Every NBA Draft is filled with talent. The 2014 NBA Draft, though, was stocked with even more than usual. From the first pick on down, every single player selected can play basketball at the highest level. Aside from superb skills, one other attribute the Draft class shares is a dogged work ethic. All of the guys, no matter where they’re from, persevered to make the League and are willing to redouble their efforts to excel now that they’re in it. To that end, we spoke with some of the most promising rookies about their winding roads to the NBA. #LetsElevate
We kicked it with Orlando Magic rookie Elfrid Payton, who was reared right outside New Orleans. Elfrid may have spent his college career at a small program, but he’s definitely thinking big about what’s next. Learn even more about Elfrid’s path to the pros by reading his SLAM feature here.
We got to talk to Miami Heat rookie Shabazz Napier, the Most Outstanding Player in last season’s NCAA Tournament, about his humble beginnings in Roxbury, MA, and the way he has fought to achieve his dream. For more from our day with Shabazz, read our feature story here.
We hung out with Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Zach LaVine, who calmly threw down some sick, 360-degree dunks before breaking down his highly focused mentality. Read our full story on Zach’s journey to the League by clicking here.
Directed by Travis Satten / Produced by ApK
