From undrafted NBA rookie to the highest-paid athlete in EuroLeague history
In short: Kendrick Nunn’s path to basketball stardom defied conventional expectations. After going undrafted in the NBA, he shattered rookie scoring records with the Miami Heat. Today, he dominates the European stage, recently securing a record-breaking contract that cemented his status as the most lucrative player ever to compete in the EuroLeague.
Born in Chicago, Kendrick Nunn rose through the ranks at Simeon Career Academy, where he helped secure four state titles and earned the rare honor of having his jersey retired. His collegiate career began at the University of Illinois, but a dismissal following a misdemeanor battery charge forced a pivot to Oakland University. There, he revitalized his trajectory, leading the nation in three-point shooting and earning Horizon League Player of the Year honors in 2018.
Nunn’s professional ascent was marked by immediate, record-setting impact. After signing with the Miami Heat in 2019, he became the fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 500 points and the first undrafted player to win multiple Rookie of the Month awards. His performance in the 2020 NBA Finals showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, though subsequent seasons were hampered by a persistent knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021–2022 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Seeking a fresh start, Nunn moved to Greece in 2023 to join Panathinaikos. His impact was instantaneous; he helped the team capture both the EuroLeague and Greek League titles in his debut season. By 2025, his scoring prowess reached new heights, including setting EuroLeague records for points and three-pointers in a single quarter. This dominance culminated in a three-year contract extension worth €13.5 million, establishing a new benchmark for compensation in the league’s history at the time of the signing.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kendrick Nunn
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