What NBA players started late?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 22, 2026
10 NBA Players Who Started Playing Basketball Late: Dennis Rodman Began Playing At 21 Years Old
- Dennis Rodman - 21 Years Old.
- Mark Eaton - 20 Years Old. ...
- Dikembe Mutombo - 17 Years Old. ...
- Pascal Siakam - 17 Years Old. ...
- Steve Francis - 16 Years Old. ...
- Hakeem Olajuwon - 15 Years Old. ...
- Joel Embiid - 15 Years Old. ...
Which NBA players started playing late?
7 NBA Stars Who Started Playing Basketball Late
- Dennis Rodman. This basketball player is one of the most dominant players. ...
- Dirk Nowitzki. This guy was clumsy and slow, so nobody expected he would become an NBA player. ...
- Tim Duncan. ...
- Joel Embiid. ...
- Mark Eaton. ...
- Hakeem Olajuwon. ...
- Dikembe Mutombo.
What age is too late to start basketball?
Basketball is an amazing sport that can be played at any age. It's not too late to start playing basketball when you're 13 years old. There are benefits of playing basketball early, such as learning the game and developing your skills much earlier than playing when you are older.
Can I learn basketball at 16?
No, it is never too late to start a new hobby! Well, the answer actually hinges on whether you want to play professionally or as an amateur player (like me). If you want to play as a professional basketball player, then I am sorry to tell you it is really late to begin learning it, let alone excelling in it.
What is the oldest age to join the NBA?
No player may sign with the NBA until they are 18 years or older. Players who have played at least one year of college basketball are eligible for the NBA draft; this has been colloquially called the one-and-done rule, with such players called "one-and-done players".
19 related questions foundHow old is bronny?
Bronny James is a 17-year-old point guard for Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California and is considered one of the country's best prospects in his age group. He would be eligible for the NBA draft in 2024 when his father will be 39.
What age did Jordan retire?
Michael Jordan retires at the age of 40 for the third and final time after an illustrious basketball career. He finishes with 15 points in 28 minutes of a loss by the Washington Wizards to the 76ers in Philadelphia.
Can I start basketball at 18?
No it's not too late, but it is later than probably 95% of NBA players began. But you need to know that virtually any pro player who had a goal of one day making the NBA back when he was your age had already been playing for years.
Is it too late to start a sport at 15?
If your child simply wants to try a new sport, or play it for fun, it's never too late.
What age did LeBron start playing basketball?
The young athlete began playing football for a local team. Then, at nine years old, he picked up a basketball at the behest of his football coach, Frank Walker. The leader had noticed LeBron's talent during a pickup game in his backyard.
Can I start playing basketball at 19?
It is never too late to play any sport - PERIOD. The same applies for basketball.
Can u start playing basketball at 17?
Is it theoretically possible? Yes, there have been a few people who have made it to the NBA while starting to play very late in life.
Can you play basketball at 60 years old?
Basketball, at least full-court play, is not generally considered a lifelong sport. It's rare for many people to play regularly – and consistently – into their 50s, much less 60s and 70s. Birrer doesn't care. He has no secret other than to keep playing, at least three days a week with younger ballers.
At what age did Giannis start playing basketball?
Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut on October 13, 2013, at the age of 18 years, 311 days, as one of the youngest NBA players ever.
What NBA player didn't play high school?
Dennis Rodman and Eddie Robinson are the only two U.S. NBA players who didn't play high school basketball. Rodman had a growth spurt after high school that led him to the NBA. Robinson was good in high school but had too much trouble to play. Others like Steve Francis and Mark Eaton barely played in high school.
Can I start sports at 16?
No, you can start easily when you are 16. Depends a bit on the sport though. Just train 6 days a week 3-5 hours a day and you can reach anything within 5 years.
Is 17 too late to start a sport?
Takes 5-10 years of proper training to make Olympic standard. 17-18 is definitely not too late for most sports.
What sport should I start at 14?
Lifelong and Leisure Sports
The American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children website suggests lifetime or lifelong sports such as golf, jogging, tennis, skiing or biking that will give your teen plenty of physical activity right now and for years to come.
Is 19 too late to start sports?
Recreationally it is never too late until you physically can not compete at the lowest level you would enjoy playing. Beyond recreationally, 19 is not a realistic age in any environment to begin playing and then expect to be competitive on a competitive level.
Is it too late to start sports 18?
No, it is not too late. Professional athlete merely means that Someone Pays you to play that sport. It does Not mean that you can quit your job(s) and rely upon that sport to support you and your family.
How do you become a pro basketball player?
How to Become a Pro NBA Basketball Player
- Develop Exceptional Skill. By joining a good developmental team at a young age, you can learn to dribble, pass, shoot, set picks, rebound and defend at a high level. ...
- Seek Elite Competition. ...
- Get Faster, Stronger, More Agile. ...
- Raise Your Profile. ...
- Keep Polishing Your Game.
What did Michael Jordan average at age 37?
He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals in 1,072 regular-season games. He was selected to play in 14 All-Star games. He won the Rookie of the Year award, 1 Defensive Player of the Year award, 5 MVP awards, 6 Finals MVP awards and 6 NBA championships.
Why is Jordan the number 23?
Why why was Michael Jordan number 23? Michael Jordan chose to have number 23 as his jersey number when he played for Laney High School in North Carolina. It is believed that he choose the number because it was half the number of his brother Larry who wore 45.