs. He was selected to play in his first All-Star game and solidified his case as a late bloomer.
In a notable turn of events, Murray found himself traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, a move that raised eyebrows given his promising potential. Upon his debut with the Hawks, he immediately made an impact, recording impressive averages of 20.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. This demonstrated not only his adaptability to a new system but also his capacity to shoulder a significant offensive load.
As the 2022-23 season unfolded, Murray’s production remained at a high level. The prospect of a trade looms on the horizon, but regardless of the outcome, Murray continues to be a statistical force. In his second season with the Hawks, he maintains impressive averages of 20.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, further solidifying his status as a true star in the league.
6. Pascal Siakam
From a raw prospect to an essential piece of the Toronto Raptors’ puzzle, Pascal Siakam has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his rookie season (2016-17), Siakam showcased his defensive prowess and energy off the bench, averaging 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His impact on the defensive end hinted at his potential, but few could have predicted the offensive force he would become.
The breakthrough for Siakam came in the 2018-19 season when he played a pivotal role in the Raptors’ championship run. His averages of 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game reflected a significant leap in his offensive contributions. Siakam’s versatility on both ends of the floor earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, marking a turning point in his career.
The subsequent seasons saw Siakam continue to elevate his game, earning his first All-Star selection in the 2019-20 season. Averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, he solidified his status as the Raptors’ go-to scorer. His ability to score from various positions on the floor, coupled with his defensive prowess, made him one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
As the 2021-22 season unfolded, Siakam faced new challenges, including adapting to a changing Raptors roster. Despite the team’s transitional phase, he maintained impressive averages of 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His playmaking abilities became more evident, showcasing his capacity to impact the game beyond scoring.
In the current season, Siakam has reached new heights, posting averages of 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His evolution into a playmaker adds another layer to his game, making him a triple threat on the court. Now, as the newest member of the Indiana Pacers, Siakam is poised to make a big impact in the Eastern Conference once again.Â
7. Christian Wood
After going undrafted in 2015, Christian Wood embarked on a journey through various teams before landing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his rookie season. During the 2015-16 season, he played limited minutes, averaging 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Wood’s subsequent seasons saw him bouncing between the NBA and G League, struggling to secure a consistent position. It wasn’t until the 2019-20 season with the Detroit Pistons that Wood began to showcase his potential, averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Christian Wood’s NBA voyage has been a rollercoaster, a testament to the unpredictable nature of a professional basketball career. His meteoric rise unfolded during the 2020-21 season with the Houston Rockets, where he showcased an impressive blend of scoring and rebounding. Averaging 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, Wood swiftly ascended as one of the league’s emerging stars.
Entering the 2021-22 season, Wood maintained a commendable level of production with the Rockets, logging averages of 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Despite the team’s challenges, Wood’s individual brilliance shone through, establishing him as a nightly double-double threat.
However, the following season (2022-23) saw Wood don a Dallas Mavericks jersey, bringing about a shift in dynamics. His statistical output witnessed a modest dip, registering averages of 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. This adjustment reflected the challenges of adapting to a new system and integrating with a different set of teammates.
In a surprising twist, Wood found himself signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2023-24 season. This transition coincided with a noticeable decrease in his numbers, as he posted averages of 7.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
8. Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet’s initial foray into the NBA reflected the resilience and determination that would later define his career. Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet earned a spot with the Toronto Raptors, where his rookie season saw him as a sparingly used backup point guard, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 assists per game. Despite the limited playing time, VanVleet’s tenacity was evident. Over his first two seasons, he gradually increased his contributions, averaging 6.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game in his sophomore campaign.Â
Fred VanVleet’s ascent in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable, and his breakthrough season with the Toronto Raptors in 2021-22 catapulted him to new heights. Averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 65 games, VanVleet not only showcased his scoring prowess but also earned a well-deserved spot in his first All-Star game.
This breakout performance positioned VanVleet as a sought-after free agent in the offseason. His decision to sign with the Houston Rockets marked a pivotal moment in his career—a transition from being a cornerstone player for the Raptors to leading a new charge in Houston.
In his debut season with the Rockets, VanVleet seamlessly carried his breakthrough momentum. Averaging 17.1 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, he continued to be a linchpin for his team, showcasing not only scoring proficiency but also an enhanced playmaking role.
VanVleet’s move to Houston not only underscores his ability to adapt to new surroundings but also signifies a shift in his career trajectory. From an undrafted underdog to a key contributor for a championship-winning Raptors team, VanVleet’s journey took a defining turn with his breakout season, and his decision to join the Rockets signals a new era of leadership and responsibility.
9. Mike Conley
Mike Conley’s early NBA journey was a testament to gradual development that would later solidify him as a seasoned point guard. Drafted fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007, Conley’s rookie season was a modest introduction, where he averaged 9.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. The following year saw improvement, with Conley increasing his scoring output to 10.9 points per game while maintaining his playmaking role, averaging 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds.
Conley’s breakout season unfolded in 2016-17 when he donned the Memphis Grizzlies’ jersey. Averaging an impressive 20.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 69 games, he showcased a newfound scoring prowess that elevated him to new heights. This breakthrough performance set the stage for a career renaissance that continued to flourish during his subsequent years with the Utah Jazz.
His time with the Jazz, starting in the 2019-20 season, saw Conley reach new peaks. In a transformative season, he earned his first All-Star selection, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier point guards. Averaging 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, Conley’s impact extended beyond statistics, contributing to the Jazz’s success on both ends of the floor.
Now, in the current season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley has embraced a new challenge with characteristic poise. Contributing 11.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game in 38 appearances, he continues to exemplify the qualities that define his legacy—leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to team success.
As Conley navigates the latter stages of his career, his story remains a testament to the enduring brilliance of a seasoned NBA maestro. From Memphis to Utah and now Minnesota, Conley’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence that transcends team affiliations.
10. Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant embodies a story of tenacity and growth, marked by the unpredictable trajectory of player development. Commencing as a role player, Grant’s early years were defined by gradual progression and adaptability. In his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014-15, he posted modest numbers, averaging 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Then in his next three seasons, he was mostly a bench player averaging 9.7 points (2015-16), 5.5 points (2016-17), and 8.4 points (2017-18).
Jerami Grant’s breakthrough season occurred unexpectedly during the 2018-19 campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Averaging 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, he showcased a significant improvement in his offensive game. This breakout performance set the stage for Grant’s emergence as a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
His trajectory continued upward during the 2019-20 season with the Denver Nuggets. Grant played a crucial role in the team’s run to the Western Conference Finals, contributing 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His defensive prowess and timely scoring became invaluable assets for the Nuggets, solidifying Grant as a player capable of impacting playoff-caliber teams.
In a surprising move, Grant found himself traded to the Detroit Pistons in the subsequent offseason, and it was with the Pistons that he truly embraced a leading role. During the 2020-21 season, Grant posted impressive numbers, averaging 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. This remarkable statistical output marked Grant as a primary offensive option and showcased his ability to thrive in an expanded role.
Now, in the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Grant continues to be a scoring force. Averaging 21.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 34 games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a key role for the Blazers. Grant’s versatility, scoring ability, and defensive acumen make him a valuable asset for any team.
Jerami Grant’s journey is one defined by continuous improvement, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. From a role player to a key contributor on playoff contenders, and now as a focal point for the Portland Trail Blazers, Grant’s evolution exemplifies the unpredictable and dynamic nature of success in the NBA.
