:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60860531/usa-today-9001165.0.0.0.jpg)
Once upon a time, our now veteran superstars -- Chris Paul and Blake Griffin -- were just fresh faces playing in the NBA's summer league. A lot has changed since then (namely that they both went from prospects to stars), but while looking back at their beginnings, it should have been clear that Paul and Griffin were destined for greatness.
Exhibit A: Chris Paul's Highlight Tape
#NBASummer Flashback... @CP3 steps onto the scene at the 2005 @NBASummerLeague! https://t.co/XPSm1yw8L6
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2016
Exhibit B: Blake Griffin (rather calmly) holds up his MVP trophy
Flashback to 2009 where @blakegriffin32 was named #NBASummer MVP in Las Vegas.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 10, 2015
Cool trophy, Blake. pic.twitter.com/ZHUzGK4aJm
Unfortunately, Blake would not be able to use this momentum to spark his career due to an injury during the preseason. He did, of course, end up being quite fine when he finally got his chance to play a "real" game.
Both would end up becoming Rookie of the Year -- but it all started in Summer League.