PROSPECT CENTRAL: Prospect-Central: Top 100 Hooper's Never to Play in NBA

Prospect-Central: Top 100 Hooper's Never to Play in NBA

According to current estimates, there've been around 108 billion people to live on earth since the beginning of humanity. Of all those people, roughly 50 billion have been men. And of all those men, there have only been around 4,800 NBA play ers that have ever existed on this planet! As of right now, there are roughly 525 current NBA players give or take, but the number most relevant with this article is 💯.

Are the players listed below the absolute best 100 basketball players of all-time to have never played a single minute in the NBA? I have no idea obviously. But were those same athletes able to play 1 game in the NBA without sticking out like a sore thumb? You're god damn right they were! How good they would have been as NBA players is certainly up for debate, but that's where rankings come into play, so lets give it the old college try shall we.

The Long Shot: Navigating Obstacles on the Way to the NBA

Len Bias: (1963-1986)

Making it to the NBA is often described as a dream, but for many, it remains just that—a dream. The journey from a basketball hopeful to a professional player in the NBA is fraught with challenges, both physical and systemic. Here’s an in-depth look at the hurdles aspiring athletes face in their quest for NBA stardom.

(1) Talent Pool & Competition:

The NBA only has 30 teams, with each team having 15 roster spots, which translates to just 450 professional basketball jobs in one of the most competitive sports globally. Every year, thousands of young athletes from around the world vie for these limited spots. The talent pool is not just vast; it's deep. High school, college, and international players all compete for the same dream. And nearly all of them end up never logging 1-minute in the league.

* High School to College: Most NBA hopefuls play in high school, where only a tiny fraction will transition to college basketball, and even fewer will be noticed by NBA scouts. The leap from high school to college is significant, where players must adapt to a higher level of play, different coaching styles, and often, increased academic demands.

* College vs. G-League & International: Some bypass college for the G-League or international leagues, hoping to gain professional experience earlier. Each path has its merits but also its unique challenges. Cultural adjustments and different competitive environments can be difficult hurdles to overcome for some players.

(2) Physical Demands:

NBA Players & Extraordinary Physical Attributes:

Hank Gathers: (1967-1990)

* Height & Size: While not all players need to be giants, height significantly impacts one's prospects, particularly for positions like center or power forward. The genetic lottery plays a role here, as does the ability to gain and maintain an optimal body composition.

* Athleticism: Speed, agility, strength, and endurance are non-negotiable. NBA players are some of the most athletic individuals on the planet, with workouts tailored to enhance these attributes beyond what most humans can achieve.

* Injury Risk: The physical toll of the sport can lead to injuries that might sideline a player's career before it even starts. Recovery from serious injuries can affect draft prospects or lead to being cut from teams.

(3) Skill Development:

Beyond natural talent, the NBA demands a high level of basketball IQ and skill:

* Basketball Skills: From dribbling and shooting to passing and defense, players must excel in multiple areas. Specialization is less beneficial than versatility, especially for those not at the top of the physical spectrum.

* Mental Toughness: The mental game includes handling pressure, recovering from failures, and maintaining focus over a long season. Psychological resilience is as crucial as physical prowess.

Earl "Goat" Manigault: (1944-1998)

(4) The Draft & Beyond:

* The NBA Draft: Only the elite few make it to the draft. Even then, being drafted doesn't guarantee a spot on an NBA roster. Late-round picks or undrafted players must often prove themselves in summer leagues, training camps, or the G-League.

* Politics & Business: Team needs, coaching preferences, and even business decisions i.e. salary cap management play roles in who gets a chance. Sometimes, talent alone isn't enough; it's about fitting a team's long-term plans first & foremost.

(5) Cultural & Economic:

* Barriers Access to Training: Not all potential stars have access to top-tier coaching, facilities, or the financial backing to pursue basketball seriously from a young age. This barrier can stifle talent before it's fully realized.

* Cultural Representation: There's an ongoing discussion about diversity in the NBA, not just in players but in coaching and management roles, affecting opportunities across different demographics.

Benji Wilson: (1967-1984)

The path to the NBA is a gauntlet, not just of physical and skill-based trials but also of systemic and cultural challenges. For every LeBron James or Stephen Curry, thousands of other aspiring NBA hooper's never see their dreams come to fruition.

Success in this arena requires not only incredible talent & dedication but also a bit of luck, impeccable timing, and sometimes, an unconventional route. It's a testament to human aspiration, where the journey, regardless of the destination, is monumental in its own right & sometimes even more satisfying.

These 💯 players represent just a fraction of the basketball talent that never graced the NBA but still enriched the sport globally. Their stories highlight the diversity of basketball's history and the impact players can have outside the well-trodden path of the NBA. As the saying goes; there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Each of these athletes faced different circumstances that led them away from the NBA, whether by choice, politics, timing, or even death itself, their legacies are no less significant. They remind us that basketball's heart beats on every continent, with heroes celebrated in every language & culture. Basketball is truly a global sport & more likely than not, the NBA will remain a distant dream for so many past, present, & future players. 🏀