The NBA is considering eliminating its age limit, where players typically must attend college or play professional basketball at least for a year after high school. This rule was implemented after a few dozen players joined the league straight out of high school. However, there have been several Hall of Famers, All-Stars and great players who proved that they didn’t need to go college. Let’s have a look at 10 iconic Basketball players who were drafted straight out of high school.
10. Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis neglected college and opted for the 1988 NBA draft as a result, he was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics. Lewis’ underrated prime came with the SuperSonics and Orlando Magic. His best season saw him average more than 22 points per game. Rashard made two All-Star appearances and proved that he was among the best players at his position for a short period of time. “Sweet Lew” is arguably the second best player on the 2009 Orlando Magic that reached the NBA Finals. However, he won the NBA title with the Miami Heat as a role player. Lewis ended his NBA career playing for the Miami Heat until 2014.
9. Tyson Chandler
Tyson had a great basketball career in High school. He was the second overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, selected by the LA Clippers, but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. It took Chandler a few years to find his ideal role in the NBA as a match-winning player. After playing for the Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats, “The Rotisserie” joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and won the NBA title with them. Without Chandler, this championship would not have been possible for the Mavericks. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award that season.
8. Louis Williams
Lou Williams was picked by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2005 NBA Draft. He was named Sixth Man of the Year three times and Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2005. Williams came from South Gwinnett High School in Snellville and initially planned to play for the University of Georgia. Lou played four seasons with the 76ers and then went on to play for several teams, like the Raptors, Lakers and more. He retired from the sport after spending 17 years in the NBA.
7. Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1996 NBA Draft. He is one of the best but underrated players of the 2000s. Jermaine made six All-Star and three All-NBA team appearances as a strong player of that era. During his stint with the Indiana Pacers, Jermaine was one of the best players in the league and that was the time when he made his All-Star appearances. In 2005, the Pacers had their best chance to win the title, but because of Ron Artest’s Malice at the Palace suspension, the team and Jermaine both lost the chance to win it all.
6. Amar’e Stoudemire
After a fantastic Basketball career in High School, Stoudemire was selected by the Phoenix Suns. Drafting him turned out to be the best decision for the Suns, as Stoudemire gave incredible performances and even won the Rookie of the Year award. When Phoenix signed Steve Nash, the team’s game went to the next level as the duo of Nash and Amar’e became a threat in the West for years. “STAT” made four All-Star teams, received five All-NBA selections, and was considered one of the best power forwards during his time.
5. Dwight Howard
Howard was the last great player to come out of high school before the NBA changed its rules with age limits. He was selected by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft. “Steel Man” was the best center in the league for some years and dominated on defense. He made eight All-Star appearances and eight All-NBA selections. Dwight also made history as the first NBA player to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award three consecutive times.
4. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The franchise’s decision to select Garnett turned out to be best for them, as he became the greatest player in Timberwolves history, even winning an MVP award. After playing 12 seasons with Minnesota, Garnett went on to play for the Boston Celtics and led the team to the NBA title. He made 15 All-Star appearances and nine All-NBA selections.
3. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady was the ninth overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, selected by the Toronto Raptors. He is one of the greatest players to never win the NBA title. McGrady made seven consecutive All-Star appearances and eight consecutive All-NBA selections, which shows how incredible he was. T-Mac was a two-time scoring champion who became one of the elite scorers to average over 30 points in a season.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant earned national recognition after having an incredible high school career. Soon he was declared for the NBA Draft. He turned out to be the best decision for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe spent his entire NBA career playing for the Lakers and achieved numerous accolades during his time in the league. He was the part of team’s three peat and has a distinguished career with accomplishments such as five NBA titles, an MVP award, and a memorable 81 points in a single game. The “Black Mamba” made 18 All-Star appearances and 15 All-NBA selections during his decorated NBA career.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is the best player to come out of High School. He was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron’s prodigious skills and basketball intelligence made him a relevant figure in the league even before he was an adult. It has almost been two decades since “King James” has been playing in the league and he has made 18 All-Star appearances and 18 All-NBA selections. The craziest thing about James is that his career is still going on. He is currently the star for the Lakers and can become the All-time leading scorer.
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