In the NBA, many players start as role players, spending most of their time on the bench or in limited minutes. However, some of these athletes manage to turn their careers around by seizing opportunities and working tirelessly to improve. Through determination and skill development, they become key contributors and game-changers for their teams.
Their journeys show that with the right mindset, hard work, and a bit of luck, a player can go from a supporting role to a star. These players prove that even when given limited opportunities, a commitment to growth and performance can lead to a breakthrough in the NBA.
NBA Benchwarmers Who Became Big Names
Jimmy Butler
Butler’s rise in the NBA is a testament to his work ethic and determination. After being the last pick of the first round in 2011, Butler started just 20 games in his first two seasons. However, he made a huge leap in the 2014-15 season, averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while becoming one of the best defenders against opposing wing players.
Butler’s journey from a supporting role to a star player was marked by hard work. It shows that even with limited early opportunities, a player can emerge as a key contributor to their team’s success.
Goran Dragic
Dragic’s NBA career took a major turn after he rejoined the Phoenix Suns before the 2012-13 season. A late pick in the 2008 draft, Dragic struggled to find his place early on, playing for multiple teams with limited success.
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However, after returning to Phoenix, he became a consistent starter, something he had only done 36 times in his first four seasons. Dragic’s transformation from a backup player to a reliable starter proved that with the right opportunity and development, a player can make a significant impact and reshape their career.
Manu Ginobili
Ginobili’s career with the San Antonio Spurs stands as one of the greatest examples of a bench player making a lasting impact. Throughout his 13 seasons, Ginobili averaged 14.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, but it was his unselfishness and willingness to embrace a sixth-man role that set him apart.
By sacrificing individual accolades for team success, Ginobili helped the Spurs win four championships and earned two All-Star selections. His story highlights how a player can build a Hall of Fame career, even if they don’t start every game.
James Harden
Harden’s journey to stardom was not straightforward, despite being the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Early in his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden played a limited role off the bench, starting only seven games before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012.
After winning Sixth Man of the Year, Harden took on a larger role, quickly transforming into a superstar. His story shows that sometimes, a change in environment and an increase in responsibility can turn a bench player into one of the league’s top stars.
Jeremy Lin
Lin’s journey to NBA stardom is one of the most inspiring stories in recent history. After being overlooked in the 2010 draft, Lin bounced between teams, struggling to find a permanent role.
However, during a series of injuries with the New York Knicks, he was given a chance to shine. Lin took full advantage of the opportunity, leading to the phenomenon known as “Linsanity.” His incredible run with the Knicks earned him a major contract with the Houston Rockets, proving that even unexpected players can rise to prominence with hard work and perseverance.
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