NBA Franchise Icons Who Went Undrafted

Although he won the 1974 NCAA championship, Walton went undrafted in 1974 because the ABA's Kentucky Colonels signed him first. He later joined the Portland Trail Blazers, winning Finals MVP and helping them capture the NBA title in 1977 as a true franchise cornerstone.

One of the greatest centers in history, Olajuwon was not drafted in 1984 due to a mix of poor team options and his status as an international prospect. He joined the Houston Rockets, leading them to back-to-back championships and establishing himself as the face of the franchise.

Stockton went undrafted in 1984 after his college career at Gonzaga, yet he became the defining point guard for the Utah Jazz. His unparalleled longevity and records for assists and steals made him the central figure of the Jazz's identity for over 19 seasons.

Despite a highly successful college career at Arizona, Kerr went undrafted in 1988. He became a legendary three-point shooter and clutch performer for the Chicago Bulls, winning three championships and later becoming a celebrated coach while remaining a beloved figure in NBA history.

Harper went undrafted in 1986 but quickly proved his worth with the Cleveland Cavaliers before becoming a key two-way player for the Chicago Bulls. He was instrumental in the team's second three-peat, anchoring the defense alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

This towering shot-blocker from Sudan went undrafted in 1985 due to concerns about his shooting and basketball IQ. He became a defensive force for the Washington Bullets and Philadelphia 76ers, leading the league in blocks twice and becoming a beloved international icon.

Laimbeer went undrafted in 1982 but became the gritty heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons' 'Bad Boys' era. His toughness and clutch shooting were vital to the team's back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, defining a physical style of play for the franchise.

Legend has it Russell was undrafted because the Boston Celtics already had their center, but he actually went undrafted in 1956 before signing with Boston. He became the ultimate winner, leading the Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons and redefining the center position for generations.

Often confused as undrafted, Kareem was actually drafted, so this entry is incorrect. Instead, consider Robert Parish, who went undrafted in 1976 but became a foundational pillar for the Boston Celtics, winning three championships and serving as a mentor to younger stars on the team.

Willis went undrafted in 1984 but carved out a historic longevity career, playing 21 seasons. He served as a key veteran presence for teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors, providing leadership and scoring during their respective competitive periods.

Rodman went undrafted in 1986 after a brief college career at Southeastern Oklahoma State. He became a defensive anomaly and rebounding machine, most notably as a franchise icon for the Detroit Pistons and later a key piece of the Chicago Bulls' dynasty.

Worthy was the first overall pick, so he does not fit. A better example is Rick Barry, who refused to join the NBA draft initially, playing in the ABA. He eventually joined the Golden State Warriors, winning a championship in 1975 and becoming the face of the franchise.

Malone entered the ABA directly from high school and was not drafted in the NBA Draft initially. He became a dominant force for teams like the Houston Rockets, winning three MVP awards and establishing himself as one of the league's most relentless rebounders and scorers.

Ewing was the first overall pick, so he is excluded. Instead, look at Charles Oakley, who went undrafted in 1985. He became a defensive stalwart and leader for the New York Knicks, playing a crucial role in their deep playoff runs during the 1990s.

Barkley was drafted 5th overall, so he is excluded. A true undrafted icon is Horace Grant, who went undrafted in 1987. He became a key starter for the Orlando Magic before joining the Chicago Bulls, winning three championships and anchoring their frontcourt.

Mutombo went undrafted in 1991 but immediately made an impact with the Denver Nuggets, winning Rookie of the Year. He later became a franchise icon for the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, renowned for his shot-blocking and finger-wagging celebration.

Thomas was drafted 2nd overall, so he is excluded. Consider Joe Dumars, who was drafted 18th overall. A better undrafted example is Mark Jackson, who went undrafted in 1987 and became the primary ball-handler and leader for the Golden State Warriors during a turbulent era.

Starks went undrafted in 1990 but became a gritty, high-energy scoring guard for the New York Knicks. His defensive intensity and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the Knicks' 1999 NBA Championship run under Jeff Van Gundy.

Reeves was drafted 4th overall, so he is excluded. An undrafted defensive specialist is Ron Artest (Metta World Peace), who went undrafted in 1999. He became a franchise icon for the Indiana Pacers, winning Defensive Player of the Year and leading them to the 2000 Finals.

Rice was drafted 4th overall, so he is excluded. Consider Danny Manning, who was drafted 1st overall. A true undrafted story is that of Jeff Hornacek, who went undrafted in 1986 and became a sharpshooting leader for the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, known for his efficiency.

Pippen was drafted 5th overall, so he is excluded. A notable undrafted role player is Terry Porter, who went undrafted in 1985. He became the steady point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, leading them to the 1992 NBA Finals alongside Clyde Drexler.