Everyone knows that the NBA is usually quite focused on the young up-and-coming stars who show a lot of promise and output straight out of the gate.
France’s Victor Wembanyama is currently an example of that: the league is very hot on the rising star because he will be ready to dominate games right away and could be an All-Star in his very first season.
There is much to be said about players who are prepared to run the league in their rookie years.
Devin Booker didn’t start a game
in collegeSteph Curry didn’t make the All-Star game till 25
Kawhi Leonard didn’t average 20+ PPG till his 5th season
Kyle Lowry didn’t make the All Star till 28
Jimmy Butler went to Junior College
Everyone blossoms at their own speed 🌻
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) October 5, 2022
However, not everyone has to be so successful initially.
NBA writer Ben Stinar pointed out some facts that are often forgotten about a few of the biggest names in the game.
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns didn’t start a single game in college, and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors didn’t make an All-Star game until the age of 25.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard didn’t average more than 20 points a game until his fifth season while Kyle Lowry didn’t become an All-Star until 28.
Perhaps most impressively, Jimmy Butler attended school at a junior college.
Greatness doesn’t look the same for everyone and sometimes the most promising stars don’t have the flashiest starts.
Success In Various Forms
Some players, like Wembanyama or LeBron James, are ready to become the league’s biggest names right away.
Others take their time but their success is still just as impressive.
In fact, it’s even more impressive in some ways because it comes not only with skill but with determination.
Any player who makes it in the league will attest that no one can be a great player without drive and steadfast determination.
Skill is obviously crucial but so is a belief in self and a desire to never give up.
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