NBA Legends Who Came From Literally Nothing

In this video, we take a look at NBA legends who came from nothing. Tragic childhoods, living in poverty...these NBA players went above and beyond to live out their dreams. How did they overcome everything? Hope you enjoy!
I make all kinds of NBA videos which include analysis, player stories, countdowns, and mysteries. Make sure to leave a like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video!
► Instagram: @Andy93y
► Twitter: @AndyHoopsYT
► Music:
On The Cool Side by Kevin MacLeod
Eternity by Kevin MacLeod
Available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. Find all of his songs and download them for free here: incompetech.com
► Sources:
Stats and box-scores from Basketball-Reference.com
sports.jrank.org/pages/2214/I...
www.sportscasting.com/dwyane-...
web.archive.org/web/201309300...
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9...
#nba

[@Zaghzackio]

Lebron and giannis story's are so inspirational. Of course they got lucky with genetics however they had to go through so much adversity to make it to where they are today.

[@arandomaperson9883]

Stories*

[@torachan23]

Lebron was helped throughout his life by white people, only to say he never trusted or like them

[@alexescutia4805]

@@torachan23 shut up

[@darraarljod8911]

@@torachan23 source?

[@joelalvarado6364]

Well said 🔥

[@zxmegatronxz8472]

Where's Jimmy Butler story bruh ? His mother literally kicked him out when he was 13. Like imagine having a parent but both of em didn't want you and force you to live on your friends home. That's fucked up

[@superstxr2968]

That just complete facts!

[@Terror832]

Another player and he’s forgotten. Leon Powe. Father left him and his moms worked at a flea market but couldn’t afford an apartment so he was forced to live in shelters, motels and even cars.

[@guesswhonot1620]

I stg people just don't want to give their respect to Jimmy Butler and I don't get it. He deserves more respect than almost any other player in the NBA.

[@what-zt2vz]

maybe because title says “legends” and people may not refer to JB as a legend yet

[@ricorite5617]

Also he is the illegitimate child of Michael Jordan

[@brucelau2023]

Definitely Allen Iverson’s story truly was inspirational and how much he went through as a kid and how much he had to suffer early from his life

[@LessGo7921]

@@eamparbeng Who cares

[@mekhifreeman6804]

Yea Hampton va ain’t the move☹️

[@wazzup233]

But sadly he don't have a ring or two. 😭

[@parkerjames6531]

But end up broke, it will be inspirational if he have a net worth of 500million. Lebron’s story is more inspirational from broke to billionaire

[@williamnelson5926]

W

[@Terror832]

Isiah Thomas (Pistons) belongs as well. In his autobiography him and his brothers were eating the cheese scraps stuck from fast food wrappers.

[@duantae]

How the hell did you type that fast

[@Terror832]

@@duantae typing isn’t difficult

[@KawhiLowry]

@@duantae 🤣

[@duantae]

@@Terror832 you must have long ass fingers

[@brucelau2023]

@@duantae typing isn’t difficult man

[@gre894]

Iverson’s childhood sounds truly like hell

[@forthewin9006]

It is

[@jerryfebocolon3871]

Im watching the Iverson part rn

[@davidebaso6994]

I like Jimmy Butler story the most beacause not only did he came from absolutely nothing, being homeless at 12 without parents but also didn't have any physical prowess like Giannis height or even AI athleticism. He had to work that out too on top on successfully survive every day. That's a true man of steel

[@foodfiend1166]

physical prowess he’s 6’7???

[@randywhitehead9090]

Can't compare,he's from America with privilege!!!!!! PO'ME COLORBLIND

[@donovansmith8995]

@@randywhitehead9090 dude are you ok? You’re all over this comment section saying PO’ME COLORBLIND to everyone

[@tj5180]

Also the fact about his step mom

[@senpai1574]

You do know that centres today can't even thrive? Basketball doesn't just mean height

[@181cameron]

No joke I was on hold with a tile company in Ottawa and the music they played was the Andy Hoops intro. I was expecting to get some awesome basketball knowledge instead of finding out that my bathroom tiles are still on back order.

[@machinelearner3942]

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@pharkasj]

:DDD

[@MrDarknesstolight]

Allen Iverson is the amazing one. He didn't even get lucky with Genetics. A Legend!

[@timothybruns2775]

No but he got something else and that's pure natural talent, so much talent that size didn't matter. You sometimes get these guys, guys like; Iverson, Jordan, Bird or Lonzo🤣. These are guys that are so highly gifted that they don't need size, athleticism, basics or scoring🤣.

[@habu2140]

no need to compare their suffering. just appreciate their greatness buddy

[@kyrie7965]

@nino escxbar ong who tf is lonzo

[@ch.illmatic]

@@timothybruns2775 Lonzo???

[@DanTheTanned]

@@timothybruns2775 Jordan is freakishly athletic bruh watchu talking about

[@brucelau2023]

Giannis’s story will forever be inspirational and truly inspiring , truly just WOW and how his legacy truly evolved

[@machinelearner3942]

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@alvaro209209]

Bird story is so sad … his veteran father took his life so sad

[@joelhassed3913]

In front of him too. Imagine the grief and depression he would've had because of it

[@user-mv8ij1xr3h]

Hi! I am from Greece and Giannis always make me so proud! his story is 100% inspirational i am so proud to call him Greek, even if my country wasn't always on his side, he never let us down. I wish him and his family the best, to accomplish everything he want, because he totally deserved. Not because he is only one "amazing" basketball player but because he is "amazing human being"!!! Γιάννη ο χαρακτήρας σου και η ιστορία σου ειναι ο καλύτερος εκπρόσωπος που θα μπορούσαμε να εχουμε για την χώρα μας! Σε ευχαριστούμε πολυ!

[@gregorynicholsjr.7678]

🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@anthonyzarate9807]

Great comment!!! I live in Milwaukee (50 years now) but the Bucks and Giannis are not my favorite player and team, although I always root for them. I actually cried when Giannis and Bucks won title...such an inspiration!!!!! P.S. Was rooting for Kawhi and Clippers. Also loved Larry Bird growing up and he is only other player who made me cry tears of joy!

[@gregorynicholsjr.7678]

@@anthonyzarate9807 that’s so dope!!!! Glad you were able to experience that💯

[@Exil22]

These stories are awesome and inspirational. Seeing players make something out of their life is great to hear! You know what though? It's also so sad how many of these stories come from our supposed "first world country". Extreme poverty in the ghettos of cities is matched by the extreme poverty of rural areas as well. The US has to do better. We have to make changes. These innocent families should have never went through what they had to. It's sad man...

[@vinhny2406]

Didn’t expect to find you here sir

[@lucwijngaard8413]

Impressed by the Wade one

[@koigoi5270]

@@vinhny2406 fr

[@zaekiy7031]

Nerf Akali

[@travisnapier2693]

The problem is they aren't "families" they're all single mothers with multiple kids.

[@BenTalksSports]

Giannis’ story will forever be inspirational he knows where he came from so he’s extremely humble and cherishes everything he has also I make videos as well

[@joelalvarado6364]

Facts Respect to Giannis

[@LessGo7921]

We're already at the point where Giannis is considered a legend at only 26 👑👑

[@blurzzmelo9547]

Most legends were already legends at 26

[@asmith1393]

You should do a pt 2 and include players like John Wall, Dennis Rodman and Jimmy Butler.

[@robertolebron2296]

You know this is all true when you hear those trumpets. They unleashed their potential to be the legends they are today and in the past

[@guesswhonot1620]

I am disappointed that Andy didn't even mention Jimmy Butler. That man was literally homeless as a kid. We need to put more respect on his name. There's a reason why he always has such high expectations from his teammates. He worked so hard to get into the NBA and has never stopped grinding it out.

[@NewGoldie]

I feel you, I just think that since Jimmy was ultimately adopted by another family he was afforded another opportunity than some others were not. His story is still tragic no doubt, but that may of been the difference between making the list and not.

[@Samoaplaya]

I think he was left off this video because this one is about NBA legends, which Butler isnt at yet.

[@guesswhonot1620]

@@Samoaplaya I mean yeah, but come on. That man had possibly the toughest road out of any NBA superstar ever (and yes, he is a superstar at his peak).

[@enthusiastofcute]

Read the title, Butler is not an NBA legend. One good playoff run is not a justification for legend status

[@guesswhonot1620]

@@enthusiastofcute In that case, Allen Iverson isn't an NBA legend either. Or Reggie Miller. Or Ray Allen.

[@leeazo]

This is the prime example of: *"From Hard Knock Life to Hardwood"*

[@SuperIvanGrozni]

This needs a part 2! Great video as usual.

[@codyjemes73]

Fantastic as always video. Would love a part two.

[@karaski]

Been watching your videos since 2016 or 2017 I think. That intro music have since attached to me, even giving me some sense of nostalgia and kind of relaxation music to my ears. Don't you date change it! More power!

[@rwighto4540]

Came in clutch. Bro perfect timing because i put this on as i sleep. Love the videos

[@jfbeast]

Ben Wallace's road to his NBA career was impressive as well

[@gregpohlmeier]

Great video, excellent commentary and very well put together. Great job man

[@wonderbatenthusiast1665]

This honestly motivates me, not basketball, but i want to make it big in youtube. Thanks for the video Andy, God Bless you

[@cruzanstx6661]

Isiah Zeke Thomas, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Definitely belongs here as well For a part 2

[@balltalkdeep]

all these stories are so motivating

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

Respect on the video, but I wish you included Moses Malone. He simply does not get enough spotlight. Wanna talk about rough? He was truly dirt poor, with poor interpersonal skills and a firm reputation as an idiot, sadly. But he made himself into an NBA legend, the (most) forgotten NBA legend.

[@georgeidan5414]

Respect to all of them for making there situation better for them and there families RiP Giannis dad and that why AI one of my favorite players of all time as a 76ers fan I appreciate him for putting us on the map and I’m glad he doing better in his life

[@yvans.]

That would be cool if Andy do a part 2 of this Video. So many other NBA stars came from literally nothing.

[@princessdeleon9566]

Dennis rodman def should be on there

[@princessdeleon9566]

Jimmy Buckets too

[@eklipse19241]

Great video but you should have put Jimmy Butler in here bro, Giannis, Butlers and Birds stories are such an inspiration an motivation for me when times in my life get hard, I love how most of these guys stayed humble and never forgot where they came from. Mad props to all these men 👏

[@SavoxYT]

It's good that Wade still managed to patch things up with his mother and seems to be pretty close to her these days.

[@almightysosa8168]

that's why you should be thankful for everything you have and count your blessings.

[@nicolasmeyer282]

damn these guys have been through a lot. they have my utmost respect for achieving so much and chaninging their and other lives around

[@KB-ji4gq]

If you come from a very hard background and you play any sort of pro sport in any country, you deserve so much respect

[@solid1lance]

lets go Andy 🔥

[@kanyesigyehumphrey8230]

THIS is humbling

[@nonamelegend_vapor]

Hey Andy, in the spirit of Giannis getting a ring, you should do a video on the best “project” players to ever play in the NBA. Like players that were really raw when they were drafted but ended up living up to their potential instead of busting like most

[@projectc.j.j3310]

Respect to these players

[@jlrob85]

AI and Magic are the PG in my GOAT team. Mad respect for these guys grinding away to make their lives better

[@scubigaza5445]

I relate to Giannis story more because I'm an immigrant and in other countries is not as easy at it is here in the states proud of all of them but Giannis story is tuff

[@hulksmash4563]

I like how Giannis, 26 and just won his first ring as already a legend.

[@Rats412]

Great video but not having Dennis Rodman on here is wild

[@supersaiyanguccinigglet]

I never worried about finances but I had to overcome a lot of shit as a player as well. But not to the extent of these guys at all. Social anxiety, depression, losing one relative after another and constantly being told I couldn’t do this or that and I sucked. I ain’t in the nba but I mmmm playing D1 basketball and won a championship here too. I’m no superstar or anything but for me to even do this was really difficult. So much respect to these legends here for overcoming and accomplishing even more! I don’t know how they did it

[@userCeifadorGamer]

Caron Butler's history is a good one.

[@tobznoobs]

so lebron loving videogames as a kid was real in his space jam movie.

[@RealCGH]

LeBron and Giannis was obviously gonna be on this video, let's be honest

[@henryashley8668]

Well yeah, that’s like seeing a video about “white dudes who played in the nba” and commenting “let’s be honest, Larry Bird was gonna be in this”

[@randywhitehead9090]

leBron is the only one who actually forgot where he came from! PO'ME COLORBLIND

[@balltalkdeep]

what's equally as impressive about all these guys is that alotta people in their position would've settled once drafted into the NBA, but not them; they continued striving to reach the highest highs even after money came in

[@ChairmanMo]

Seeing Giannis and his family make it was what made this year's NBA finals worth watching!

[@mekhifreeman6804]

I’m proud to be from Hampton va cuz of iverson💪🏾

[@alexcaruso3409]

John Wall definitely deserves to be in part 2, it’s a miracle that he made his way out

[@taseenrahman1553]

IMMA BOUT TO CRYYY LEGGOOOO

[@isaiahsullivan4581]

Thanks for showing some love to Larry bird. A lot of people do not know his story. ❤️

[@ju908]

As a Suns fan it hurts how likeable Giannis is lol like you literally can't hate him at all his story is just perfect and even though it hurts you can't help but be happy for him

[@jdbased1016]

0:12 that man looks like a tomato lolll 🤣😂🤣

[@doloman77]

Hardtimes create strong people

[@sacramentokingswillrise7525]

And Sometimes ruin people

[@prod.wavyze]

yes

[@davidstone9154]

For those who hate these athletes for being insanely rich and famous, you have no idea what a lot of them go through to get to where they are today, and it is an utter miracle that some of them survived to get to that better place in their lives!!

[@SuperNASCARrocks]

D wade’s story was definitely crazy. He literally came from the slums of Chicago to one of the best 2 guards in the NBA.

[@JC-se8mi]

Isiah and Mary Thomas’ is also absolutely incredible.

[@isaakfrmla]

Make another one with Jimmy, Zeke, Rodman.

[@AirRusher1992]

Giannis and LeBron were without doubt had some of the most inspirational story to get here.

[@budgie3754]

I feel so sad for all of these nba players but I don’t see enough towards Larry bird but iversons story was by far the hardest

[@rnuke_rocket]

Young Larry Bird looks very similar to a young Johnny Lawrence 😂

[@YoungVDL]

Lmaoo facts😭

[@budgie3754]

Yeah but he did have a though childhood and you don’t see anybody else bashing the other nba players so just please respect

[@rnuke_rocket]

@@budgie3754 wasn't trying to and had no intention of disrespecting Larry Legend. Just said that he looks like Johnny Lawrence. What's wrong with that?

[@budgie3754]

@@rnuke_rocket oh sorry I thought you were trying to diss him but yeah sorry and have a great day

[@anthonyzarate9807]

Didn't watch a second of video yet...but always thought Bird, Duncan, Kawhi, and now Giannis have overcome the odds to be greatness!!! Hopefully, this video points it out! Remember, Kawhi was scouted as a defender who could be a Trevor Ariza with hard work and staying healthy. Giannis was seen as a project who could be a 20pt scorer and exciting for home fans. Well, now we see what hard work, determination, and a team basketball mentality can accomplish! P.S. I see that AI is first player in video. He was a great scorer and competitive player for his size, but not same level as Bird, Duncan, Kawhi, or Giannis!

[@gurnawazgill8576]

Talk about the 2016-17 New York Knicks. They had a good starting core, a pretty good bench and were at one point, 5th in the east. But what happened to them? I know about the Jackson Melo beef but there has to be more as to why they started off good but fell off

[@machinelearner3942]

Aye! Why you puttin D-Wade's momma bidness out there like that playa

[@dylangallagher143]

The man has an autobiography, ain't like this is new information.

[@machinelearner3942]

@@dylangallagher143 nah bruh he outchyea snitchin

[@brendsnheaney6931]

need a part 2 with Jimmy buckets

[@yugi20041]

Even tho not a champion bit have been to the finales is Jimmy Butler cause he always was over look and still manage to make it and grew up in a foster home . Like the football player from Blind Side Movie .

[@Justinrombough]

Larry Bird starts at 7:18 !

[@breach783]

U should have included jimmy butler

[@kaseypeters8197]

When Wade said he wants to be the best father he can be, all I can hear is Boosie in the background 😂

[@everythingcollectibles]

Let’s all take a moment to thank John Thompson for saving A. I. R. I. P JT :)

[@ChiefOttoSo]

Jimmy butler should on the thumbnail literally was homeless nothing lower than that

[@guesswhonot1620]

FACTS! I am disappointed that Andy didn't even mention him.

[@VictorFernandezBigdestroyer]

@@guesswhonot1620 I’ll get you banned from KZbin for agreeing with his stupid idea on a player that he never mentioned regardless.

[@VictorFernandezBigdestroyer]

I’ll get you banned from KZbin for not listening to him late in the video about him missing on those players.

[@guesswhonot1620]

@@VictorFernandezBigdestroyer You have a problem LMAO

[@knowethjc29]

@UCG4VyQ3AQl0CrzrRaK4bSow bro sťf ù u won't get anyone banned little kid

[@anthonyzarate9807]

Ok, I love video and thankful you talked about Bird. I had same childhood as Lebron, and actually felt LUCKY to have it. I truly don't understand why LeBron is in this video. Maybe Dennis Rodman, who actually put a shotgun in his mouth, would be a inspirational story...but Lebron??? Honestly, I just don't understand why people think this guy overcame odds to succeed??? Bird was a slow and unathletic white guy, and Rodman was a very poor and depressed person who could make NBA ONLY because of his work ethic. But Lebron???...he was labeled the "chosen one", self proclaimed king, and the face of basketball by the age of 16!

[@daprofessor3239]

Can you do a video on Reggie Lewis?

[@Ck-pm7op]

Rip❤️🕊

[@09lowkey]

8:51: Larry Bird with the Jokic stepback...

[@davidstone9154]

Nowhere to go………. But UP!!

[@leflopjames749]

Let's go GREEK freak 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@abdallahabdallah616]

Let’s go king 🤴 James

[@leflopjames749]

@@abdallahabdallah616 xaxaxax you mean LeFlop james cryy

[@connorfurman8433]

My grandpa legit was Iversons neighbor, sh*t was crazy there

[@youngbarrel-roll4649]

Mikey Williams will be on this list soon 😤💪🏽

[@calebdouglas7622]

Iverson was the first jersey I bought.

[@vinceofficial94]

Jimmy Butler for me is the most tragic

[@ajgarro4132]

Hey Andy could you do a video on why Luka Garza went so late in the draft. He went number 52 but he was a phenom in college.

[@ElCap1van]

It's obvious his game doesn't translate to the NBA

[@ajgarro4132]

Ivan Tomas okay then tell me how it’s so obvious? It can’t be his lack of shooting because he shot solid from 3 at Iowa.

[@williebrown6]

❤we love Giannis in Milwaukee

[@lalachan9658]

Im so lucky to live in a house even its small

[@paul5475]

Giannas was thankful to greece

[@crazyfool4578]

The Jimmy Butler story would make a grown man cry

[@notmalacxi3154]

Allen Iversons was the most inspirational

[@michael146849]

"If there was a payment, if there was a payment." - Andy

[@Antsipovitch]

what about Manute Bol?

[@bulletproof4440]

Dennis Rodman, Jimmy Butler and Leon Powe deserve a spot on PT2.

[@jerryfebocolon3871]

Kpop stan: I'm Korean now. Larry Bird: hold my beer

[@felixoseiowusu3628]

Dwayne wade got extremely lucky but Larry Birds story is scary. Suicide by dad and poverty, 2 troubles one God

[@ec_5426]

Bruh ididnt expect Giannis would be this good i thought he was going to be the next Tayshaun Prince💀 and i washed up myself thinking it

[@gwapsgarcia]

I heard Bird's dad killed himself so that they will get insurance money. Larry was on the phone with him but i dont remember they mentioned how he died. I think i've watched his story on Bird and Magic documentary.

[@budgie3754]

That’s actually really sad

[@joseantonioespinosagonzale1500]

The Iverson part did not do him justice, probablu didn't want the video to be to long

[@elkiida1]

They can easily make an Iverson movie

[@ShadowBanned904]

LeMao was driving a Hummer with a custom sound system and TV's, while in high school. I am not hearing how bad he had it.

[@randywhitehead9090]

FACTS!!!!!! And they had food stamps back then in LeBron Erea!!!!!!! LeBron is the only one forgot where he came from!!!!!!!! Lots of theses stories are not true!!!!!!! PO'ME COLORBLIND

[@raptorfromthe6ix833]

lmao lemao