Some players shine right away. LeBron James started his NBA journey, scoring 20 points per game. Luka Doncic had a debut that hadn’t been seen since Oscar Robertson. Stephen Curry impressed early with his incredible three-point shooting.
But not every young player finds success immediately. Some need time to grow, and that’s perfectly fine—even in a league that craves instant results. Many players who once warmed the bench eventually became stars.
5 NBA Benchwarmers Who Became Big Names
5. Jimmy Butler
Butler’s rise has been nothing short of impressive.
If you haven’t been keeping up, he made a huge leap in 2014-15, averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while locking down opponents’ top wing players on defense.
After logging heavy minutes and playing a key supporting role, Butler took his game to another level, becoming a well-known star. Not bad for someone who was the final pick of the first round in 2011 and started only 20 games in his first two seasons.
4. Goran Dragic
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Dragic, a late pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, has completely reshaped his career since rejoining the Phoenix Suns.
In his early years, he struggled to find consistent minutes and a defined role, bouncing between teams without a true home.
However, since returning to the Suns before the 2012-13 season, he has started nearly every game, a huge jump from the mere 36 starts he had in his first four seasons. Once a benchwarmer, Dragic has grown into a solid player.
Also Read: NBA’s Biggest Draft Busts: Top 5 High Picks Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations
3. Manu Ginobili
Few bench players in NBA history have been as valuable as Manu Ginobili was for the San Antonio Spurs.
Over 13 seasons, the Argentine guard contributed 14.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, but his impact went beyond stats—he did whatever it took to win.
One key sacrifice was embracing the sixth-man role, setting aside personal accolades for team success.
Despite coming off the bench, he became a two-time All-Star and won four championships, proving that even non-starters can build a Hall of Fame career.
2. James Harden
Harden, now one of the NBA’s best scorers, had a much different start to his career.
Despite being the third overall pick in 2009, he didn’t immediately join Oklahoma City. Thunder’s starting lineup alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Before his 2012 trade to Houston, Harden had started just seven games. But after winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2012, he thrived with starter minutes, transforming from a bench player into a superstar.
1. Jeremy Lin
Lin’s journey from an overlooked Harvard graduate to an NBA sensation is one of the league’s most unforgettable stories.
After bouncing around teams early in his career, he got his shot with the Knicks due to injuries in the lineup. What followed was “Linsanity”—a stretch where he dominated and kept New York in the playoff race.
His breakout earned him a major contract with the Rockets in 2013, proving that even the most unexpected players can shine on the big stage.
Also Read: Greatest Game-Winners In NBA History: Top 6 Players With Best Clutch Shoot Rate
