15 NBA players who let themselves go
The competition in the NBA is so fierce and tough that more often than not, skills and athleticism may not be enough. Players have to be in a supremely fit condition to have an established role in the team.
Some of the league’s best talents were not able to fully maximize their careers due to their inability to consistently stay in shape. Often, fans end up wondering what could have been had these hoopers only worked harder than they did.
Top 15 NBA players who struggled with weight during their playing days
#15 Dexter Pittman
Dexter Pittman was listed as 6-9, 290 pounds in his final year with the Texas Longhorns. He reportedly had to lose close to 90 more pounds to play in the NBA.
Pittman, whose NBA draft report showed 308 pounds, was picked 32nd by the Miami Heat. He played just two games in his rookie year and a total of 50 in his career.
@BSSportsbook Dexter Pittman https://t.co/Kiyr6cD7I7
The former Longhorn won a title with LeBron James in 2012 when he played 35 games. His continued struggle with weight cut his career short.
#14 Oliver Miller
Oliver Miller started his career in the NBA weighing 313 pounds. He was a big part of the Phoenix Suns team that reached the 1993 finals behind Charles Barkley. By his sixth season in the league, he was nearly 350 pounds and struggled.
6/24/92 – Future Sun Shaquille O'Neal went 1st overall, & the Phoenix #Suns selected Arkansas C Oliver Miller 22nd overall, passing on Latrell Sprewell who went to GSW 2 picks later. Miller measured at 6-7 3/4 & 313lbs, promising to work out 3x a day that summer. #WeAreTheValley https://t.co/k5WJiNpLss
Miller left the NBA in 2000 to play overseas. He returned for the 2003-04 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring.
#13 Glen Davis
Glen Davis arrived in Boston just after the Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. He became an instant fan favorite because of his contagious energy and hustle.
Celtics fans also couldn’t help but troll him for being obviously overweight. Davis was listed as 6-9, 290 pounds, but analysts and fans could see he must have somewhere around 300 pounds.
Glen Davis gives me hope that one day, i can be an overweight NBA player
After his stint with the Celtics, he went to Orlando and then to Los Angeles with the Clippers before retiring in 2015.