Simmons once paid for an open tryout for the Austin Spurs. After playing three seasons in Austin and improving each year, he has now found a spot in San Antonio's rotation. You can catch him throwing down highlight dunks and swatting away shots on a nightly basis.

The 6-10 center from Switzerland has steadily improved over the past three seasons. Capela played in 38 D-League games his rookie season averaging 16.1 ppg. He and James Harden now form one of the NBA's most potential alley-oop duos.

Two seasons ago, the 6-9 forward starred for the Austin Spurs, averaging 23 ppg. Green is now a valuable starter for the tenacious Memphis Grizzlies. He has played tough defense while scoring 8.9 points and grabbing 7.1 rebounds per game.

The 7-foot center has found a home with the Spurs after playing for three other NBA teams and two D-League teams. Dedmon has proved to be a valuable post presence as the Spurs begin the post-Duncan era.

The 6-9 small forward spent time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during his rookie season to transition his game from the college to pro level. He is averaging 6.5 ppg off the bench for the Rockets this season.

After shining for the Grizzlies' D-League team, the Iowa Energy, for most of the season, the former Kansas standout signed a 10-day contract with the Pelicans. When that deal expired, the Grizzlies scooped him up -- and he started the team's first playoff game.

After playing 17 games for the Thunder's D-League affiliate as a rookie, Roberson has emerged as mainstay in OKC's rotation.

After playing for the Austin Toros (now the Austin Spurs) Joseph was a key contributor for San Antonio. Joseph now plays in Toronto, where he helped keep the Raptors afloat at the end of the regular season when Kyle Lowry was injured. The 6-3 point guard is having a career year averaging 9.3 points and 3.3 assists per game.

Did you know the Defensive Player of the Year candidate played in the D-League as a rookie? Gobert has been a defensive force for the Jazz this season. He led the NBA in blocks while also averaging 14 points and 12.8 rebounds per game -- and played eight games with the Bakersfield Jam in 2013-14.

Back in 2007, the Polish Hammer played for the Anaheim Arsenal (now the Grand Rapids Drive). Since then, Gortat has become a valuable defender and rebounder. He averaged a double-double this season with just over 10 points and 10 rebounds per game.