In the unpredictable world of professional basketball, the annual NBA draft serves as a platform for teams to secure promising young talent. Scouts, coaches, and analysts scrutinize prospects’ s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, athleticism, and potential, striving to identify the future superstars who will elevate their franchises to new heights. However, not every draft pick lives up to the lofty expectations placed upon them.

This article delves into the fascinating stories of ten NBA players who were initially considered underwhelming or even labeled as “bad” draft recruits but defied all odds to become bona fide superstars. These athletes, once overlooked or undervalued, ultimately proved their critics wrong and solidified their place among basketball’s elite.

The journey of these players highlights the complex nature of talent evaluation and the inherent uncertainties that surround the draft process. It serves as a reminder that a player’s potential cannot always be accurately gauged by their pre-draft projections or early career struggles. The NBA landscape is rife with instances where seemingly average or disappointing picks blossomed into transcendent talents, showcasing the resilience, determination, and hidden potential that lie within the human spirit.

From late-round steals to players who initially struggled to find their footing in the league, this article chronicles their individual narratives, tracing the moments of doubt, adversity, and triumph that ultimately shaped their careers. By examining their unique paths to superstardom, we gain insight into the factors that contribute to a player’s development and success, beyond the initial draft-day judgments.

Here are 10 NBA players who were considered bad recruits but ended up becoming legitimate superstars in the league.

10. Draymond Green

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When Draymond Green was selected with the No. 35 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft, he was not considered a highly touted prospect. Standing at 6’6″ and lacking the prototypical size for a power forward, Green faced skepticism about his ability to compete at the NBA level. However, Green’s journey from a perceived “bad” recruit to a bona fide superstar is a testament to his unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set, work ethic, and the Warriors’ development system.

One of the major criticisms directed at Green during the draft process was his lack of size and athleticism, particularly for the power forward position. Critics doubted whether he could hold his own against bigger, more traditional frontcourt players. Green showcased his basketball IQ, versatility, and tenacity on both ends of the court, proving that size isn’t the sole determinant of success in the NBA.

What sets Green apart is his exceptional defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s. Despite his lack of height, he possesses a high basketball IQ, quick reflexes, and excellent anticipation, allowing him to excel as a versatile defender. Green can guard multiple positions, switch on screens, and disrupt opponents with his intensity and ability to read plays. His defensive prowess has earned him multiple selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team and even a Defensive Player of the Year award.

It is worth noting that Green’s development into a superstar was also influenced by the Golden State Warriors’ system and coaching staff. The team’s emphasis on ball movement, selflessness, and the “Strength in Numbers” philosophy allowed Green to flourish in his role as a facilitator, defender, and emotional leader. The trust and freedom given to Green by the Warriors’ coaching staff enabled him to maximize his unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set and contribute to the team’s success.

9. Ja Morant

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Coming out of Murray State University, Ja Morant had already shown flashes of brilliance with his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability. However, there were concerns about his level of competition in college and whether his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s would translate seamlessly to the NBA. These doubts contributed to the perception that he might not immediately have the impact of other higher-profile prospects in the draft. Not to mention, Ja’s athleticism came very late, as he was a below-the-rim player in high school.

One of the major factors that propelled Morant’s transition to NBA stardom was his exceptional athleticism and dynamic playing style. Known for his electrifying dunks and highlight-reel plays, Morant quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league. His ability to effortlessly navigate through defenses, finish at the rim with creativity and authority, and showcase his incredible leaping ability has made him a constant threat on offense.

Beyond his athleticism, Morant has also showcased a high basketball IQ and court vision that has elevated his playmaking abilities. He has a natural ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, delivering precise passes and making split-second decisions in traffic. His ability to read the game, find open teammates, and set them up for easy baskets has contributed to his team’s success and elevated his overall impact on the court.

Morant’s ascent to NBA superstardom has been remarkable, considering the initial concerns about his level of competition and transition to the professional game. His exceptional athleticism, playmaking abilities, basketball IQ, and competitive drive have propelled him to become one of the league’s most exciting young talents. With continued growth and development, Morant has the potential to solidify his status as one of the premier point guards in the NBA and a cornerstone player for the Memphis Grizzlies.

8. Paul George

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When Paul George was selected with the No. 10 overall pick by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA Draft, he was not highly regarded as a top-tier prospect. While he possessed intriguing physical tools and potential, there were concerns about his overall s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 level and ability to contribute immediately at the NBA level. George’s journey from an irrelevant recruit to a bona fide superstar is a testament to his work ethic, perseverance, and continuous improvement.

One of the primary factors in Paul George’s transformation into a superstar has been his remarkable development as a well-rounded player. Initially, George’s offensive game was considered raw, and his shooting and ball-handling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s needed refinement. He dedicated himself to improving his weaknesses and honing his craft. Over time, he developed into an elite scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, the ability to create his own shot and a diverse offensive repertoire.

George’s defensive abilities have also played a significant role in his rise to superstardom. His athleticism, length, and lateral quickness enable him to guard multiple positions effectively. He has consistently shown a commitment to defensive excellence, earning numerous selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team and establishing himself as a lockdown defender capable of shutting down opponents’ best players.

Paul George’s journey from a relatively unheralded draft pick to an NBA superstar exemplifies the transformative power of hard work, perseverance, and continuous improvement. His growth as a scorer, lockdown defender, and clutch performer, combined with his mental resilience, have solidified his status among the league’s elite players. Clearly, hard work pays off, and the All-Star’s career is an example of that.

7. Russell Westbrook

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Very few NBA players blossomed the way Russell Westbrook did. While he possessed exceptional athleticism coming into the NBA, there were concerns about his decision-making, shooting ability, and whether he could effectively transition from a college shooting guard to an NBA point guard. A point guard who was turnover-prone and lacked shooting was not supposed to be a great recruit by any means, but he overcame the odds.

It is widely speculated that Westbrook is the type of player to perform at his best when motivated by loss or difficult circumstances, such as when the point guard had to deal with the death of his best friend Khelcey Barrs. Using that loss as fuel, the point guard went on to become a league MVP and the master of the triple-double statistic. His MVP season in 2016-17 is still one of the greatest ever in terms of how he averaged a triple-double and led the NBA in scoring.

One of the defining characteristics of Westbrook’s game is his incredible athleticism. His explosive speed, quickness, and leaping ability have allowed him to become one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. His athletic prowess enables him to blow past defenders, attack the rim with ferocity, and finish with thunderous dunks. Westbrook’s athleticism also translates into his rebounding ability, as he has consistently been one of the league’s top guards in that category.

While there were initial concerns about Westbrook’s decision-making and ability to run an offense, he has developed into an exceptional playmaker and floor general. He possesses excellent court vision and passing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, consistently racking up assists and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Westbrook’s ability to push the pace, break down defenses, and find open teammates has made him a potent playmaking force.

Critics initially questioned Westbrook’s shooting ability and efficiency. While his shooting percentages may not always rank among the league’s elite, he has shown the ability to score at a high volume and be a go-to option for his teams. Westbrook’s ability to attack the basket, draw fouls, and finish strong compensates for any shooting deficiencies, making him a formidable scoring threat and a first-ballot Hall of Famer one day.

6. Jimmy Butler

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Jimmy Butler has come out of nowhere because while he was a solid defender for most of his basketball, he was not supposed to be a relevant player in the NBA. Getting drafted No. 30 overall, there were concerns about his offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and whether he had the scoring ability to make a significant impact at the NBA level. One of the key factors in Butler’s rise to superstardom has been his dedication to improving his game.

Recognizing his limitations as a scorer, Butler focused on developing his offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, particularly his jump shot and ability to create his own shot. Through countless hours of practice and a commitment to refining his technique, he has transformed himself into a reliable scoring option and clutch performer. Butler’s offensive arsenal now includes an effective mid-range game, an ability to get to the free-throw line, and an improved three-point shot.

While scoring has become a prominent part of Butler’s game, his defensive prowess is what initially caught the attention of NBA scouts. Known for his intensity, physicality, and tenacious on-ball defense, Butler quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and lock down opposing scorers has earned him multiple selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team. Butler’s defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and competitive mindset have often set the tone for his teams and made him a respected leader on the court.

Butler’s mental toughness and competitive drive have been instrumental in his development as a superstar. He has a relentless work ethic and a willingness to put in the extra effort required to improve his game. Butler’s competitive spirit is on display every time he steps onto the court, as he consistently raises his level of play and embraces the challenges presented to him. This mental toughness has not only made him a standout individual performer but also a leader who inspires and motivates his teammates.

5. Damian Lillard

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Damian Lillard’s journey from a poor recruit to becoming a superstar in the NBA is an inspiring tale, to say the least. Growing up in Oakland, California, Lillard’s basketball s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s began to emerge during his high school years. His lack of exposure and playing for a small school limited his visibility to college recruiters. As a result, Lillard received only one scholarship offer from Weber State University, a mid-major program in Ogden, Utah.

At Weber State, Lillard embraced the opportunity to prove himself and showcase his abilities. He immediately made an impact, averaging 11.5 PPG as a freshman and being named the Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year. It was during his junior year that Lillard truly caught the attention of the basketball world. He averaged an astonishing 24.5 PPG, earning numerous accolades, including being named an All-American and the Big Sky Conference Player of the Year. Lillard’s performances garnered him increased recognition and put him on the radar of NBA scouts.

Despite his impressive college career, some still doubted Lillard’s ability to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Critics questioned whether his small-school background and level of competition would translate to success at the professional level. Still, the Portland Trail Blazers saw his potential and selected him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Lillard wasted no time proving his doubters wrong. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Lillard’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, his clutch shooting, and his leadership qualities propelled the Trail Blazers to the playoffs and earned him widespread recognition.

As his career progressed, Lillard’s performances continued to elevate his status in the league. Known for his incredible long-range shooting, deep-range three-pointers, and fearless demeanor in crunch time, he earned the nickname “Dame Time” for his ability to deliver clutch shots when it matters most. Lillard’s scoring prowess, combined with his exceptional playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and ability to lead his team, propelled him to multiple NBA All-Star selections and established him as one of the premier point guards in the league.

4. Nikola Jokic

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Anybody who says they saw Nikola Jokic coming is lying. Hailing from Sombor, Serbia, Jokic’s journey to NBA stardom was far from conventional, as he overcame initial doubts and challenges to establish himself as one of the league’s most s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed and dominant players. Jokic’s basketball journey began in Serbia, where he honed his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s playing for local clubs and eventually caught the attention of scouts. His lack of elite athleticism and relatively unknown background led to him being overlooked by major college programs in the United States.

Despite this, Jokic’s talent and potential caught the eye of scouts from Mega Basket, a professional club in Serbia, who signed him to a contract in 2012. Jokic quickly showcased his unique blend of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, basketball IQ, and versatility. Standing at 6’11” with exceptional passing ability, court vision, and shooting touch, Jokic’s game stood out. His ability to play as a playmaking center, controlling the game from the post and making precise passes, made him a standout talent. In 2014, Jokic declared for the NBA Draft, where he was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. Considered a relatively unknown and unconventional selection, Jokic faced skepticism from some analysts who questioned his ability to translate his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to the NBA game.

Jokic’s impact was immediate. In his rookie season, he showcased his unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set, displaying incredible passing ability, basketball IQ, and a polished offensive game. Jokic’s versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways caught the attention of NBA fans and experts alike. Over the subsequent seasons, Jokic’s game continued to evolve and flourish. His scoring ability expanded, as he became a reliable low-post scorer, developed a consistent three-point shot, and showcased an array of offensive moves. Furthermore, his rebounding and playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s stood out, making him one of the league’s most complete and impactful players.

Since then, Jokic has become a 5-time All-Star, 2-time MVP, and just led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA championship in the 2022-23 season. Easily the greatest passing big man ever, the Serbian has overcome the odds of playing in a smaller country and coming to the United States to essentially take over the game of basketball this past season.

3. Kawhi Leonard

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Despite not receiving much attention from major college basketball programs, Kawhi Leonard’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication propelled him to become one of the league’s most dominant and respected players. Hailing from Riverside, California, Leonard attended Martin Luther King High School, where he began to showcase his basketball s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s. However, he received limited national recognition and was not heavily recruited by top-tier college programs. Eventually, Leonard committed to San Diego State University, a mid-major program in the Mountain West Conference.

During his time at San Diego State, Leonard’s impact was immediate. His versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts. Leonard’s unique combination of size, strength, and wingspan made him an elite defender from the outset, as he consistently disrupted opponents with his tenacious on-ball defense and ability to guard multiple positions. While Leonard’s defensive abilities were evident, his offensive game still needed refinement. Critics questioned his shooting range and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself. Leonard’s work ethic and commitment to improvement were unwavering.

In the 2011 NBA Draft, Leonard was selected with the No. 15 overall pick by the Indiana Pacers, who then traded him to the San Antonio Spurs. As a rookie, Leonard quickly made an impact, earning a reputation as a lockdown defender and a reliable role player. His exceptional defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, coupled with his improved offensive game, caught the attention of basketball fans and experts alike.

It was during the 2014 NBA Finals that Leonard truly announced his arrival on the grandest stage. Matched up against the Miami Heat and LeBron James, Leonard delivered a series of dominant performances, showcasing his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and poise under pressure. He was named the NBA Finals MVP, leading the Spurs to victory and solidifying his status as a rising star. Since then, Leonard has gone on to win the 2019 NBA title and earn his second Finals MVP trophy while trying to do the same with the Los Angeles Clippers franchise.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Perhaps no current NBA player has a more remarkable story than The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo’s basketball journey began in Greece, where he played for the youth teams of Filathlitikos. Despite showing glimpses of potential, his path to the NBA was far from certain. He was relatively unknown on the international stage and faced skepticism due to his limited experience and lack of exposure to high-level competition. In 2013, Antetokounmpo declared for the NBA Draft and was selected as the No. 15 overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.

At the time, he was seen as a raw and unpolished prospect with tremendous physical tools but needing significant development to reach his full potential. During his early years in the NBA, Antetokounmpo faced a steep learning curve. He struggled with the language barrier, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA and refining his basketball s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s. Regardless, his unwavering determination and commitment to improvement propelled him forward.

Antetokounmpo’s unique physical attributes, often referred to as “The Greek Freak,” became his calling card. Standing at 6’11” with an incredible wingspan, he possessed the agility and athleticism of a guard, enabling him to play multiple positions and excel in all aspects of the game. His ability to handle the ball, drive to the rim, and finish with thunderous dunks made him a formidable offensive threat. While his physical gifts were evident, it was Antetokounmpo’s work ethic and continuous development that truly set him apart. He dedicated himself to refining his shooting stroke, improving his ball-handling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and expanding his basketball IQ.

Throughout his career, Antetokounmpo’s impact on the court has been immense. He has become one of the most dominant forces in the league, earning multiple NBA All-Star selections, winning the league’s MVP award twice, and leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years. Being 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 poor and without any recognition growing up, Giannis has overcome all the odds by working on his game and making the most of his physical talents to become the best two-way player in the world.

1. Stephen Curry

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Stephen Curry had talent, but nobody saw him becoming the greatest shooter who ever lived. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Curry was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 into a basketball family. His father, Dell Curry, had a successful NBA career, which exposed Stephen to the game from an early age. Despite his passion for basketball, Curry’s journey to becoming a superstar was far from easy.

During his high school years, Curry was a talented player, but his slight frame and lack of size limited his recruitment by major college programs. Despite receiving some interest, he ultimately decided to attend Davidson College, a mid-major program in North Carolina. At Davidson, Curry’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and potential quickly became evident. He showcased his incredible shooting ability, ball-handling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and exceptional basketball IQ. During his sophomore year, Curry led the nation in scoring, captivating basketball fans with his deep three-point shooting range and remarkable scoring ability.

Even with his outstanding collegiate performances, Curry still faced skepticism from NBA scouts due to concerns about his size, strength, and ability to transition to the professional level. Nevertheless, his unwavering self-belief, coupled with his dedication to improving his game, pushed him to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. In the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry was selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors. In his rookie season, he quickly showed glimpses of his potential, particularly as a prolific three-point shooter. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his early years in the league, leading some to question his durability and long-term potential.

It was during the 2012-13 season that Curry’s true breakout occurred. With improved health, he set the NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single season, captivating audiences with his remarkable shooting displays. Curry’s shooting prowess, combined with his exceptional ball-handling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and ability to create his own shot, earned him his first All-Star selection and solidified his status as one of the league’s rising stars.

In subsequent seasons, Curry’s impact on the game reached unprecedented heights. He revolutionized the way the game is played with his long-range shooting, stretching defenses and forcing them to guard him beyond the three-point line. Curry’s uncanny ability to make shots from virtually anywhere on the court, often in the most incredible fashion, led to him being widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history.

With Curry leading the way, the Golden State Warriors experienced unprecedented success, capturing four NBA championships and breaking numerous records along the way. His ability to elevate his play in crucial moments, his leadership on and off the court, and his incredible scoring performances have solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.