To get into the NBA without being drafted, undrafted players often start by joining a team’s summer league roster, where they can showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the team’s training camp roster. Additionally, players can explore alternative options such as playing in the NBA G League or playing overseas instead of attending college.
These paths provide opportunities for talented players to catch the attention of NBA teams and make it to the league without going through the draft process.
How to Get in the NBA Without Being Drafted
In order to get into the NBA without being drafted, players can consider the following options:
Pathway #1: Play in the G League (D League)
The G League (formerly known as the D League) is the NBA’s official minor league and is directly affiliated with the NBA. It serves as the development league for the NBA by providing emerging players a place to refine their skills against other elite prospects and professionals. There are currently 30 G League teams that each have an agreement with one or more NBA franchises.
Players who sign with a G League team have an opportunity to showcase their game and potentially get a call-up to the NBA. Each NBA team is allowed to call up players on assignment from their affiliated G League squad if needed due to injuries or trades. By dominating in the G League, a player puts themselves in the best position to receive an NBA call-up.
Some past examples of players successfully using the G League pathway to break into the NBA include Tony Snell, Danny Green, Langston Galloway, and Alex Caruso. Other current NBA contributors like Jared Dudley and Reggie Jackson also spent time developing their craft in the G League before making an NBA roster. With the G League providing a direct avenue to the NBA, many former undrafted hopefuls have proven themselves at that level.
Pathway #2: Play Professional Basketball Overseas
Outside of the U.S., there are several strong professional basketball leagues globally, namely in Europe, China, Australia, and South America. Leagues like the EuroLeague in Europe feature highly competitive ex-NCAA and former NBA talent. For players unsigned by NBA teams, gaining professional experience overseas serves as an alternate route to further develop their game against high levels of competition.
International experience is also highly valued by NBA franchises. Many general managers see overseas leagues as worthy proving grounds and scour them for talent that may have been overlooked stateside. Players who dominate abroad gain the attention of NBA scouts, especially if they display expanded offensive or defensive skills.
Some notable examples of players who leveraged international experience into NBA careers include Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Nikola Jokic. More recently, Luka Doncic was drafted high after successes in Europe. Overseas veterans like Lou Williams and Marc Gasol also re-established themselves as NBA-worthy after returning from abroad. Going professional outside the U.S. keeps the NBA dream alive for unsigned prospects.
Pathway #3: Make an NBA Summer/Training Camp Roster
Every NBA offseason, teams will sign players to non-guaranteed camp contracts to attend and participate in preseason training camps and exhibition games. These camp invites allow franchises to evaluate new talent up close during extensive workouts and 5-on-5 scrimmages. Due to the intensive nature of NBA camps, they serve as tryouts for those hoping to impress an organization.
It is imperative that camp invitees stand out in every aspect if they wish to earn a fully guaranteed regular-season contract. Players must show off their skills while competing hard against others vying for roster spots. Strong preseason performances that demonstrate tangible skills are what persuade teams to hire unsigned prospects.
Several former undrafted players have parlayed successful summer league and training camp showings into full-time NBA careers. Examples include Joe Ingles, Isaiah Thomas, Jonathan Simmons, and Jared Dudley. By making the most of camp opportunities, longshot hopefuls can open doors to becoming lasting NBA contributors. Staying ready to seize the moment is key for those entering the league through this route.
Pathway #4: Earn a Two-Way Contract
A relatively new addition to NBA roster flexibility is the two-way contract. Introduced in the 2017-18 season, two-way contracts allow teams to have two extra players on the roster in addition to the 15-man regular-season limit. These players can spend up to 45 days with their NBA team and shuttle between the NBA and G League.
The two-way system provides a valuable development opportunity for young talents. It allows players to experience NBA action and culture while primarily playing many minutes in the G League. Practicing daily with an NBA squad alongside occasional call-ups provides invaluable experience.
Two examples of players who used two-way contracts as a stepping stone include Charlie Brown Jr. and Alex Caruso. Both showed well as two-way players which led to full NBA contracts. Other current NBAers like Lonnie Walker IV and rookie Jalen McDaniels earned their way to the league through initial two-way pacts. As two-way contracts continue growing in prevalence, they will likely serve as a prominent pathway to the NBA for undisclosed prospects.
Pathway #5: Sign Mid-Season as an Injury Replacement
No NBA roster is safe from the injury bug over an 82-game season. Teams regularly incur injuries that open up short-term roster spots and keep extra players ready on the sidelines. Through what is known as 10-day contracts, teams can sign readily available free agents to help fill immediate needs.
For those waiting for an NBA chance, it’s crucial to stay prepared. By staying in shape and dominating whenever practicing with teams, replacement players put themselves in a prime position the moment a call comes. Once signed, a strong 10-day showing could earn an extension and realize NBA dreams.
Notable examples of players waiting patiently include Michael Redd, Mike Bibby, and more recently Jeremy Lin. Undrafted big man Moses Brown seized his chance last season by playing so well as an injury replacement that he was signed for the rest of the campaign. Staying ready to replace the injured is how some have parlayed brief opportunities into full-fledged NBA careers.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Get In The NBA Without Being Drafted
Can Anyone Enter the NBA Draft?
To enter the NBA draft, a player must be at least 19 years old and one NBA season must have passed since their high school graduation.
How To Get Into The NBA Without School?
One way to get into the NBA without school is through the NBA G League or playing overseas.
How Do I Join The NBA?
To join the NBA, you can start by getting invited to a team’s summer league roster to showcase your skills. From there, you may earn a spot on the team’s training camp roster. Undrafted players often take this path to make it to the NBA.
Conclusion
As evidenced by the numerous pathways detailed above, getting to the NBA no longer strictly requires being drafted. There are now multiple proven routes for undrafted players to achieve their professional hoop dreams. Between thriving in the G League development system, seeking opportunities overseas, impressing in NBA summer leagues and camps, securing two-way contracts, or waiting for an injury replacement call-up, unsigned prospects have more potential avenues than ever.
However, no path is easy and each requires an immense amount of effort, persistence, and performance when opportunities do arise. Players must grind and maximize any chance provided, whether with G League showcase games, brief 10-day tryouts, or offseason minicamp invites. Staying ready and seizing moments is crucial as the road is long and fortunes can change in an instant.
For those undrafted but still desiring to reach the NBA summit, the lesson is simple – keep working, keep getting better, and the basketball gods may just reward those who never stop grinding. The doors are more open than in past eras. For those willing to put in relentless work when others might give up, basketball dreams absolutely can still come true.
Jim Paul, a seasoned basketball enthusiast, and player, discovered his profound love for the game during high school. Now, as a dedicated blogger for Slam Sage, Jim channels his on-court experience and passion for writing to provide readers with insightful and expert analysis of all things basketball. With his captivating blog posts, Jim aims to share his knowledge, inspire fellow basketball enthusiasts, and contribute to the vibrant community that surrounds the fantastic sport of basketball.