Introduction: The Last Pick Who Became a Champion
In the world of professional basketball, being selected as the final pick in the NBA Draft—earning you the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” title—is rarely a launching pad for success. Yet Sam Merrill has defied all expectations, transforming from the 60th overall pick in 2020 to an NBA champion and one of the league’s most reliable three-point sharpshooters.
Born on May 15, 1996, in Bountiful, Utah, Samuel Hoskins Merrill has become a household name for Cleveland Cavaliers fans and basketball enthusiasts who appreciate hard work, perseverance, and clutch performances. Known affectionately as “Money Merrill,” this sharpshooting guard has proven that draft position doesn’t define destiny.
Early Life in Bountiful, Utah: Where Champions Are Made
Growing up in Bountiful, Utah, Sam Merrill was raised by his parents John and Jenny Merrill, alongside his older sister Molli. The picturesque Salt Lake City suburb became the foundation for his basketball journey.
High School Stardom at Bountiful High School
Merrill’s basketball prowess emerged early at Bountiful High School, where he transformed from a role player to a state champion:
- Sophomore Year: Became a starter mid-season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.6 assists
- Junior Year: Exploded for 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning first-team all-state honors from both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune
- Senior Year: Led his team to a 4A state championship while posting 15.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game
Despite interest from prestigious schools like Stanford and Princeton, Merrill chose to stay close to home, committing to Utah State University.
College Career: Utah State Legend
The Mission That Changed Everything
Before his freshman year, Merrill made a life-changing decision that would delay his basketball career but shape his character. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a two-year mission in Nicaragua. This experience taught him discipline, patience, and perspective—qualities that would define his professional career.
Dominating the Mountain West Conference
When Merrill returned to campus, legendary coach Stew Morrill had retired, replaced by Tim Duryea. Despite the coaching change, Merrill flourished:
Freshman Year (2016-17)
- Averaged 9.4 points per game
- Adjusted to college basketball after his mission
Sophomore Year (2017-18)
- Jumped to 16.3 points per game
- Named Third-team All-Mountain West Conference
- Married soccer player Kanyan Ward in May 2018
Junior Year (2018-19) – Breakout Season
- 20.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals per game
- Shot 46.1% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range, 90.9% from the free-throw line
- Named MWC Player of the Year and tournament MVP
- Led USU to Mountain West tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth
- Earned AP Honorable Mention All-American honors
- Career-high 38 points in overtime thriller vs. Colorado State (March 5, 2019)
Senior Year (2019-20) – Legendary Finish
- Scored 28 points in season opener vs. Montana State
- Surpassed 2,000 career points on February 11, 2020
- Became third all-time leading scorer in Utah State history, passing Wayne Estes
- Named First Team All-MWC
- Won second consecutive MWC tournament MVP
- Hit game-winning three-pointer with 2.5 seconds left in MWC championship game (59-56 upset over San Diego State)
- NCAA Tournament canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
NBA Journey: From Mr. Irrelevant to Money Merrill
2020 NBA Draft: Pick #60
On November 18, 2020, Sam Merrill’s name was called last in the NBA Draft—the 60th and final pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. The “Mr. Irrelevant” label could have been a death sentence for his professional dreams, but Merrill saw it as motivation.
Milwaukee Bucks (2020-2021): Immediate Championship Success
Just days after being drafted, Merrill was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a four-team deal. What followed was a fairytale rookie season:
- Played 30 regular-season games, averaging 3.0 points while shooting 44.7% from three
- Appeared in 8 playoff games during Milwaukee’s championship run
- Won an NBA Championship as a rookie when the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in 6 games
Memphis Grizzlies (2021-2022): Brief Stop
Traded to Memphis for Grayson Allen in August 2021, Merrill appeared in just 6 games before being waived on January 1, 2022.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2022-Present): Finding His Home
After being waived by Sacramento before the 2022-23 season, Merrill joined the Cleveland Charge of the G League, where he was the #1 overall pick in the G League draft.
On March 3, 2023, the Cleveland Cavaliers gave him a 10-day contract—a chance that would change everything. Eleven days later, he signed a multi-year deal.
Career Highlights with Cleveland:
2023-24 Season
- December 20, 2023: Scored 27 points with 8 three-pointers off the bench vs. Utah Jazz
- January 22, 2024: Posted 26 points (20 in first half) in win over Orlando Magic
- March 27, 2024: Broke Cleveland’s franchise record for most bench three-pointers in a season (129), surpassing Donyell Marshall’s 2005-06 record
2025-26 Season
- June 28, 2025: Re-signed with Cavaliers on a four-year, $38 million contract
- February 11, 2026: Career-high 32 points (26 in first half) in blowout win vs. Washington Wizards, shooting 11-of-12 from the field (9-of-9 in first half)
Personal Life: Family Man and Man of Faith
Sam Merrill’s life off the court is just as inspiring as his on-court achievements. He married Kanyan Ward, a soccer player, in May 2018. The couple has built a beautiful family:
- Kendall (daughter, born May 2022)
- Second daughter (born February 2025)
- Son (born January 2026)
Merrill remains deeply committed to his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and credits his two-year mission to Nicaragua as a formative experience that shaped his character and work ethic.
Sam Merrill’s Playing Style: Three-Point Specialist
What makes Sam Merrill special? His elite three-point shooting and basketball IQ. Standing 6’5″, Merrill excels as:
- Catch-and-shoot specialist: One of the NBA’s most dangerous off-ball threats
- Clutch performer: Known for hitting big shots in critical moments
- High-efficiency scorer: Consistently shoots above 40% from three-point range
- Bench spark plug: Provides instant offense for the Cavaliers’ second unit
Legacy: Proving Mr. Irrelevant Can Become Money Merrill
Sam Merrill’s journey from Bountiful, Utah, to NBA champion is a testament to:
- Perseverance – Never gave up despite being the last pick .
- Faith – His mission experience provided perspective and maturity
- Work ethic – Continuously improved at every level
- Opportunity – Made the most of his chance with Cleveland
- Family values – Balanced professional success with personal life
Conclusion: The Ultimate Feel-Good Sports Story
Sam Merrill proves that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about the work you put in and the opportunities you seize. From being “Mr. Irrelevant” to “Money Merrill,” his story inspires athletes everywhere to keep believing, keep grinding, and never let anyone define your ceiling.
Whether you’re a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, a Utah State Aggie supporter, or simply someone who loves underdog stories, Sam Merrill’s journey reminds us that championships aren’t won on draft day—they’re earned through dedication, faith, and unwavering belief in yourself.
