Fitness is the most important factor for any sports player. Staying fit and athletic is the key to success, which is why many players spend a lot of time working out. In the past few years, many NBA players have gone through drastic changes. Many players who were struggling with weight became stars of the NBA after losing weight. However, some of the players added more muscle to their bodies. In this article, we will have a look at NBA players who made surprising physical transformation during their career.
Joel Embiid
After playing one year of basketball in college with the Kansas Jayhawks, Joel Embiid was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. His body significantly changed while playing for Kansas and developed further in the NBA. He weighed 240 pounds before the draft, but currently he is 280 lbs. Given that he stands at a height of seven feet, his extra weight and muscle help him box out and score inside.
Michael Jordan
The legend Michael Jordan was one of the most hard-working players in the NBA. He was very competitive on the court, which is why he decided to become strong and bulk up a little in the summer of 1990. MJ was not able to beat the Detroit Pistons and their tough defense, so he decided to bring a change in himself. When Jordan entered the NBA, he was 195 pounds. However, during the second three-peat, his weight increases to approximately 220 pounds. Jordan weighed 225 pounds during his two-year stint with the Washington Wizards.
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman was a brilliant rebounder during his NBA career. However, he went through many changes during his career. During his stint with the Pistons, “The Worm” was no different from other players. However, this changed later on. Rodman not only got several tattoos on his body and dyed his hair, but also added more pounds to his body, which made him stronger.
LeBron James
The Lakers’ superstar, LeBron James, is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He has been playing in the league for 20 years and is the all-time leading scorer. However, James has worked very hard and made a lot of changes in his body over the past two decades. James went from 240 to 250 pounds.
Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets center Nikola is one of the top players in the league. He has won two MVP awards and multiple triple-doubles, establishing himself as one of the greatest centers in the NBA. The 28-year-old was obese growing up, but he managed to lose some weight while playing basketball. Jokic lost even more weight during the covid pandemic and got abs on his body.
Steven Adams
Steven Adams is one of those players who went through a massive transformation. If you look at his rookie pictures , they are almost unrecognizable, as Adams has changed almost everything about him. From facial hair to building muscles, Adams brought a big change to himself, and adding more weight has helped him become a more efficient player.
Shaquille O’Neal
The most dominant player in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal, was such a strong player that many teams signed 7-foot tall players for the sole purpose of stopping him during the matches. However, no one could even come close to doing so. Shaq weighed 285 pounds when he entered the league, but he added a few pounds and built muscles. During his last championship with the Lakers, Shaq weighed 395 pounds.
Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol was out of shape during his high school days and didn’t look like he would become an NBA star, but he went through many changes during his career. He worked very hard and got in perfect shape. Gasol weighed 280 pounds on draft day, but he lost his weight to 255 pounds and became one of the best centers in the league during his peak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks center Giannis Antetokounmpo is almost unrecognizable compared to his rookie year. He weighed only 190 pounds in his first season of the league. Since then, Giannis Antetokounmpo has added more muscle in his body and currently he weighs 243 pounds. He is quiet and strong now, which helps him defeat his opponents.
James Johnson
James is one of those players who emerged late. It was not a skill or talent problem for James, but a weight issue. He began his season with the Miami Heat at 275 pounds but cut it down to 238 pounds. There is a strict weight rule in the Heats, but Johnson certainly benefited from it. He had the best season of his career in Miami, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, one of the greatest scorers in league history, has developed into an elite player. On the offensive end, very few players can outplay Durant. He weighed 215 pounds at the 2007 NBA Draft Combine. Eventually, his weight increased and he currently weighs 240 pounds. The Phoenix Suns star can score from anywhere on the floor, but extra muscle helps him with slashing and posting.
Chris Andersen
Chris Andersen has gone through a tremendous physical change. As a rookie, Anderson was just a regular player who didn’t stick out much. Later, “Birdman” covered almost his entire body with tattoos, built some muscle and became one of the most valuable NBA players, helping Miami win it all in 2013.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett weighed only 217 pounds when he entered the league. He was athletic and agile, but had to undergo a massive transformation to unleash his full potential. Garnett’s weight eventually increased to 240 pounds, and he became more effective as a power center. His strength and athleticism helped him become one of the best power forwards in the history of the NBA.
James Harden
James Harden has gone through many changes during his fantastic NBA career. He went from being an athletic guard to a superstar with the Houston Rockets. Harden’s body has transformed a lot due to gaining weight during his stint with the Rockets. “The Beard” was also criticized for his weight in Philadelphia, but he worked hard and got in better shape.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis weighed only 222 pounds on Draft day. This was not enough to allow him to dominate the heavier and stronger opponents. However, he eventually bulked up and reached 253 pounds. AD’s weight and muscle helped him become an effective player on the floor. While Davis is capable of scoring from mid-range or the three-point line, his game focuses mostly on attacking the rim.
Mike Bibby
Bibby weighed approximately 190 pounds during his NBA career. He spent 14 years in the league but is mostly known for his seven-year stint with the Sacramento Kings. Mike didn’t change much during his career, but after retiring, he went through a drastic transformation. Last year, his impressive photos went viral, showing a massive change in him.
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