“Only four players in league history appeared in as many games but scored fewer points than Ollie, according to Basketball Reference. Yet general managers kept signing him, people inside the game say, because of his character. "There's a reason every GM brought him in," said former Indiana Pacers star and teammate Reggie Miller, who is now a Turner Sports analyst. "I don't think anyone would have a bad word about him Ollie was the "game-changer" who reshaped the Thunder's culture, Durant recently said in an ESPN interview. "Kevin Ollie's contributions to the organization far outlived his tenure as a player," Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti said. Oklahoma City targeted Ollie as a mentor because of "what he represented as a human being," said Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan, who was then in the Thunder's front office. "We wanted to continue to surround our younger players with examples of professionalism, work ethic and humility," Presti said Ollie's longevity wasn't a result of his natural ability. After his college career, Ollie went undrafted by the NBA and played in the lower-level Continental Basketball Association, a path to an NBA career as unlikely as his current job. He ultimately became one of only six players to play for at least 11 NBA franchises, according to Stats LLC. But teams loved him because of his locker-room presence. In 2003, after Ollie played for nine teams in six seasons, Cleveland gave him professional security with a guaranteed contract. Cleveland was building around James and sought out role models who "would be a good influence on LeBron," said former Cavaliers general manager Jim Paxson. The Pacers also traded for Ollie in 2002, and he ended up leaving an impression on Miller, already a veteran at that point. Miller prided himself on being the first person in the gym every day, he said, but Ollie often beat him. ”
