From Losing Both Parents to Gun Violence at Age 12 to Forcing Teammates to Call Him Kobe Bryant, Can Banned NBA Player Make a Comeback?

Published 07/30/2023, 3:33 PM EDT

Athlete stories of triumph and redemption often capture the hearts of fans. One such story is that of Dion Waiters, a talented basketball player whose journey has been marked by tragedy, controversy, and self-discovery. From losing both parents at a young age to being banned from the NBA because of his attitude, Waiters has faced many challenges throughout his career.

Now, at 31, he believes he has changed and is ready to make a comeback as he seeks redemption on and off the court.

A troubled past and Journey in the NBA

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Dion Waiters’ life was marked by tragedy from an early age. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a rough neighborhood. At just 12 years old, he lost both his parents in separate incidents involving guns.

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Despite this loss, he found purpose in basketball. His talent on the court earned him a scholarship offer from Syracuse University while he was still a freshman in high school. Growing up in Philly, he dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. Inspired by his cousin and fellow Syracuse player, Carmelo Anthony.

However, Waiters’ journey was bumped by further tragedies. Someone shot his cousin to death in 2006. Over the next year, two more cousins, including his best friend, were also gunned down. Another cousin died in a motorcycle accident. These losses deeply affected Waiters.

Though he was determined about basketball. This is the guy who made his college teammates call him Kobe with his skills.

It wasn’t a smooth sailing journey, though. In college, he struggled with weight issues and clashed with coach Jim Boeheim due to arguments regarding playing time and shot selection. Despite these setbacks, Cleveland Cavaliers picked him as the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

Despite his impressive offensive skills, Waiters was seen clashing with his teammates, particularly Kyrie Irving, whom he believed received preferential treatment. Accusing Irving and Tristan Thompson of favoritism, he leaked stories to the media, highlighting a perceived double standard within the organization.

This led to a strained relationship. Ultimately, he was benched and eventually traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015.

He wasn’t able to establish himself as a star there, either. The team already had star players playing alongside, like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, an opportunity came knocking when Miami Heat offered him a contract.

After his downfall and controversies, he is seeking redemption

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In January 2017, Deion Waiters hit a game-winning shot for Miami Heat that sparked hope for his career revival. Unfortunately, injuries cut short this promising comeback story. His ankle issues forced him out of action before they could secure a playoff spot. Nevertheless, his impact during that stretch was undeniable. He averaged 20 points per game.

Following subsequent seasons, there were more injuries and many controversies. including suspension due to substance abuse violations. Dion Waiters found himself out of favor with the NBA teams. It was during this period that he experienced profound self-reflection. Even at his peak, no team would want to touch him.

Therapy sessions eventually became a part of his routine, along with maintaining physical health. He also began addressing deep-rooted issues that had plagued him throughout his career. He publicly acknowledged his attitude problems stemming from ego-driven behavior.

In one instance, he says, “My 10-year-old son would ask every day, Dad, why aren’t you playing? You’re better than a lot of these guys. Those questions were hard to listen to. I finally had to tell him the honest truth. I said I am NOT playing because of my attitude, my character, and not being a professional”.

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Now, after seeking professional help and undergoing a transformative journey, Dion Waiters believes he has changed. At 31 years old, with limited wear on his body due to injuries, he is determined to make a comeback in the NBA. During the recent Vegas Summer League, Waiters organized a private workout to showcase his growth as a person. Representatives from 12 NBA teams attended, indicating a potential second chance for the once-banned player.

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Written by:

Chetan is an NBA content writer at Essentially Sports. Being an active basketball player since his school days, he has always been a dedicated follower of the NBA. His passion for the game has drove him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja

From Losing Both Parents to Gun Violence at Age 12 to Forcing Teammates to Call Him Kobe Bryant, Can Banned NBA Player Make a Comeback?

A troubled past and Journey in the NBA

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After his downfall and controversies, he is seeking redemption