In the NBA, there seems to be little connection between benchwarmers and superstars, which is mostly true in most cases.
Establishing oneself in the NBA is no easy feat, while superstars often shine brightly and are always the center of attention.
However, the NBA is also a place where miracles happen, as long as you're willing to work hard, miracles can be achieved.
Some superstars initially started as bench players, and they achieved their rise through their hard work.
This process is undoubtedly challenging, so far, only five players in the NBA have accomplished this.
5- Steve Nash
Nash was initially not highly regarded; he had average physical attributes, and his organizing talent was not yet evident.
It wasn't until he was traded and returned to the Suns that he demonstrated dominance.
He was a growth-type star, both in terms of statistics and physical qualities.
Upon returning to the Suns, Nash became one of the league's best point guards, winning two MVPs and leading the team with his "Seven Seconds or Less" style of play, elevating his teammates' performances as well.
Although Nash's career didn't capture a championship, and his stats weren't dazzling, overall, his status is quite reasonable.
4- James Harden
You might not like Harden, but you have to admit his prowess; he's definitely a superstar.
He's won the scoring title three times, an MVP once, and has been selected to the All-Star team six times.
Though he hasn't won a championship, his Hall of Fame status is unquestionable, and the Rockets will surely retire his jersey.
Before this, he was just a bench player for the Thunder, overshadowed by Durant and Westbrook.
But he staged a comeback after joining the Rockets; his offensive prowess made opponents fear him, to the extent that the league even modified rules to limit his scoring.
If he can win another championship before retiring, his historical status will greatly increase.
3- Nikola Jokic
Jokic is an unprecedented player; he has almost no athleticism but has shown dominance in the NBA.
His fundamentals are solid, and his basketball IQ is high; he almost averages a triple-double every season.
He is the lowest-drafted MVP in history, which speaks volumes about how little he was initially regarded.
Now, he has won MVP and Finals MVP, consistently ranking among the league leaders in advanced stats; he can be said to be the best center today.
If he can garner more honors in the future, he's likely to enter the top five centers in history.
2- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is one of the most powerful players currently; he possesses both offensive and defensive capabilities, being one of the few players to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in a single season.
Initially, he was developed as a wing defender until he met Kidd, after which he underwent a drastic transformation.
Now, his honors are abundant, his stats are explosive, and his competitiveness is strong; his historical status can already rival that of the top twenty players in history.
1- Kobe Bryant
Of course, the top spot belongs to Kobe; he dominated an era.
Despite many excellent guards in his era, Kobe's brilliance was unmatched.
He was not only skilled in both offense and defense but also had impressive stats, winning five championships, being selected to the All-Star team eleven times, making the All-NBA Team nine times, and winning the scoring title twice.
From 2000 to 2010, he was the strongest guard; no other player could compare to him.
Wherever and whenever, Kobe is universally recognized as second only to Jordan among guards.
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