10 NBA stars that learned basketball late
More often than not, NBA players usually learn how to play basketball in youth. Great way to master sports is the beginning early. But as the saying goes, it’s never too late to start something new. In fact, there is a handful of NBA stars that actually held basketball already in relation to their teenagers. Here’s a look at 10 NBA stars that learned basketball late.
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10. Dirk Novitzki – 13

It was only in the first teenager of Dirk Novitzki He began to learn basketball Despite his mother, there is part of the West German national basketball team. Originally, Novitzki was in handball and tennis, but it was a basketball that hooked it. Quick duration for more years, Novitzki became one of the largest basketball players who came out of Europe. He deserved one NBA MVP, the NBA title and the MVP final in his glorious career.

Growing up in Greece as immigrants, life was heavy Giannis antetokounpu and family. Dealing with poverty, Giannis did everything he could help parents selling goods on the streets. However, he found an escape in sports, especially football and basketball.
As he originally preferred first, thanks to the Spiros Welliniatis coach, he managed to convince Greek freak. Despite the study of sports for 13 years, Giannis’ size and athletics were key ingredients to help him succeed in the NBA. Throw his hard combat spirit, he cemented as a certified superstar.
8.

Amar’e Stoudemire was certainly not easy. His father passed early, as his mother dealt with legal issues. As a result, a large 6-foot man was forced to transfer to different high schools. But it was when he was 14People discovered that he had a future in the sport of basketball. Stoudemire has become a force to contact the NBA, earned six performances in the game of all stars.

Welcoming from the American virgin island, the first love of the Duncan team swam. In fact, he even trained that the Olympic swimmer while hurricane Hugo hit Hit St. Croik. With his fear for sea dogs, Duncan decided to try basketball instead of 14 years. After that, he continued to become probably Best San Antonio in Franchise History. He helped spurs win five NBA titles to go along with the returnee on the back.

Growing up in Nigeria, Hakeem Olayuvon at first wanted to stop football, primarily as a goalkeeper. But when he was 15, the love of Olayuvin started to be transferred towards basketball. However, The skills he learned from football came well As it allows him to develop in the NBA history in the best finish great man, thanks to the Iconic Shake dreams. Olayuvon continued to run Houston rockets to return NBA titles.

Like Olajuvon, Joel EmbiId was another African look that possessed a great height. But it was originally in Ejeli Women’s play volleyball. While it was until he watched Video Olaywon who made him transfer his interest in basketball, when he was already 15, the same age that his idol took sports. Later later, Egidels were as an elite center in the NBA, won the NBA MVP 2023 award.
4. Steve Francis – 16

Due to problem life on the streetsIt took a little while before Steve Francis to raise his life. Fortunately, in his free time, Francis found his love for basketball simply shooting the ball when he was 16 years old. It is surprisingly that only two games played in the middle school basketballs in the career.
Fortunately, he was aua coach Tony Langley who convinced him to use sports as a means of poverty. After he finished Ged, Francis took advantage of the vacancy for San Jacinto College. Fast advanced year later, Francis succeeded in the NBA, she earned three performances of all stars matches.
3. Sexuality – 16

The late Dikembe Mutobo is considered one of the best defense centers in the history of the NBA. But believed or not, Mutombo found out the basketball quite late. Originally, He targeted to be a doctor. In terms of sports, football and martial arts were interested. However, with his father and brother and brother convincing him to take up basketball, he opened the door for Mutobs of the NBA dream. The large man of 7 feet dominated the league, which pointed out four NBA defensive players award in the year.

Given how good Pascal Siakam is in the NBA, it is hard to believe that He taught basketball for only 17 years. Originally, Siakam did not train for basketball, but actually actually was purified to enter the clergy. To make things more interesting, his heart was more to football.
But after entering the basketball camp organized by the NBA Veteran Luc Mbah a Moute, it was found in different calls. Siakam ended up as a choice of the first round, helping the Toronto Raptor to win the NBA 2019 championship. Before becoming a solemn forces forward.
1. Dennis Rodman – 21

It’s crazy to think someone will do the NBA after learning to play basketball for 21 years. However, it was just a unique story about polarizing Dennis Rodman. Although she looked like a roman looked like a lost child, especially after a problematic household, his interest in basketball changed his life.
Although Rodman’s Antics never stopped when he was in the NBA, no one could deny his defensive influence, which pointed out two NBA defensive awards player and five NBA Championships.
2025-07-18 17:20:00







