Old topic. New post.Top 10 Self-Made Men of the NBAThe ideal of the "self-made man" is one that America holds dear. The following 10 Self-Made Men are shining examples of this in the NBA ... nothing was handed to them in their professional basketball lives. No name recognition from being a high draft pick. No endorsements. No guaranteed contract. No patience ... period. They either had to perform or pack their bags. And the NBA is a better place for these guys and the tireless commitment they showed in building themselves into something. 1) Earl Boykins, Denver NuggetsThe ultimate 5-foot-nothing that NBA GMs saw as halftime entertainment and not good enough for the real show. Sure, Boykins always got attention, but it was the condescending acclaim no man would want. Boykins bounced around the League for years -- always producing in limited minutes, but never shaking the novelty. But Earl kept coming, sculpting himself and tightening up his shot to the day where the laughs were on every team who passed him off as an oddity.2) Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs"Nice" is no rung on the ladder to the top and Bowen's enemy-making antics on the court would make Donald Trump take notes. That's the way it goes for a guy like Bowen, whose skills are surpassed by every NBA baller and a lot more who can't figure out how to get in the League. Bowen punched his ticket with defense; his incendiary cover skills have made him a household name -- one preceded by curse words, but a household name, nonetheless.3) Ben Wallace, Detroit PistonsWallace has given a generation of ballplayers, who've been told they're not good enough, reason to believe that hard work still counts for something in pro basketball. Wallace proved you don't have to be 7-feet tall to rebound, you don't have to have crazy hops to block shots and you don't have to score 30 points to dominate a game. Wallace's mind and body are the strongest in the game -- years of bouncing back from having your job given to someone else will do that to you.Click HERE to read about the other 7 players.
I agree with everything except stephen jackson.All the shots are handed to him and you know what? he never ever makes them. never.
I remember when you used to post like 3-4 topics in the raptors forum when no1 was posting there in the offseason lolanyways back on topic again:Kirk Hinrich, he wasnt expected much from when he was drafted that same year as Lebrons crew, and he has showed up big, the Bulls need him in the rotation and made himself a name in the NBA
where is tim thomas on this list? but seriously, I think wally szczerbiak deserves some recognition. he's a guy with no natural athletic ability at all, and he finds a way to become an all-star. pretty impressive.
I remember watching him in Minnesota, he was their only scorer other than KG, when he was a FA (was he? or did I get him mixed up?) you wouldn't believe how many times I prayed for teh raps to pick up this guy, im sure today colangelo would have, but Ainge did it first you could say.
Where is Avery Johnson on this list? I dont know about you guys, but Avery Johnson should be tops unless this is current players only. Even at that, he's still a coach. He should be number 1 on everyone's list. Came from a small school named Southern University and A&M College. Was undrafted in 1988. Played his fair share of time in the smaller leagues and finally made it to the NBA. While in the NBA he fought in practice to get time on the court. He eventually became the starter for San Antonio and was an integral piece of the puzzle for the 1999 Champion Spurs. Did all this and never once averaged more than 14 points in a season. Ran the offense for the Spurs very well. Was born to coach as well. I cant praise Johnson enough as a player and coach.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Nov 6 2006, 01:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I remember when you used to post like 3-4 topics in the raptors forum when no1 was posting there in the offseason lolanyways back on topic again:Kirk Hinrich, he wasnt expected much from when he was drafted that same year as Lebrons crew, and he has showed up big, the Bulls need him in the rotation and made himself a name in the NBA</div> Kirk Hinrich was an all-american, led his team to the final four and was a top 5 draft pick. He was talented from the start.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pjcolpitts? @ Nov 6 2006, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Where is Avery Johnson on this list? I dont know about you guys, but Avery Johnson should be tops unless this is current players only. Even at that, he's still a coach. He should be number 1 on everyone's list. Came from a small school named Southern University and A&M College. Was undrafted in 1988. Played his fair share of time in the smaller leagues and finally made it to the NBA. While in the NBA he fought in practice to get time on the court. He eventually became the starter for San Antonio and was an integral piece of the puzzle for the 1999 Champion Spurs. Did all this and never once averaged more than 14 points in a season. Ran the offense for the Spurs very well. Was born to coach as well. I cant praise Johnson enough as a player and coach.</div>I'm pretty sure this is current players only. charles barkley would probably be on the list too if it were all-time.
I think, if what I know is right (which I might have been told false information), that Steve Nash should be on that list. He almost didn't make the Suns roster when he was drafted (which might not be right....this is what I was told) and he had to work hard to get good enough to play as a starter.
<span style="font-family:Tahoma">I like that list. Gilbert Arenas ought to be ranked higher, though, in my opinion. However, I still agree with that list.</span>
