Against All Odds: The Undrafted Path
Going undrafted is, statistically, the end of most basketball careers. But for a rare few, it is just the beginning. These players overcame the ultimate rejection — being passed over by all 30 NBA teams — to build careers that rival or exceed many first-round picks.
Ben Wallace, the crown jewel of undrafted players, won four DPOY awards and anchored the 2004 Pistons championship. Fred VanVleet started for a championship team in 2019. Alex Caruso became one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders. Their stories prove that the draft is an imperfect evaluation tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best undrafted player in NBA history?
Ben Wallace is widely considered the greatest undrafted player ever. He won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards, was a 4-time All-Star, won an NBA championship, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame — all without being drafted.
How do undrafted players get into the NBA?
Undrafted players can sign with teams through several paths: summer league invitations, G League contracts, two-way deals, or training camp invitations. Many undrafted players spend time in the G League or overseas leagues before earning an NBA roster spot.
Are there more undrafted success stories today?
Yes. The G League has created a clearer development path for undrafted players. Fred VanVleet, Alex Caruso, and Duncan Robinson all went undrafted in the modern era and became significant NBA contributors.
What percentage of undrafted players make the NBA?
Only about 1-2% of undrafted players ever appear in an NBA game. Of those, even fewer become rotation players or starters. Making it to the NBA as an undrafted player requires exceptional determination and development.