James Harden
Harden was drafted third overall in 2009, but he was relegated to a bench role for his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, after being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012, Harden quickly became one of the league's best players, winning three scoring titles and two MVP awards.
Steve Nash
Nash was drafted 15th overall in 1996, and he spent his first seven seasons with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks as a backup point guard. However, after signing with the Suns in 2004, Nash won back-to-back MVP awards and helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2007.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo was drafted 15th overall in 2013, and he was primarily a reserve for his first two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, after developing into an All-Star, Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVP awards and led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021.
Nikola Jokic
Jokic was drafted 41st overall in 2014, and he was a backup center for his first two seasons with the Denver Nuggets. However, after being given a starting role in 2016, Jokic quickly became one of the league's best big men, winning two MVP awards and helping the Nuggets reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
Kobe Bryant
Bryant was drafted 13th overall in 1996, and he was a reserve guard for his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Bryant quickly earned a starting role, and he went on to win five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and one regular season MVP award.
Harden and Nash are the only two players on this list who won MVP awards as bench players. However, Antetokounmpo, Jokic, and Bryant all went on to become MVPs after starting their careers as reserves.
The stories of these five players are all inspiring. They show that even the most unlikely players can achieve great things in the NBA if they work hard and never give up.
Here are some additional details that could be included in the story:
Harden's rise to stardom was fueled by his incredible scoring ability. He averaged 30.1 points per game in his MVP season of 2018-19.
Nash was known for his passing ability. He averaged 11.3 assists per game in his MVP season of 2004-05.
Antetokounmpo's transformation from a skinny teenager to a dominant force in the NBA is one of the most remarkable stories in NBA history.
Jokic is a unique player who combines size, skill, and vision. He averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in his MVP season of 2021-22.
Bryant is one of the most iconic players in NBA history. He is known for his competitive fire and his incredible work ethic.
Kobe Bryant
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