8 Best Undrafted NBA Players Who Made History

by Jeremy Block - 2/27/2025

Best undrafted NBA players Fred VanVleet Houston Rockets

Not every NBA star starts their journey with a shiny, first-round pick attached to their name. Some of the best to ever play the game had to fight tooth and nail just to earn a roster spot, let alone getting minutes on the court.

These are the players who didn’t hear their names called on draft night but still made their mark… and then some. Here’s a look at eight undrafted players who defied the NBA odds and rewrote league history.

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Ben Wallace

Before he became one of the most feared defenders in NBA history, Ben Wallace was just another guy who didn’t hear his name called on draft night. Undrafted in 1996, Wallace’s tenacity and grit quickly earned him a reputation as the backbone of the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys 2.0" in the early 2000s.

Wallace was able to guard anyone on the floor, regardless of size, and his heart made him one of the most feared players on the defensive end. Sure, his career stats of 5.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game don’t scream “offensive powerhouse,” but the guy could lock down the best of them. And for all the scouts who missed out on him? Well, Wallace’s Hall of Fame induction in 2021 should’ve been enough of a reminder. With four Defensive Player of the Year awards and five All-Defensive First Team selections, Wallace made sure his presence was felt in the paint.

John Starks

Not every undrafted player needs to be a brute force of nature or a top-tier defender. Sometimes, it's about being a bolt of energy, and John Starks fit that bill perfectly. Starks, who played the majority of his career with the New York Knicks, wasn’t expected to make a name for himself, but he did exactly that with his clutch shooting and competitive spirit.

Starks wasn’t just a throw-in role player, either; he was an integral part of the Knicks’ success, earning an All-Star selection and helping lead the team to the 1994 NBA Finals. In his career, Starks averaged 12.5 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, showing he could do more than what scouts originally thought.

Udonis Haslem

Udonis Haslem isn’t a guy who looks like an afterthought. Still, when he went undrafted in 2002, many questioned whether he'd ever make an impact. Fast forward to today, and Haslem’s name is synonymous with grit, and loyalty. Spending his entire 20-season career with the Miami Heat, Haslem was a key contributor to three NBA titles (2006, 2012, and 2013) as a tough, rebound-first, veteran presence. His career stats might not wow anyone, with averages of 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, but they also don't capture the full value of his impact.

Haslem’s undrafted journey proves that longevity and value in the NBA aren’t always about scoring titles or high draft picks. Sometimes, it’s about setting the tone and showing up when your team needs you.

Avery Johnson

When you think of undrafted success stories, Avery Johnson’s name has to be in the conversation. Undrafted in 1988, Johnson’s 5-foot-11 frame wasn’t exactly what NBA teams were going for at the time. But Johnson went on to carve out a solid career, most notably with the San Antonio Spurs, where he helped lead the team to an NBA Championship in 1999. His ability to run an offense, combined with his aggressive defense, made him an essential piece of the Spurs’ success.

Johnson might not have the typical stats that some other point guards come with, but he was the ultimate "floor general." He averaged 8.4 points and 5.5 assists per game over his career. And while he may have been overlooked on draft night, he sure wasn’t overlooked when the lights were brightest.

Bruce Bowen

If you're talking about undrafted players who left a mark on the game, we have to mention Bruce Bowen. Bowen was the type of player that every team needed but few could handle. Despite his lack of offensive firepower, Bowen carved out a 12-season career mainly because of his defense, earning him three NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and three NBA titles. His tough, no-nonsense approach to defense made him a fixture for every team he suited up for.

Whether you loved him or hated him, his ability to shut down top scorers while knocking down timely shots was invaluable. His career averages of 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, don’t jump off the page, but his journey from undrafted to NBA champion speaks volumes about where hard work can get you.

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet’s story might be one of the most inspiring of any undrafted player. After a standout college career at Wichita State, VanVleet wasn’t even considered worthy of a draft pick. But the Toronto Raptors took a chance on him, and he paid them back in a big way. VanVleet became a key piece for the Raptors during their 2019 championship run, hitting a number of clutch shots, including his ridiculous 3-point barrage in the Finals. And who could forget his iconic "Fred VanVleet for Finals MVP" chants during that series?

VanVleet’s success wasn’t just about a lucky moment, though. He has become a legitimate starting point guard in the NBA, known for defense, and ability to hit big shots when it matters most. With career averages of 15 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, VanVleet has turned himself into a reliable and crucial player for the Rockets. His rise from undrafted to NBA champion is a perfect example of what a good work ethic and opportunity can accomplish.

Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford, widely regarded as one of the best sixth men in NBA history, is another undrafted player who turned heads in a big way. Known for his flashy handles, deep range, and ability to score in bunches, Crawford’s 20-season career in the league proves how much talent and skill he brought to the table.

With the ability to break down defenses and keep teams on their toes earned him a reputation as one of the best scoring reserves the game has ever seen. Despite being passed over in the draft, Crawford’s career averages of 14.6 points and 3.4 assists per game kept him in the league for two decades, cementing his place as an all-time great off the bench. It’s safe to say his legacy is secure as one of the best undrafted players to ever do it.

Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon might not have been the flashiest name in the NBA, but the undrafted Spanish point guard had an understated yet incredibly effective career. Known for his basketball IQ and pinpoint passing, Calderon played in the NBA for 14 seasons, primarily with the Toronto Raptors.

Calderon finished his career averaging 8.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, but it doesn't tell the full story. What really set him apart was his assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the best in NBA history, along with his reliability at the free-throw line, where he shot 87%. These stats prove that you don’t need to be drafted to have a long-lasting impact in the league, especially when you’re as consistent as Calderon was.

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Start:	February 28, 2025 @ 11:59 PM
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8 Best Undrafted NBA Players Who Made History

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