Top 10 Undrafted NBA Players Of All Time
It's not often that talented players go undrafted. They might slide in the draft at times and end up being great steals late in the first round or even in the second round but rarely does it happen that they don't end up being picked. Some of the reasons for not being picked might be playing for some lesser-known colleges or being considered too short to play their position like Isaiah Thomas was.
It's a bit ridiculous to think that back in 2011, IT was the last pick in the draft mainly because he was considered too short to play in the league.Still, it's extremely rare that undrafted players who eventually come into the league turn into great or even solid role players but the guys on this list did.
Some even managed to get into All-Star teams. Here we rank the top 10 undrafted players:
#10 Raja Bell
Raja Bell shot to fame in the NBA for clotheslining Kobe Bryant in the 2006 Playoffs but he did so much more in the league. After going undrafted in the 1999 draft, Bell ended up with the 76ers in 2001. He was a role player with the Sixers and later on with the Dallas Mavericks, but got his chance to shine with the Utah Jazz in 2003. His performances with Utah led to him signing with the Phoenix Suns, with whom he'd have his best years.
Bell notched career highs in every stat in his 1st season with the Suns. He helped them reach the Conference Finals, but they lost in 6 games to the Mavs. It was then that he started gaining recognition as a defensive specialist and would make the All-Defensive teams twice (2007, 08). He was also an excellent shooter, leading the league in 3's made in 2006/07.
Bell would have been an incredibly valuable player in the NBA today, with every team looking to add 3-and-D players.