Forgotten NBA Legends: Where Are They Now?

Not every player who reaches the NBA will have a remarkable career, but that doesn’t mean they’re easily forgotten. While some players may not have reached superstar status, they left behind memorable moments, earning a special place in the annals of basketball lore. This article takes a look at a few players whose careers may not have gone as planned but who still made their mark in unforgettable ways. So, what are these former NBA players up to now?

Jeremy Lin: The Original Sensation

Jeremy Lin burst onto the scene during the 2011-2012 NBA season, going undrafted in 2010 but quickly rising to stardom. His short-lived yet electrifying period, dubbed “Linsanity,” will be remembered even a century from now. For a few weeks, Lin became one of the most captivating guards in the league, reviving a struggling New York Knicks team.

After the Knicks, Lin went on to secure a substantial contract with the Houston Rockets, and from there, he played for various teams, including the Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors. Although he struggled with injuries that impacted his longevity in the NBA, Lin continued his career internationally, playing in the Chinese Basketball Association and, most recently, professionally in Taiwan.

Jimmer Fredette: The BYU Star

Known for his incredible shooting prowess during his college years at BYU, Jimmer Fredette was compared to a mini Steph Curry. Selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette’s transition to the NBA wasn’t as smooth as anticipated. After a brief stint with the Sacramento Kings and other NBA teams, he found his niche in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he became an unstoppable scorer.

Fredette once scored 73 points in a game and even won the CBA MVP award, averaging over 37 points per game. In 2019, he briefly returned to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns. Recently, he’s shifted to three-on-three basketball, even representing Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. Though they didn’t qualify for the knockout stages, Fredette remains a legend in both the CBA and three-on-three circuits.

Anthony Bennett: A First Pick That Didn’t Pan Out

In 2013, Anthony Bennett was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, a year before LeBron James returned to the team. However, Bennett’s career didn’t pan out as expected, as he struggled from the start and was traded after only one season in Cleveland. He then bounced around between the Timberwolves, Raptors, and Nets, even spending time in the G League.

Bennett also played internationally in Australia, Italy, and the Philippines. While he’s no longer in the NBA, he’s still pursuing a professional career, though he currently remains unsigned. Despite being labeled as a “draft bust,” Bennett’s journey underscores the unpredictability of the NBA Draft.

LiAngelo Ball: The Forgotten Ball Brother

As the middle Ball brother, LiAngelo didn’t have the same impact as Lonzo or LaMelo, both top-three picks in their respective drafts. Although he went undrafted in 2018, LiAngelo had brief stints with the Lakers and the G League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He showed flashes of potential, but his development didn’t mirror his brothers’.

LiAngelo also played internationally in Lithuania and Australia, and he’s recently signed with a league in Mexico. Though he may not have reached NBA stardom, he remains in the public eye thanks to the Ball family’s enduring popularity and his occasional appearances in professional basketball.

Michael Carter-Williams: The Fading Rookie of the Year

After an impressive college career at Syracuse, Michael Carter-Williams was selected 11th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2013 NBA Draft. He won Rookie of the Year, but his success was short-lived. Despite his initial triple-double performances, the 76ers quickly moved him to the Milwaukee Bucks. He then played for teams like the Bulls, Hornets, and Magic but struggled to find a long-term fit.

Recently, he signed with a Mexican league in 2023, but there hasn’t been much news about him since. Carter-Williams’ career highlights the challenges of sustaining NBA success, even after a promising start.

Roy Hibbert: From Defensive Anchor to YouTuber

Drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2008 and traded to the Indiana Pacers, Roy Hibbert was a defensive powerhouse in his prime. His contributions were pivotal for the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. Hibbert’s towering presence and defensive skills redefined the center position for a few years. However, his inability to adapt to the league’s shift towards faster, more mobile big men led to a quick decline.

After brief stints with the Lakers, Hornets, and Nuggets, Hibbert retired in 2017. Now, he’s turned to YouTube, where he shares insights and experiences from his NBA days. Hibbert’s journey underscores the volatility of an NBA career and the importance of adapting to the league’s evolving landscape.

Lance Stephenson: The Unpredictable Showman

Known for his flashy, unpredictable style, Lance Stephenson made his mark with the Indiana Pacers during the early 2010s. He was part of the team’s core that challenged LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the playoffs. Stephenson’s game was a blend of skill, tenacity, and flair, often making him a fan favorite. However, he was inconsistent, often bouncing between teams.

After his time with the Pacers, Stephenson played for the Clippers, Hornets, and Pelicans, among others. His career also took him overseas to China, where he continued to be a highlight-reel player. Despite his up-and-down NBA journey, Stephenson remains a memorable figure in the league, proving that lasting impressions aren’t solely based on statistics.

Conclusion

The stories of these players serve as reminders that success in the NBA doesn’t always translate into long-term fame. Each of these players had their moments in the spotlight, and though their careers may not have panned out as expected, they’ve found other ways to make their mark. From YouTube channels to overseas leagues, they’ve shown that there’s life after the NBA and that being memorable is just as significant as being great.