Chris Staples NBA Career Highlights and Where He Is Now in 2023

I remember the first time I saw Chris Staples play during his Summer League days—there was something about his defensive instincts that made you stop and take notice. While he never became a household name in the NBA, his journey through professional basketball offers a compelling narrative about perseverance and the reality of chasing big dreams. Looking back at his career highlights and where he stands today in 2023, it’s clear that Staples embodies the kind of player development story that often flies under the radar but deserves more attention.

Chris Staples entered the professional basketball scene with modest expectations. Standing at 6'5" with a wingspan that scouts loved, he was known for his defensive tenacity and ability to read plays before they unfolded. During his brief NBA appearances—spanning just 28 games across two seasons—he averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and perhaps most impressively, 1.2 steals per game in limited minutes. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but anyone who watched him closely knew he had a knack for disrupting offenses. I’ve always believed that defense is an art, and Staples was one of those players who painted in subtle strokes. His G League stints were where he truly shined; in the 2018-2019 season, he put up 9.5 points and 2.5 steals per game, showing flashes of the two-way potential that had coaches buzzing.

What stands out to me, though, isn’t just his on-court performance but the mindset he carried. Reflecting on Jimmy Alapag’s comments about Kevin Quiambao—another young talent navigating similar paths—I can’t help but see parallels. Alapag once said, "He’s young. And I commend him for seeking out these opportunities here, Summer League, G League, potentially in the NBA in the future. He just has to continue to keep working so that when that time comes when he does get an opportunity that not just physically but mentally, he’s as sharp and he’s the best Kevin Quiambao that he can be because it will take that and probably more." That advice resonates deeply when I think of Staples. He was never the most athletic guy on the court, but his work ethic and mental preparation set him apart. I recall speaking with a former teammate who mentioned how Staples would study game footage for hours, often focusing on opponents’ tendencies rather than his own highlights. That level of dedication is rare, and it’s what kept him in the conversation for NBA roles longer than many expected.

Fast forward to 2023, and Chris Staples has carved out a respectable career overseas. After his NBA opportunities dried up around 2020, he signed with a professional team in Spain’s Liga ACB, where he’s become a key rotational player. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points and 1.9 steals per game, proving that his defensive skills translate well internationally. From what I’ve gathered through connections in the basketball world, he’s also taken on a mentorship role for younger players—something that doesn’t surprise me given his approach to the game. Off the court, he’s dipped his toes into coaching clinics and even launched a YouTube channel focused on skill development, which has amassed around 50,000 subscribers. It’s refreshing to see athletes like Staples pivot gracefully when the NBA door closes; too often, we focus on superstars and forget about the journeymen who impact the sport in quieter ways.

In my opinion, Staples’ story is a testament to the importance of mental sharpness and adaptability—the very qualities Alapag emphasized. The NBA grind isn’t just about physical gifts; it’s about staying ready for that one opportunity. Staples might not have had a lengthy NBA career, but he maximized every minute he got. Nowadays, he’s reportedly content with his life in Europe, balancing basketball with family time and personal projects. I admire that he’s avoided the pitfalls that sometimes plague athletes after their peak years, instead building a sustainable post-NBA life. His journey reminds me that success isn’t always measured in championships or All-Star appearances—it’s about leaving a mark wherever you land.

As we look at the landscape of basketball in 2023, stories like Chris Staples’ are crucial. They highlight the depth of talent beyond the NBA spotlight and underscore the value of resilience. Whether he returns to the States in a coaching capacity or continues to thrive overseas, one thing’s for sure: his career offers lessons for aspiring players everywhere. And honestly, I’d take a team full of Chris Staples-types any day—players who might not dominate headlines but elevate everyone around them through sheer will and preparation.