The Story Behind Pat Connaughton's NBA Draft Journey and Career Path

I’ll never forget the first time I really paid attention to Pat Connaughton’s story—it wasn’t during his NBA debut or even his championship runs, but back when he was navigating the uncertainty of the draft. You see, Connaughton’s journey is one of those rare cases where talent, timing, and sheer stubbornness intersected in just the right way. Most casual fans probably know him as a reliable three-point shooter and a key rotation player for the Milwaukee Bucks, but his path to the league was anything but straightforward. In fact, it reminds me a bit of the kind of under-the-radar grind you see in players like Janrey Pasaol, who—as I recently read—dropped 25 points in a game, hitting 3-of-6 from deep, while also contributing five rebounds and four assists, only to see his effort go down the drain in a losing effort. That kind of stat line tells a story in itself: individual brilliance doesn’t always translate to team success, and sometimes, no matter how well you perform, the narrative around your career can hinge on factors beyond your control.

Pat Connaughton entered the 2015 NBA Draft with what many scouts considered a "tweener" profile—a guy who excelled in college at Notre Dame but whose skills didn’t cleanly fit one position. Standing at 6’5", he wasn’t quite tall enough to dominate as a traditional wing, yet he didn’t have the elite ball-handling of a primary guard. What he did have, though, was an unshakable work ethic and a background as a two-sport athlete; he’d even been drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in MLB, which added a fascinating layer to his story. I remember thinking at the time, "How many players have that kind of leverage?" Not many. But instead of leaning into the baseball option as a fallback, Connaughton doubled down on basketball, betting on himself in a league that often overlooks players without a clear, flashy niche. His pre-draft workouts were critical—he shot the ball well, showed off his underrated athleticism (his vertical jump, I recall, was something absurd like 44 inches, which put him in the top percentile historically), and convinced teams he could defend multiple positions. Still, he slipped to the 41st pick, where the Brooklyn Nets selected him before trading his rights to the Portland Trail Blazers. That moment, getting picked in the second round, could have demoralized plenty of players, but for Connaughton, it was just the beginning.

Looking back, the central question in Connaughton’s early career was this: how does a second-round pick with limited hype transform himself into a legitimate NBA contributor? It’s a puzzle that so many fringe prospects face, and honestly, I think the answer lies in embracing versatility without losing sight of your core strengths. Take Janrey Pasaol’s example—scoring 25 points efficiently, including those three triples, while chipping in on the boards and as a playmaker. That’s the kind of all-around effort that gets you noticed, even in a loss. For Connaughton, it was similar. In his first few seasons, he didn’t get major minutes, but he carved out a role by doing the little things: spacing the floor, crashing the glass (he averaged around 4-5 rebounds per 36 minutes early on, which is solid for a guard), and playing with relentless energy. I’ve always believed that players who can impact the game in multiple ways, like Pasaol with his scoring and facilitating or Connaughton with his shooting and defense, have a better shot at sticking around. But here’s the thing—it’s not just about stats. Connaughton had to overcome perceptions. Scouts wondered if he was "just a shooter" or if he could hold his own against NBA-level athletes. His solution? Work on his body, refine his shot mechanics, and study film to anticipate opponents’ moves. By the time he joined the Bucks in 2018, he’d developed into a more complete player, and his three-point percentage climbed to a respectable 37-38% range, making him a perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The real turning point, though, came with Milwaukee’s championship run in 2021. Connaughton wasn’t the star, but he was indispensable—hitting clutch threes, providing defensive stops, and bringing a veteran presence off the bench. I remember watching Game 5 of the Finals and thinking how far he’d come from that draft night uncertainty. He’d taken the long road, much like how Pasaol’s 25-point outburst, despite the loss, probably opened eyes to his potential. In both cases, the key was persistence and adapting to the team’s needs. For Connaughton, that meant evolving from a role player to a trusted piece in a title-winning puzzle. He re-signed with the Bucks on a multi-year deal, and last season, he put up career highs in points and rebounds—proof that his journey was built on steady growth rather than overnight success.

So, what can aspiring players or even fans take from Pat Connaughton’s NBA draft journey and career path? From my perspective, it’s that the draft is just the starting line, not the finish. Connaughton’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and the willingness to outwork everyone else. It’s a lesson that applies beyond basketball—whether you’re an athlete like Pasaol grinding in lesser-known leagues or someone in a competitive industry, the ability to contribute in multiple areas while staying true to your strengths can set you apart. Connaughton’s path wasn’t glamorous, but it was effective, and it’s why he’s still thriving in the league today. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from covering careers like his, it’s that resilience often trumps raw talent, and sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones that unfold quietly, one draft pick at a time.