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

Dallas Mavericks Next Dirk Novitvitzki (41) reacts to make a basket with three points in the game against new eagle pelicans in the center of American Airlines. Dallas at 107-98.
Tim Heitman-USA Sports Today

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.

Milvaukee Bucks Next Giannis Antetokounpo (34) During the game five of the first round for the playoffs at 2024. NBA against Indiana Pacer at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkovski-USA Todai Sports

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.

New York Knicks Power forward amar'e Stoudemire (center) is gripped between Cliveland Cavaliers, Little Next Luke Valton (left) and Tristan Thompson (13) in the third quarter in the third quarter of the third quarter in the third quarter.
David Richard-United States Today Sport

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.

San Antonio Spurs performed by the head coach Tim Duncan stands in the field during the second half against Charlotte Hornet in Centurum Spectrum.
Jeremy Brevard-United States Today Sport

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.

Former Houston Rocket Center Hakeem Olajuvon speaks to reporters before play between players Houston and Magic Orlando at the Toyota Center.
Erik Williams-USA Today Sport

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.

Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel EmbiId (21) looks at the third quarter against Boston Celtics in Wells Fargo Center.
Bill Strewicher-USA Sports Today

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

Houston Rocket Guard Steve Francis shoots free throw on Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The rockets were defeated by Lakers 99-87.
Kirby Lee-USA Sports today

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 NBA former Dikembe Mutombo is a photograph in the Red Carpet before the 2017 NBA award in the Basketball City on Pier 36.
Brad Penner-USA Today Sport

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.

Indiana Pacens Next Pascal Siakam (43) reaches the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder, during the first half of the match, seven of 1525 NBA finals in the center of Pacom Center.
Kyle Terada-USA Sports Today

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

Former Chicago Bulls Dennis Rodman before the game in the United Center.
David Banks-USA Todai Sports

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

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