1. Neil Johnston
Johnston played two years of basketball at Ohio State, but he was also playing baseball. The 6’8 big man decided to pursue baseball and played three years in the minor leagues before a 1951 tryout for the Philadelphia Warriors brought him to the NBA.
It was a slow start as a rookie after not playing basketball for three years, but Johnston led the league in scoring in year two as he made his first of six straight All-Star appearances. Johnston scored over 22 points for five consecutive years and led the Warriors to their second championship in franchise history in 1956.
The 6’8 big man was known for his hook shot as he made five All-NBA appearances and led the league in rebounding in 1955. Neil Johnston was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, and he is arguably the greatest undrafted player in NBA history.
The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to finding undrafted gems. The Miami Heat get the most credit for their work here, but the Dubs can hold their own against anybody. It was helped them win multiple championships, and it is something their front office must continue to value if they want to remain an elite franchise. Will they? Stay tuned to find out.
7 Players the Golden State Warriors gave up on way too soon
The Golden State Warriors have one of the most storied histories in the league. Legends such as Wilt Chamberlain have graced the uniform.