How to Reach the NBA in Swish & Legacy
There is no single road to the NBA. Your career starts at 14 with a handful of academy offers, and where you go from there is up to you.
Step 1: pick an academy
At 14 you receive offers tied to your nationality. Take the one that fits your plan: a US high school if you want the college and draft route, or a club academy abroad if you would rather turn pro in Europe or elsewhere.
Step 2: choose your path
- US high school, then college (NCAA). Four seasons of eligibility each. College is the classic road, and a deep tournament run can earn you an NCAA title.
- Straight from high school. If you are good enough you can jump to the NBA right out of prep school, as Kobe, LeBron and KG did.
- Professional leagues abroad. Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey and the Balkans offer a strong level of play, and the top clubs also compete in the EuroLeague. Leagues in Australia, China, the Philippines, Argentina and Brazil are a step down in difficulty, which means bigger numbers for the same rating.
The NBA Draft
To be drafted you need to be at least 18 and have a high enough OVR. Draft night shows your projection against the real pick, and a top-14 pick counts as a lottery selection. Not everyone gets drafted, and that is not the end: you can still sign with an NBA team later as an undrafted player with no penalty. An undrafted player who becomes a superstar earns his own achievement.
What helps your chances
- A high OVR for your age. Reaching 80 by age 20 is the mark of a prodigy.
- Good stats and awards in a league that matches your level.
- Reputation: winning, individual awards and titles make better offers more likely.
And if you do not make it?
You can build a legend elsewhere. A long career in a top European club, with EuroLeague glory and national honours, can end in the Hall of Fame just the same. Read the strategy tips for ideas.