It’s easy to look at NBA stars and be jealous. They have tons of money, fancy cars, and can go on exotic vacations whenever their schedules allow. However, it’s easy to forget about where those men came from, where they started.
Sure, there’s some natural talent (or height) involved, but most of these men have worked extremely hard to get where they are, and more than that, stay where they are. Professional sports are a cutthroat business, someone is always trying to take your job.
We’re taking a look at those men who came from considerably more humble means than they ended up with. Some of these stories will shock you. Some will inspire you. Either way, this is not an article you’ll want to miss.
Jimmy Butler
To say Jimmy Butler had a rough upbringing is an understatement. When young Jimmy was just 13 years old his mother said, “I don’t like the looks of you” and kicked him out. At just 13, Jimmy was forced to live on the streets and figure out a way to survive.
Butler bounced around from friend to friend. Until he met Jordan Leslie, who persuaded his family to take him in. Butler stayed with the Leslie family until both boys went off to college. Butler went on to star at Tyler Junior College and then Marquette, while Leslie played football at BYU.