Best Undrafted NBA Players

These hidden gems exceeded all expectations on the court.

Best Undrafted NBA Players

John Starks is a New York Knicks legend.

Finding a diamond in the rough is an NBA team's dream. But it's not easy. Flopping on a top-10 pick is much more common and happens every year. Sorting through the muck of undrafted talent and finding a player who can add value is a different story. That requires a keen scouting eye for talent and the ability to identify a player who strives for greatness.

These players don’t possess talent that separates them from the pack. They have the will to outwork everyone else. Environment plays a big part, and you’ll notice several franchises pop up repeatedly at turning undervalued players into contributors. It’s a special feeling when these guys burst onto the scene as underdog stories and become fan favorites.

Meet the best undrafted NBA players of all time.

Note: All stats are through May 31, 2021.

50. Alex Caruso

Position: Point guard

College: Texas A&M

Career: 4 seasons (2017-present)

Teams: Los Angeles Lakers

Stats: 184 G, 5.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 42.9 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso celebrates in front of Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic — Alex Caruso is a fan favorite.

Alex Caruso had a breakout year just three seasons into his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers and solidified his place in the lineup after averaging 9.2 points and 3.1 assists in 2018-19.

Caruso was a role player all four years at Texas A&M and never averaged more than 9.0 points per game — not exactly catnip for NBA rosters — but he worked his way up from the summer league with the Oklahoma City Thunder and then made the roster for the Lakers.

Caruso, already a fan favorite, could end up having a long career in the NBA.

49. Adrian Griffin

Position: Small forward

College: Seton Hall

Career: 9 seasons (1999-2008)

Teams: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics

Stats: 477 G, 4.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 43.8 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Adrian Griffin

Adrian Griffin looks for shot against Mario West — Adrian Griffin played 477 games in the NBA.

Adrian Griffin went from his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, to an All-Big East player at Seton Hall to carving out almost a decade-long career in NBA despite going undrafted in 1996.

Griffin's determination and defensive prowess got him into the league. He played three seasons in the CBA and overseas before he broke through with the Boston Celtics in 1999.

The next generation of Griffins should be even better. Adrian Griffin's son, A.J. Griffin, is projected as an NBA lottery pick.

48. John Amaechi

Position: Power forward/center

Colleges: Vanderbilt, Penn State

Career: 5 seasons (1995-96, 1999-2003)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics

Stats: 294 G, 6.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 40.3 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: John Amaechi

John Amaechi and Otis Thorp fight for a rebound — John Amaechi was a tough defender.

John Amaechi danced to the beat of a different drummer — most notably turning down a $17 million contract with the Lakers in 2000 to stay in Orlando making $600,000 per year. Which was a head-scratcher because the Lakers offered him the deal at the beginning of their run of three straight NBA titles.

But Amaechi, who went undrafted out of Penn State, had some pretty great moments as an NBA post player, a career made all the more notable because he was raised in Great Britain and didn't begin playing basketball until he was 17 years old.

47. Kevin Ollie

Position: Point guard

College: Connecticut

Career: 13 seasons (1997-2010)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 662 G, 3.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 41.0 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Kevin Ollie

Kevin Ollie dribbling — Kevin Ollie played his college ball at Connecticut.

Kevin Ollie was a journeyman point guard who teams really, really loved to have on their roster. A great locker room guy, Ollie had three different teams who kept him on their roster for multiple stints, and played for 12 teams in 13 seasons.

No less than Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LeBron James all have credited Ollie with helping them learn how to handle themselves early in their pro careers.

Ollie was hired as the head coach at his alma mater, Connecticut, in 2012 and led the Huskies to a national championship in 2014. Ollie was fired for major NCAA violations in 2018 and given a "show cause" order by the NCAA that effectively keeps him out of coaching until at least 2022.

46. Scott Brooks

Position: Point guard

Colleges: TCU, UC Irvine

Career: 10 seasons (1988-98)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 680 G, 4.9 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 45.0 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (1994)

Bottom Line: Scott Brooks

Scott Brooks dribbling — Scott Brooks won an NBA title in 1994.

There aren't a lot of 5-foot-11 players in the NBA — much less undrafted ones. Scott Brooks was one.

Brooks, a longtime NBA head coach now in charge of the Washington Wizards, is one of the few undrafted players who actually won an NBA title, with his coming on the Houston Rockets in 1994.

Brooks came closest to winning an NBA title as a head coach in 2012, when he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat.

45. Smush Parker

Position: Point guard/shooting guard

College: Fordham

Career: 6 seasons (2002-08)

Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers

Stats: 274 G, 9.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, 42.6 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Smush Parker

Kobe Bryant celebrates with Smush Parker — Smush Parker, left, averaged 9.0 points per game in his NBA career.

Smush Parker's NBA career was short but spectacular. He's most well-known for going from undrafted no-name to starting Lakers point guard and became famousa for waving off Kobe Bryant in some situations. Which made Bryant pretty mad.

Parker's confidence was at insane levels, obviously, but it wasn't always so well-placed.

One amazing fact about Parker is that after his NBA career ended in 2008, he played another decade professionally around the world, with teams in China, Russia, Greece, Iran, Venezuela, Croatia, Tunisia and the Dominican Republic.

44. Duane Ferrell

Position: Shooting guard/small forward

College: Georgia Tech

Career: 11 seasons (1988-19)

Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors

Stats: 583 G, 6.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 48.0 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Duane Ferrell

Duane Ferrell in action against Anthony Mason — Duane Ferrell, right, played for three teams in his career.

Duane Ferrell's 11 seasons in the NBA weren't just unusual because he was undrafted, but for how few teams he played for.

It isn't unusual for a player like Ferrell to play for double-digit teams in a career that long, but Ferrell played for just the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers. He averaged a career-best 12.7 points in 24.2 minutes per game for the Hawks in 1991-92.

Ferrell worked in community relations for the Hawks after his retirement in 1999 until 2016.

43. Malik Allen

Position: Power forward

College: Villanova

Career: 10 seasons (2001-11)

Teams: Miami Heat, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic

Stats: 478 G, 4.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 43.9 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Malik Allen

Malik Allen reacts after scoring — Malik Allen played 478 career NBA games.

Malik Allen wasn't a player who ever jumped off the page during college or the pros, but despite being undrafted, he played 10 seasons in the NBA and ended up averaging 15.2 minutes per game for his career, which means he was always in the mix.

Allen retired in 2011 and has been a full-time NBA assistant coach with the Pistons, Timberwolves and Heat since 2014.

42. Ira Newble

Position: Small forward/power forward

College: Miami (Ohio)

Career: 8 seasons (2000-08)

Teams: San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Lakers

Stats: 380 G, 5.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.0 APG, 44.6 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Ira Newble

Ira Newble shoots — Ira Newble shot 44.6 percent from the field in his career.

It's always great to see players determined to make it to the NBA despite all the odds being stacked against him. That's what Ira Newble did after his senior season at Miami (Ohio) in 1997.

Newble played three full seasons in the International Basketball Association, NBA G-League and in Cyprus before finally breaking through with the San Antonio Spurs in 2000.

Newble parlayed a great work ethic into eight seasons in the NBA with five different teams.

41. Matthew Dellavedova

Position: Point guard

College: Saint Mary's

Career: 8 seasons (2013-present)

Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 447 G, 5.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 38.6 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2016)

Bottom Line: Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova drives on Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry — Matthew Dellavedova, left, grew up in Australia.

Growing up in Australia, Matthew Dellavedova was an elite youth player in Australian Rules Football but chose basketball as his primary sport, setting himself up for an epic career.

Dellavedova was a name many basketball fans knew from his time playing for Saint Mary's in college, but he will forever be known as one of LeBron James' running mates on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, when they pulled off an improbable upset of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

Dellavedova, who entered the league in 2013 making the league minimum $490,000, has parlayed his success into over $40 million in career earnings through the 2019-20 season.

40. Don Barksdale

Position: Power forward/small forward

College: UCLA

Career: 4 seasons (1951-55)

Teams: Baltimore Bullets, Boston Celtics

Stats: 262 G, 11.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 37.0 FG%

Accolades: NBA All-Star (1953)

Bottom Line: Don Barksdale

Don Barksdale greets Walter Brown — Don Barksdale was an All-Star in 1953.

Don Barksdale was a trailblazer — the first African-American basketball player named consensus All-American in college and the first African-American to win an Olympic gold medal in basketball.

Barksdale also went undrafted solely because he was African-American, but he also was an astute businessman who played on several AAU teams in the Oakland area and was the first African-American DJ in the Bay Area and the first African-American television host.

Barksdale finally broke through the NBA in 1951 and still had one last "first" left to five. He became the first African-American NBA All-Star in 1953.

39. Jannero Pargo

Position: Point guard

College: Arkansas

Career: 11 seasons (2002-2015)

Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets

Stats: 499 G, 6.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 39.1 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Jannero Pargo

Jannero Pargo drives the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones — Jannero Pargo, right, played 499 games in the NBA.

Jannero Pargo defied the skeptics and carved out 11 NBA seasons over 13 years with seven different teams after going undrafted out of Arkansas in 2002.

Pargo is now an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers and his younger brother, Jeremy, was a star for Gonzaga and also played in the NBA.

38. Mikki Moore

Position: Center

College: Nebraska

Career: 11 seasons (1999-2010)

Teams: Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle SuperSonics, New Jersey Nets, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors

Stats: 564 G, 5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 55.1 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Mikki Moore

Mikki Moore in action — Mikki Moore, left, played 11 seasons in the NBA.

A closer look at Mikki Moore's four seasons at the University of Nebraska sheds some insight into why he had such a lengthy NBA career. He averaged 2.1 blocks for his career.

Moore played more than two consecutive seasons with just one of the nine teams he played — his four-season stint with the Detroit Pistons.

Moore was one of the first players to make his bones in the NBA D-League and turn it into a long stretch in the NBA, as he was the D-League Defensive Player of the Year in 2003.

37. Erick Strickland

Position: Point guard/shooting guard

College: Nebraska

Career: 9 seasons (1996-2005)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Vancouver Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 501 G, 7.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 39.2 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Erick Strickland

Erick Strickland drives with the ball — Erick Strickland played his college ball at Nebraska.

Erick Strickland turned nothing into something when it came to his NBA career. Undrafted out of the University of Nebraska in 1996, Strickland played nine seasons and made approximately $13.1 million for his time.

Strickland's best seasons came with the Dallas Mavericks, including a career-high 12.8 points per game in 1999-2000, and he averaged a respectable 7.5 points for his career, mostly coming off the bench.

36. Maurice Evans

Position: Shooting guard/small forward

Colleges: Wichita State, Texas

Career: 9 seasons (2001-02, 2004-12)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics

Stats: 562 G, 6.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 44.2 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Maurice Evans

Maurice Evans dunks — Maurice Evans was an underrated player.

Maurice Evans was a reliable bench player for most of nine NBA seasons after going undrafted out of the University of Texas — a career that included a two-year sojourn to play for Italy's top professional teams.

To say Evans was a reliable bench player probably doesn't do his role justice. He was good for almost 20 minutes per game wherever he played and was part of several teams that made playoff runs in Detroit and Atlanta.

Evans made a big contribution off the court as well, rising to the rank of vice president in the NBA Players Association.

35. Aaron Williams

Position: Power forward/center

College: Xavier

Career: 15 seasons (1993-2008)

Teams: Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Vancouver Grizzlies, Seattle SuperSonics, Washington Wizards, New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers

Stats: 715 G, 5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 49.3 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Aaron Williams

New Jersey Nets players Kenyon Martin and Aaron Williams celebrate — Aaron Williams, left, played 715 games in the NBA.

Few players can claim 15-year NBA careers, but Aaron Williams did it without even being drafted.

Williams, 6-foot-9, made his mark by being able to play both power forward and center, with his career-best season coming in 2000-01 with the New Jersey Nets, when he averaged 10.1 points and 7.2 rebounds while leading the league with 319 fouls.

In all, Williams played for nine different NBA teams and spent several seasons playing overseas.

34. Damien Wilkins

Position: Small forward/shooting guard

College: NC State, Georgia

Career: 11 seasons (2004-14, 2017-18)

Teams: Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers

Stats: 582 G, 6.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 42.6 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Damien Wilkins

Seattle SuperSonics forward Damien Wilkins drives between San Antonio Spurs defenders — Damien Wilkins made 42.6 percent of his shots from the field.

Damien Wilkins was the third person in his family to make it to the NBA, but the first to do it without being drafted.

Damien's father, Gerald Wilkins, played 13 years in the NBA and his uncle, Dominique, was a nine-time All-Star and one of the most exciting players in history.

Damien Wilkins was a workmanlike role player who had an interesting comeback late in the game. He played 10 consecutive seasons, bounced all over the world for three seasons, then closed out his career with the Indiana Pacers in 2017-18.

33. T.J. McConnell

Position: Point guard

College: Duquesne, Arizona

Career: 6 seasons (2015-present)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers

Stats: 377 G, 6.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 51.2 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: T.J. McConnell

T.J. McConnell drives against Duke's Tyler Thornton — T.J. McConnell made over $7.9 million in his first five NBA seasons.

T.J. McConnell broke into the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers after going undrafted out of Arizona in 2015 — and he was in the rotation from the jump for the 76ers.

McConnell has averaged almost five assists per game through five seasons and signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Indiana Pacers before the 2019-20 season, which was a steal for the Pacers.

32. Chris Childs

Position: Point guard

College: Boise State

Career: 9 seasons (1994-2003)

Teams: New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors

Stats: 541 G, 6.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 40.3 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Chris Childs

Chris Childs jumps toward the basket past Miami Heat's Dan Majerle — Chris Childs played 541 career NBA games.

Chris Childs' nine-year NBA career was a study in determination. After being named Big Sky Player of the Year at Boise State in 1989, Childs went undrafted and played five years in the CBA before breaking into the NBA in 1994 with the New Jersey Nets.

Childs is best known for his time with the New York Knicks on some great teams from 1996 to 2001, when he helped define a roster known for its toughness. His signature moment was one that we don't see on NBA courts anymore — a fistfight with NBA legend Kobe Bryant when he hit the Lakers' superstar with a punch to the chin.

Childs' 4.9 assists per game over 541 career games jump off the page.

31. Joe Ingles

Position: Small forward/shooting guard

College: None

Career: 6 seasons (2014-present)

Teams: Utah Jazz

Stats: 545 G, 8.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, 45.3 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Joe Ingles

Joe Ingles makes lay up — Joe Ingles is shoots left-handed.

Joe Ingles began playing professional basketball in his native Australia when he was just 18 years old, worked his way up to EuroLeague, then made his NBA debut with the Jazz in 2014 at the age of 27.

An accomplished international player, Ingles has become a key piece for the Jazz and is a perfect complement to both Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt. Ingles was rewarded with a one-year, $14 million contract before the 2019-20 season.

Ingles keeps getting better in his career, including a career-high 12.1 points, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 2018-19 with the Jazz.

30. Scott Williams

Position: Power forward/center

College: North Carolina

Career: 15 seasons (1990-2005)

Teams: Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 746 G, 5.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.6 APG, 46.7 FG%

Accolades: Three-time NBA champion (1991, 1992, 1993)

Bottom Line: Scott Williams

Scott Williams dunks the ball over New Jersey Nets' Keith Van Horn — Scott Williams was a reliable role player.

Scott Williams was a key role player on the first three NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.

Williams' career encompassed much more than his time with the Bulls, however, and he played 15 seasons for seven different teams.

In a weird aside, Williams' was LeBron James' teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005 and the last NBA player to be born in the 1960s.

29. Troy Hudson

Position: Point guard

Colleges: Missouri, Southern Illinois

Career: 10 seasons (1998-2008)

Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors

Stats: 517 G, 9.0 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 40.1 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Troy Hudson

Troy Hudson looks to pass around Sacramento Kings forward Chris Webber — Troy Hudson played 10 seasons in the NBA.

Troy Hudson was pretty proud of carving out a 10-year NBA career after going undrafted. How proud? He actually recorded and released a rap album called "Undrafted" in 2007.

Hudson's career in the league was more than solid. His best year was 2002-03 with the Timberwolves, when he averaged 14.2 points and 5.7 assists.

How did Hudson's album do? It reportedly sold only 78 copies.

28. Carlos Arroyo

Position: Point guard

College: Florida International

Career: 8 seasons (2001-08, 2009-11)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics

Stats: 569 G, 6.6 PPG, 3.1 APG, 43.8 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Carlos Arroyo

Carlos Arroyo drives to basket — Carlos Arroyo went to Florida International.

Little used in his first couple of seasons with Toronto, Denver and Utah, Carlos Arroyo was tasked with being the first Jazz starting point guard since John Stockton in just his third season.

Despite starting just one NBA game to that point, Jerry Sloan handed him the torch, and he carried it well, leading Utah to a playoff berth while averaging 12.6 points per game for the new-era Jazz.

He never stuck as a starting guard in the league, playing the role of backup until he went to play overseas at age 31.

27. Bo Outlaw

Position: Power forward, center

College: Houston

Career: 15 seasons (1993-2008)

Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies

Stats: 914 G, 5.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 56.7 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Bo Outlaw

Bo Outlaw laughing with Terry Stotts — Bo Outlaw played his college career at Houston.

A stud for the Houston Cougars in college, Bo Outlaw developed a reputation for being a good low-post threat with rebounding instincts.

Playing for the Clippers and later the Magic, Outlaw continued that solid play in the post, helping both teams to playoff appearances as a spot starter in the late 1990s.

He played the role of sixth man for a few more years before hanging it up at age 36.

26. Ish Smith

Position: Point guard

College: Wake Forest

Career: 11 seasons (2010-present)

Teams: Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards

Stats: 654 G, 7.7 PPG, 3.9 APG, 2.5 RPG, 43.0 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Ish Smith

Ish Smith drives the ball against the Brooklyn Nets — Ish Smith played his college ball at Wake Forest.

Undervalued even on his own college team, Ish Smith only posted more than 10 points per game in his senior season at Wake Forest. Given that pedigree, it’s no surprise he went undrafted.

Floating around the league as a backup point guard, Smith played for five teams in his first three years in the league before posting a full year with the Suns. He didn’t see significant minutes until playing for the 76ers in 2015.

He showed he could hang, posting 12.6 points per game off the bench in Philly. Since then, he’s been a valuable third guard for Detroit and Washington, continuing to score close to double digits off the bench.

25. Carl Braun

Position: Shooting guard/point guard

College: Colgate

Career: 15 seasons (1947-50, 1952-62)

Teams: New York Knicks, Boston Celtics

Stats: 785 G, 13.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 38.3 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (1962), five-time NBA All-Star (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957)

Bottom Line: Carl Braun

Carl Braun drives in to score push shot — Carl Braun, center, won an NBA title in 1962.

The first superstar in New York Knicks history, Carl Braun wasn't drafted out of Colgate because he made it clear he was choosing a career as a pitcher in the New York Yankees' farm system.

After several systems in the minor leagues, Braun began experiencing severe shoulder problems and turned back to basketball, where he was a five-time All-Star for the Knicks and won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in his final season.

Braun died in 2010, at 82 years old.

24. Marquis Daniels

Position: Shooting guard, small forward

College: Auburn

Career: 10 seasons (2003-13)

Teams: Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 548 G, 7.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 45.1 FG%

Accolades: All-Rookie Second Team (2004)

Bottom Line: Marquis Daniels

Marquis Daniels dunks ball — Marquis Daniels played 10 seasons in the NBA.

Despite his undrafted profile, Marquis Daniels proved he could be a solid scoring wing on some competitive teams early in his career. He even posted better than 15 points per game in the playoffs of his rookie season with Dallas.

However, Daniels' big claim to fame is this absurd piece of bling he crafted in his likeness. His salary topped off at just north of $6 million while playing in Indiana, which begs the question, "What other lavish pieces of jewelry did he have crafted with that coin?"

23. Andres Nocioni

Position: Forward

College: None

Career: 8 seasons(2004-12)

Teams: Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers

Stats: 514 G, 10.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 43.1 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Andres Nocioni

Andres Nocioni celebrates teammates shot — Andres Nocioni played 514 career NBA games.

Although not a well-known player at the time, Andres Nocioni turned heads in the 2004 Olympic Games, when he helped lead Argentina to an improbable gold medal.

The Bulls quickly snatched him up, and he proved he belonged with the best in the world. Mostly coming off the bench for Chicago, Nocioni posted double-figuring scoring numbers in four of his first five seasons, featuring a pair of 30-point outbursts.

After being waived by Philadelphia early in the lockout season of 2011-12, he returned to Spain and finished his career playing in Europe for Real Madrid.

22. Mike James

Position: Point guard

College: Duquesne

Career: 12 seasons(2001-10, 2011-14)

Teams: Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 595 G, 9.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.2 RPG, 41.7 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2004)

Bottom Line: Mike James

Mike James goes in for a dunk — Mike James played his college ball at Duquesne.

The ultimate NBA journeyman, Mike James carved out a role as a solid third guard from the get-go. His efforts off the bench for the Pistons in 2004 earned him a reputation as a solid "glue guy" in the locker room.

James had a few brilliant flashes in his career, even averaging more than 20 points per game for the Raptors, highlighted by a 39-point outburst in a rare win over his former championship-winning teammates.

Given the fact he was a 26-year-old rookie, his longevity in the league is a testament to that same reputation he established in Detroit.

21. Chris Andersen

Position: Center, power forward

College: Blinn College

Career: 15 seasons (2001-17)

Teams: Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 695 G, 5.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 53.2 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2013)

Bottom Line: Chris Andersen

Chris Andersen dunking — Chris Andersen won an NBA title in 2013.

"The Birdman" underwent a serious transformation after his entrance into the league.

He spent his first few years in Denver and New Orleans, showcasing supreme athleticism for his size and solid instincts on defense protecting the rim.

His troubles with drug addiction forced him to miss a year. When he came back, the newly tatted-up Andersen was the same energetic player on the court and caught on with the Heat in their second of back-to-back NBA titles.

20. Kent Bazemore

Position: Shooting guard, small forward

College: Old Dominion

Career: 9 seasons (2012-present)

Teams: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings

Stats: 618 G, 8.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 41.6 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Kent Bazemore

Kent Bazemore scores a basket — Kent Bazemore went to Old Dominion.

Affectionately known as "Baze" to his teammates, Kent Bazemore has proven to be a valuable wingman off the bench in his first few seasons.

After a trade to the Lakers in his sophomore season, Bazemore flashed decent scoring ability. He then signed with Atlanta and helped the Mike Budinholzer-coached squad to a pair of playoff berths. The Hawks rewarded him with a four-year, $70 million dollar deal in the 2016 offseason.

He’ll probably never live up to the price tag, but Bazemore has at least cashed in with a big payday and is now coming off the bench for the Golden State Warriors.

19. Reggie Evans

Position: Power forward

College: Iowa

Career: 13 seasons (2002-15)

Teams: Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets

Stats: 809 G, 4.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 46.5 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Reggie Evans

Seattle SuperSonics' Reggie Evans dunks in front of Charlotte Bobcats' Emeka Okafor — Reggie Evans was a tough player.

Starting his career with the now-defunct SuperSonics, Reggie Evans contributed almost immediately, starting 60 games in his rookie season.

No matter how far the pace-and-space pendulum swings, there always will be a place in the league for players like Evans, who was all grit and effort.

He filled up the stat sheet with rebounds throughout his 13-year career, even averaging 11 rebounds per game for Avery Johnson’s 49-33 Brooklyn Nets in the 2012-13 season.

18. Anthony Morrow

Position: Shooting guard

College: Georgia Tech

Career: 9 seasons (2008-17)

Teams: Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls

Stats: 564 G, 9.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 44.7 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Anthony Morrow

New Orleans Pelicans guard Anthony Morrow goes to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers — Anthony Morrow, right, played on seven teams in his NBA career.

Anthony Morrow appeared to have some supreme potential when he burst onto the scene for the Warriors in 2008. He posted several 30-point outbursts early in his career, albeit for some atrocious Warriors and Nets teams, and even posted a 42-point effort in his second season in New Jersey.

Morrow couldn’t quite carry the load, but he settled in as a decent outside shooter for Oklahoma City in the Thunder’s deep playoff run in 2016.

He was out of the league at age 31, and he competed in the Big 3 league.

17. Chucky Atkins

Position: Point guard

College: South Florida

Career: 11 seasons (1999-2010)

Teams: Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 696 G, 9.9 PPG, 3.4 APG, 41.2 FG%

Accolades: All-Rookie Second Team (2000)

Bottom Line: Chucky Atkins

Los Angeles Lakers' Chucky Atkins reacts — Chucky Atkins went to college at South Florida.

Chucky Atkins’ career was more than solid. A big-time scorer out of South Florida, Atkins’ skillset translated nicely to NBA backcourts, where he was a knockdown outside shooter for more than a decade.

What is most remarkable about Atkins’ career, though, is his inclusion in three trades that shaped the landscape of the NBA. In August 2000, he was the piece attached to Ben Wallace in the Pistons' trade that sent Grant Hill to Orlando. More than three years later, he was shipped to the Celtics as part of the deal that got Rasheed Wallace to Detroit, finalizing the Pistons' championship roster.

Less than a year later, the Celtics traded him to the Lakers as part of a deal for a pick that turned out to be Rajon Rondo.

16. David Wesley

Position: Point guard, shooting guard

College: Baylor

Career: 14 seasons (1993-2007)

Teams: New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 949 G, 12.5 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.5 RPG, 42.4 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: David Wesley

Charlotte Hornets' David Wesley drives to the basket — David Wesley, left, played in 949 career NBA games.

Signing with the Celtics after his rookie season, Boston found a hidden gem of a scorer in David Wesley. He blossomed and average 16.8 points per game on a dreadfully bad Celtics team before signing with the Hornets.

Wesley proved he was not the problem in Boston and averaged nearly 15 points per game over the course of seven seasons with Charlotte and New Orleans, helping the team to playoff appearances in six of those seasons.

15. Earl Boykins

Position: Point guard

College: Eastern Michigan

Career: 13 seasons (1999-2012)

Teams: New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets

Stats: 652 G, 8.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 41.7 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Earl Boykins

Earl Boykins goes up for a shot against New Orleans Hornets guard Darrell Armstrong — Earl Boykins was fearless on the court.

Earl Boykins went undrafted out of Eastern Michigan University, and at 5-foot-5, he was the second-shortest player in NBA history behind Muggsy Bogues at 5-foot-3.

Boykins cashed in with the Denver Nuggets before the 2003-04 season, signing a five-year, $13.7 million contract, then became the shortest player to score over 30 points in an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons.

Boykins was known as a scorer throughout his career and played for 10 teams over 12 seasons.

14. Darrell Armstrong

Position: Point guard

College: Fayetteville State University

Career: 14 seasons (1994-2008)

Teams: Orlando Magic, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, New Jersey Nets

Stats: 840 G, 9.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, 2.7 RPG, 40.9 FG%

Accolades: Sixth Man of the Year (1999), Most Improved Player (1999)

Bottom Line: Darrell Armstrong

Orlando Magic's Darrell Armstrong celebrates — Darrell Armstrong made his NBA debut in 1994.

In just his third season in the league, the undrafted Darrell Armstrong proved to be a valuable contributor for the Penny Hardaway-Shaquille O’Neal era of Magic basketball.

Similar to the modern-day Oklahoma City Thunder, the Magic were unable to keep the core together, and with O’Neal heading to Los Angeles, it forced Armstrong into a more prominent role alongside Hardaway.

Armstrong held his own, averaging 13.8 points and 6.7 in the 1998-99 season, but when Hardaway was traded to the Suns, it was all Armstrong’s show. His numbers improved, but he was unable to carry the squad, hanging around as a bench player for the latter part of his time in the NBA.

13. Jeremy Lin

Position: Point guard

College: Harvard

Career: 9 seasons (2010-19)

Teams: Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors

Stats: 480 G, 11.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.8 RPG, 43.3 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2019)

Bottom Line: Jeremy Lin

Houston Rockets' Jeremy Lin goes to basket — Jeremy Lin averaged 11.6 points per game in his career.

Much has been made about Jeremy Lin’s race and alma mater (Harvard) factoring into his scouting profile. Regardless, Lin proved he belonged in the NBA and, for a brief moment in time, was the biggest NBA star on the planet.

During a 16-game stretch for the injury-ridden Knicks in 2012, Lin took over, averaging 21.1 points per game with 8.6 assists per game. His signature moment came in a showdown at Madison Square Garden with Kobe Bryant, where he outdueled the all-time great with 38 points in a Knicks victory.

Once Carmelo Anthony returned to the floor, the era dubbed "Linsanity" came to a halting end, and Lin stuck around as a role-playing point guard for the next several seasons.

12. Raja Bell

Position: Shooting guard

College: Boston University, Florida International

Career: 12 seasons (2000-12)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors

Stats: 706 G, 9.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43.4 FG%

Accolades: All-Defensive First Team (2007), All-Defensive Second Team (2008)

Bottom Line: Raja Bell

Raja Bell guards ball — Raja Bell, left, played on six NBA teams.

Raja Bell’s signature moment came in the 2006 playoffs, when his Suns took on Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in the first round. On a drive to the lane, Bell hooked his arm around Bryant’s neck in a clothesline-like maneuver, resulting in an on-court skirmish.

This moment was indicative of the intensity Bell brought to the defensive end of the floor, and while he was paired in the Suns' backcourt with Steve Nash, he often took pressure off the two-time All-Star by guarding the other team’s biggest perimeter threat.

11. Brad Miller

Position: Center, power forward

College: Purdue

Career: 14 seasons (1998-2012)

Teams: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 868 G, 11.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 48 FG%

Accolades: Two-time NBA All-Star (2003, 2004)

Bottom Line: Brad Miller

Chicago Bulls' Brad Miller dunks the ball — Brad Miller went to Purdue.

In hindsight, it’s very surprising that Brad Miller went undrafted after a solid college career at Purdue. Even as the NBA was transitioning to today’s style of pace and space, Miller provided value as a big body underneath the bucket.

After starting his career in Charlotte backing up Elden Campbell, Miller broke out for the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the 2001-02 season and was an All-Star the following season.

He spent the next few years as a key cog in Sacramento, making another All-Star team with 15.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Kings.

10. J.J. Barea

Position: Point guard

College: Northeastern

Career: 14 seasons (2006-present)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 831 G, 8.9 PPG, 3.9 APG, 42.4 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2011)

Bottom Line: J.J. Barea

J.J. Barea in action against Marc Gasol — J.J. Barea, left, made his NBA debut in 2006.

J.J. Barea has spent his entire career as an underrated asset.

His size doesn’t help. At just 5 feet, 10 inches, he’s frequently dwarfed by the giants of the game. He’s never deterred, though, and proved he could hold his own in the 2011 NBA Finals, when he was frequently matched up with one of the best ever in LeBron James.

Even at 35 years old, he’s still posting nearly double digits in scoring for Dallas behind Luka Doncic in a resurgent era for the Mavs.

9. Jose Calderon

Position: Point guard

College: N/A

Career: 14 seasons (2005-19)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 895 G, 8.9 PPG, 5.8 APG, 2.4 RPG, 47.2 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom Line: Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon shoots layup — Jose Calderon had good handles.

A spot starter for his first couple of seasons in Toronto, Jose Calderon proved to be a good ballhandler for the Raptors.

After emerging as the starter in his third season, he helped the Raptors to a pair of playoff berths in the mid-2000s.

He took the helm for another playoff team in Dallas and then took on a bench role for the remainder of his career, playing mostly in mop-up duty for Atlanta, Cleveland and Detroit.

8. Fred VanVleet

Position: Point guard

College: Wichita State

Career: 5 seasons (2016-present)

Teams: Toronto Raptors

Stats: 283 G, 12.1 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.9 RPG, 40.5 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2019)

Bottom Line: Fred VanVleet

Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby react — Fred VanVleet, left, has made over $19 million in his career.

Fred VanVleet is a newcomer to these circles, but he has risen quickly to the greats of the undrafted variety.

VanVleet proved a key component as a knockdown, clutch 3-point shooter for the Raptors in their championship run and was averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 assists for Toronto in 2019-20 headed into the NBA's restart.

Should this continue, he has the potential to team with new superstar Pascal Siakam to usher in a new generation of dynamic scoring north of the border.

7. Wesley Matthews

Position: Shooting guard

College: Marquette

Career: 12 seasons (2009-present)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 849 G, 12.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 42.4 FG%

Accolades: N/A

Bottom line: Unlike most undrafted players, Wesley Matthews popped quickly and emerged as a starter during his rookie season in Utah.

Portland picked him up as a free agent before his sophomore season, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Despite a devastating Achilles injury, Matthews cashed in with a massive free-agent contract with the Mavs.

He’s lost a step since the injury, but he’s still contributing on one of the NBA's best teams in Milwaukee.

Bottom Line: Wesley Matthews

Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews reels in a pass — Wesley Matthews is nicknamed "Iron Man."

Unlike most undrafted players, Wesley Matthews popped quickly and emerged as a starter during his rookie season in Utah.

He’s lost a step since the injury, but he’s still contributing on one of the NBA's best teams with the Lakers.

6. Avery Johnson

Position: Point guard

College: Cameron University, Southern University and A&M College

Career: 16 seasons (1988-2004)

Teams: Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 1054 G, 8.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 47.9 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (1999)

Bottom Line: Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson and teammate Mario Elie throw up hands for high five — Avery Johnson played in 1,054 career NBA games.

After bouncing around the league as a backup point guard for the first half of his career, Avery Johnson showed his true potential as the primary ballhandler for the Spurs in the mid-1990s.

Scoring in double digits nearly every year in San Antonio, Johnson showed tremendous IQ on the court, a true extension of coach Gregg Popovich.

Johnson averaged more than 12 points and 7 assists per game in the postseason of the first championship run of the Tim Duncan era.

5. Udonis Haslem

Position: Power forward

College: Florida

Career: 17 seasons (2003-present)

Teams: Miami Heat

Stats: 859 G, 7.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 49.0 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2004)

Bottom Line: Udonis Haslem

Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem dunks — Udonis Haslem made his NBA debut in 2003.

Often lauded as the heart and soul of the Miami Heat franchise in the 2000s and beyond, Udonis Haslem was an unsung hero on a trio of championship teams.

After scoring in double figures and pulling down tough rebounds for the Heat in the Dwyane Wade-Shaquille O'Neal era, Haslem was relegated to more of a cleanup role when Chris Bosh and LeBron James joined the squad. Never one to complain, Haslem settled into his role and played a vital component in the Big 3 era in Miami.

A Heat lifer, Haslem rejected bigger free-agent deals from other franchises and plans to retire with the Heat being his only team.

4. Bruce Bowen

Position: Small forward

College: Cal State Fullerton

Career: 13 seasons (1996-2009)

Teams: Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 873 G, 6.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 40.9 FG%

Accolades: NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007), five-time All-Defensive First Team (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), three-time All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2003)

Bottom Line: Bruce Bowen

Bruce Bowen passes the ball — Bruce Bowen won three NBA championships in his career.

Bruce Bowen is a perfect example of surging when you find the right fit.

A decent role player off the bench in his first few stops, Bowen found a true home in San Antonio, where legendary coach Gregg Popovich utilized him to perfection as a corner 3-point specialist and a lockdown defender.

Bowen is still a legend on the Riverwalk for his key role on three championship teams.

3. John Starks

Position: Shooting guard

College: Oklahoma State

Career: 13 seasons (1988-89, 1990-2002)

Teams: New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz

Stats: 866 G, 12.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.5 RPG, 41.2 FG%

Accolades: NBA All-Star (1994), Sixth Man of the Year (1997), All-Defensive Second Team (1993)

Bottom Line: John Starks

New York Knicks guard John Starks celebrates with Patrick Ewing — John Starks, right, played 13 seasons in the NBA

John Starks captured the hearts of New Yorkers in the mid-1990s, taking over the helm for the greatest era of Knicks basketball since the 1970s.

After spending his first couple seasons coming off the bench, Starks exploded in a starting role, scoring 17.5 points per game in a 60-win season in 1992-93.

An All-Star season followed, and Starks is still a hero in New York for the grit he brought to the last great era of Knicks basketball.

2. Connie Hawkins

Position: Power forward/center

College: Iowa

Career: 7 seasons (1969-1976)

Teams: Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks

Stats: 616 G, 18.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 47.9 FG%

Accolades: Four-time NBA All-Star (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973), All-NBA Team (1970), ABA MVP (1968), ABA champion (1968)

Bottom Line: Connie Hawkins

Connie Hawkins goes to the basket — Connie Hawkins was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Connie Hawkins saw his NBA dream deferred after he was wrongly implicated in a point-shaving scandal at the University of Iowa and banned from the NBA in 1966.

Hawkins bounced around in the ABL, ABA and with the Harlem Globetrotters for four years while he sued the NBA for $6 million, won, then joined the league in 1969 with the Phoenix Suns in their first year as a franchise.

Hawkins only got to play seven seasons in the NBA but was dominant in that time, earning All-NBA honors in 1970 and making four consecutive All-Star teams.

1. Ben Wallace

Position: Power forward, center

College: Virginia Union

Career: 16 seasons (1996-2012)

Teams: Washington Wizards/Bullets, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 1088 G, 5.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 47.7 FG%

Accolades: Four-time NBA All-Star (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), four-time Defensive POY (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), NBA champion (2004), three-time All-NBA Second Team (2003, 2004, 2006), two-time All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2005), five-time All-Defensive First team (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), All-Defensive Second Team (2007)

Bottom Line: Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace goes up high for a rebound — Ben Wallace was a four-time All-Star.

A defensive stalwart, Ben Wallace was the dominant man in the middle during the improbable championship run for the 2004 Detroit Pistons.

A Defensive Player of the Year candidate for nearly a decade, Wallace was a treasure for the Pistons, allowing their run through the Eastern Conference to extend for the better part of the 2000s.

Little was expected for the 6-foot-9-inch center, but through technique and determination, he honed skills that made him a force in the league for years.