Ben McLemore: From NBA Lottery Pick to Global Basketball Journeyman

Published on: Jul 04, 2025

Ben McLemore: A Basketball Journey From Lottery Dream to Global Reality

The NBA draft is a moment of immense hope, anticipation, and potential. For Ben McLemore, selected seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2013, that moment held the promise of a long and impactful NBA career. Drafted out of Kansas, McLemore was lauded for his athleticism, shooting prowess, and potential as a two-way player. However, the reality of his NBA journey was far more complex, marked by inconsistent performance, team changes, and ultimately, a transition to international basketball. This article delves into McLemore's career, examining the factors that shaped his trajectory from a lottery pick to a journeyman and beyond.

Early Promise: The Kansas Years and NBA Draft Hype

McLemore's rise to prominence began during his standout season at the University of Kansas. As a freshman, he quickly established himself as a prolific scorer and a key contributor to a team that reached the NCAA Tournament. His athleticism and silky-smooth jump shot drew comparisons to NBA stars, and he was widely projected as a top lottery pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Here’s a look at his strengths that made him a lottery prospect:

Elite athleticism: McLemore possessed exceptional leaping ability and speed, allowing him to excel in transition and finish above the rim.
Shooting touch: His jump shot was pure, with a high release point and excellent accuracy from beyond the arc.
Defensive potential: His physical tools suggested he could develop into a solid defender with the ability to guard multiple positions.

The Sacramento Kings, in need of a scoring boost and a dynamic wing player, selected McLemore with the seventh overall pick. The expectations were high – he was envisioned as a future cornerstone of the franchise.

Sacramento Kings: The Rollercoaster Ride Begins

McLemore's tenure with the Sacramento Kings was a microcosm of his NBA career: flashes of brilliance interspersed with frustrating inconsistency. He showed glimpses of the player he was projected to be, knocking down shots, making highlight-reel dunks, and displaying defensive potential. However, he struggled to consistently translate his athleticism and shooting touch into consistent production.

Several factors contributed to his struggles in Sacramento:

Inconsistent playing time: Changes in coaching and team direction led to fluctuating minutes, making it difficult for McLemore to establish a rhythm.
Struggles with confidence: When his shot wasn't falling, McLemore often became passive and hesitant, impacting his overall performance.
Defensive development: While he possessed the physical tools to be a good defender, he struggled with consistency and understanding of team defensive schemes.

Despite the challenges, McLemore had moments of success in Sacramento. He showcased his scoring ability, demonstrating the potential that made him a lottery pick. However, the lack of consistent performance ultimately led to his departure after four seasons.

Memphis, LA, and Back: A Search for the Right Fit

Following his time in Sacramento, McLemore embarked on a journey to find a team where he could thrive. He spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, and even returned to the Kings for a second stint. Each stop presented a new opportunity, but the same issues that plagued him in Sacramento continued to surface.

Memphis Grizzlies (2017-2018): McLemore had a decent scoring year with the Grizzlies, averaging over 8 points per game. He showed glimpses of his shooting potential but struggled with efficiency and consistency.

Los Angeles Lakers (2020-2021): Joining LeBron James and the Lakers offered McLemore a chance to contribute to a championship contender. He played a limited role as a spot-up shooter, showcasing his ability to knock down open shots. His time was cut short, due to team decision-making.

Return to Sacramento Kings (2018-2019): A brief return to Sacramento provided a sense of familiarity, but his role remained limited, and he was eventually traded.

Houston Rockets: A Glimmer of Hope, Then More Turbulence

One of the more promising periods of McLemore's career came with the Houston Rockets during the 2019-2020 season. Under the offensive system of then-coach Mike D'Antoni, which emphasized spacing and three-point shooting, McLemore flourished. He became a valuable role player, providing instant offense off the bench and showcasing his shooting prowess.

Key aspects of his success in Houston:

Offensive system: D'Antoni's system played to McLemore's strengths, creating open looks and maximizing his shooting ability.
Spacing: Playing alongside James Harden and Russell Westbrook provided ample space for McLemore to operate, making him a difficult player to guard.
Confidence: The Rockets' coaching staff instilled confidence in McLemore, encouraging him to shoot the ball without hesitation.

However, even this period of success was short-lived. McLemore was traded during the following season, signaling another shift in his career trajectory. Despite flashes of brilliance, he could not maintain the consistency needed to solidify his role in Houston.

Portland Trail Blazers and Back to the Lakers: Continued Struggles

The remainder of McLemore’s time in the NBA consisted of short stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, and another return to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021-2022 season. During those stints, he struggled to find consistent minutes and struggled with the consistency he needed to stay on a roster. His shot also struggled, and led to a dropoff in minutes and productivity.

Analyzing McLemore's NBA Struggles: A Deeper Dive

Several factors contributed to McLemore's inability to consistently live up to his lottery pick potential:

Inconsistency: The most glaring issue was his inability to maintain a consistent level of performance. He would often follow up a strong game with a poor one, frustrating coaches and fans alike.
Mental game: Confidence played a significant role in McLemore's performance. When his shot wasn't falling, he would often become passive and hesitant, impacting other aspects of his game.
Defensive limitations: While he possessed the physical tools to be a good defender, he struggled with consistency, positioning, and understanding of team defensive schemes.
Role definition: McLemore often found himself in different roles throughout his career, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent identity as a player.
Pressure: The pressure of being a lottery pick can be immense, and McLemore may have struggled to cope with the expectations placed upon him.

The Transition to International Basketball

After his NBA career stalled, McLemore transitioned to international basketball, seeking new opportunities and a chance to revitalize his career. He joined the Shandong Heroes of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This move marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to showcase his skills in a different environment.

Benefits of playing internationally:

Increased playing time: International leagues often provide more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and play significant minutes.
Different style of play: International basketball emphasizes teamwork, spacing, and ball movement, which can be a good fit for certain players.
New experiences: Playing overseas offers a chance to experience different cultures and broaden one's horizons.

Playing in Europe

In recent years, McLemore has also spent time playing basketball in Europe. In 2023, he played for AEK Athens of the Greek Basket League. After a short stint, he joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. McLemore returned to Europe in November 2023, signing with Bursaspor Basketbol of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).

European basketball differs from the NBA significantly:

More emphasis on team play and ball movement.
Shorter shot clock (24 seconds vs. 24 seconds in the NBA).
Different defensive rules (e.g., zone defenses are more common).

Analyzing McLemore's Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Look

Throughout his career, McLemore's strengths and weaknesses have remained relatively consistent.

Strengths:

Shooting: McLemore is a gifted shooter with a pure jump shot and excellent range.
Athleticism: He possesses exceptional leaping ability and speed, making him a threat in transition and around the rim.
Potential: Even with his struggles, McLemore has consistently shown flashes of the player he was projected to be.

Weaknesses:

Consistency: His inability to maintain a consistent level of performance has been his biggest downfall.
Defense: While he has the physical tools to be a good defender, he has struggled with consistency and understanding of team defensive schemes.
Mental game: Confidence plays a significant role in his performance, and he can become passive when his shot isn't falling.
Ball Handling: Creating his own shot has been a weakness, especially against quality defenders.

The Lottery Pick Label: A Blessing and a Curse

Being a lottery pick comes with immense expectations and pressure. While it provides an opportunity to showcase one's talents on the biggest stage, it also creates a higher standard that can be difficult to live up to. In McLemore's case, the lottery pick label may have been both a blessing and a curse.

Blessing:

Opportunity: Being a lottery pick provided McLemore with an opportunity to play in the NBA and showcase his skills.
Exposure: It also gave him significant exposure and recognition, which can be beneficial for endorsement opportunities and future career prospects.

Curse:

Expectations: The high expectations associated with being a lottery pick can be overwhelming, and McLemore may have struggled to cope with the pressure.
Criticism: Lottery picks are often subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism, which can be detrimental to their confidence and development.

Lessons Learned: What Can Be Gleaned From McLemore's Career?

McLemore's career provides valuable lessons for young players entering the NBA:

Consistency is key: The ability to maintain a consistent level of performance is crucial for success in the NBA.
Mental toughness is essential: The NBA is a demanding league, and players must be mentally tough to overcome adversity and maintain their confidence.
Defense matters: Even if you're a gifted scorer, you must be able to contribute on the defensive end to earn playing time and stay in the league.
Adaptability is crucial: Players must be able to adapt to different roles and situations to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the NBA.
Finding the right fit: A player's success often depends on finding a team and system that complements their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses.

The Future: What's Next for Ben McLemore?

As Ben McLemore continues his basketball journey, the future remains uncertain. He has the talent and work ethic to continue playing professionally, whether in the NBA or overseas. His experience and shooting ability could make him a valuable asset to a team in need of scoring and spacing. Ultimately, McLemore's success will depend on his ability to stay healthy, maintain his confidence, and find the right fit for his skills.

Conclusion: A Career of Potential, Challenges, and Resilience

Ben McLemore's career has been a story of immense potential, significant challenges, and remarkable resilience. While he may not have reached the heights that were projected for him as a lottery pick, he has carved out a respectable career and continues to pursue his passion for basketball. His journey serves as a reminder that success in the NBA is not always linear and that perseverance and adaptability are essential for navigating the ups and downs of a professional basketball career. His story highlights the complexities of the NBA draft, the importance of fit and opportunity, and the challenges of living up to lofty expectations. McLemore's transition to international basketball showcases his dedication to the sport and his willingness to embrace new experiences. His career, while not without its disappointments, is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and enduring love for the game.

References

Links to reputable sources like NBA.com, ESPN, and Basketball-Reference.com could be included here if desired. For example: