With the days seemingly numbered for the current NBA draft age limit, we take a look back at the careers of the 42 players who were drafted by an NBA team straight from high school before that practice was eliminated in 2006.
42) Ricky Sanchez, 35th pick of Trail Blazers, 2005
Still just shy of his 18th birthday when he was drafted by the Blazers in 2005, Sanchez took a circuitous route to the NBA and had an equally meandering pro career that never included actual NBA regular season action. The fourth Puerto Rican to ever be selected in the NBA Draft, Sanchez was born and raised on the island and played three years of high school ball before transferring to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida. He soon committed to play under John Calipari at Memphis, but like many prep stars in 2005, backed out at the last moment to enter what many understood would be the final NBA Draft without an age eligibility rule. He was drafted by the Blazers and immediately traded to the Nuggets. After spending some time in the D-League, Sanchez returned to Puerto Rico and became a star in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional. His international rights were eventually traded from the Nuggets to the 76ers, and eventually became an esoteric but central piece of "The Process," so much so that it inspired the name of an influential Sixers fan podcast.
41) Ousmane Cisse, 47th pick of Nuggets, 2001
Along with Ricky Sanchez, Cisse is one of two players to be drafted straight out of high school but never appear in an NBA game. Born and raised in Mali, Cisse was spotted by American scouts playing in an All-Star game in Paris, and moved to Alabama during high school to play at St. Jude High School in Montgomery. Considered by many to be the nationally top-rated forward of his class, he drew attention from essentially all the highest-profile colleges, but opted to declare for the draft. He likely would have been a lottery pick if not for an ACL tear suffered during his senior year of high school, and that injury unfortunately cost Cisse not just draft capital but his NBA career in general. After drafting him in the second round, the Nuggets requested that he play in Europe for a while after his ACL healed, but Cisse refused and was released. He was signed by the 76ers but quickly cut again after a few summer league appearances, and had similar luck in later tenures with the Raptors and Magic. His pro career was ultimately spread across the Harlem Globetrotters, USBL, Israel, Russia, Cyprus, and France before retiring in 2010.
40) James Lang, 48th pick of Hornets, 2003
47 spots after LeBron James of St. Vincent-St. Mary was drafted by the Cavaliers, Lang, a stout center from Central Park Christian in Mobile, Alabama, was taken by the Hornets. Three years and three teams later, Lang finally made his NBA debut with the Wizards. Having struggled to stay in shape during stints in the D-League and Spanish La Liga, he was deployed only sparingly for Washington, making 11 appearances for a total of 55 minutes, totaling just 11 points and 11 rebounds for the season. The Wizards cut him the following summer, and after a few comeback attempts with various D-League franchises, Lang was forced to retire in 2009 after suffering a stroke.
39) Leon Smith, 29th pick of Spurs, 1999 (traded to Mavericks)
If you knew his story, you couldn't blame Smith for forgoing college eligibility to turn pro in 1999. Abandoned by his parents at age five, he spent his childhood in various institutions before landing at Martin Luther King High School in Chicago. He gave strong consideration to playing for Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State, but academic issues precluded even the most creative book cooking by Tark. The Spurs drafted Smith at the end of the first round and traded him to the Mavericks, who tried to convince him to spend a year in Europe. Smith was disinterested, instead wanting an immediate NBA paycheck. He certainly had potential to be a great player, with the wingspan and skill set of a young Shawn Kemp, but his pro career got off to a rocky start, as he stormed out of his first practice, and didn't improve much from there. After an aspirin overdose, an arrest for smashing a car window, and a stint in a psychiatric unit, Smith finally reached the NBA in 2002 with the Hawks. He averaged just 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14 games that season, and after making one more appearance with the Sonics in '03-'04, his NBA career was over.
If you knew his story, you couldn't blame Smith for forgoing college eligibility to turn pro in 1999. Abandoned by his parents at age five, he spent his childhood in various institutions before landing at Martin Luther King High School in Chicago. He gave strong consideration to playing for Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State, but academic issues precluded even the most creative book cooking by Tark. The Spurs drafted Smith at the end of the first round and traded him to the Mavericks, who tried to convince him to spend a year in Europe. Smith was disinterested, instead wanting an immediate NBA paycheck. He certainly had potential to be a great player, with the wingspan and skill set of a young Shawn Kemp, but his pro career got off to a rocky start, as he stormed out of his first practice, and didn't improve much from there. After an aspirin overdose, an arrest for smashing a car window, and a stint in a psychiatric unit, Smith finally reached the NBA in 2002 with the Hawks. He averaged just 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14 games that season, and after making one more appearance with the Sonics in '03-'04, his NBA career was over.
38) Ndudi Ebi, 26th pick of Timberwolves, 2003
There was an undue amount of pressure on Ebi as a late first round pick, as he was Minnesota's first first round selection in three years. This was due to their illicit deal with Joe Smith in 2000, which led to the NBA stripping the franchise of three first rounders. A lengthy small forward with a smooth jumper and solid moves to the basket, Ebi had undeniable NBA level talent but found playing sparse on a roster highlighted by the similarly skilled and sized Latrell Sprewell and Wally Szczerbiak. Ebi played just 32 total minutes in 17 appearances in his rookie season, and then played in just two meaningless late season games in his second year, though he did average 13.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in those contests. Like many players on this list, Ebi would have benefitted from a more robust D-League, but when the Wolves were unable to stash him for more than a year in the minor league system (due to regulations at the time), they waived him in 2006, ending his NBA career. But his pro career is still active to this day, including stops in Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, and France.
There was an undue amount of pressure on Ebi as a late first round pick, as he was Minnesota's first first round selection in three years. This was due to their illicit deal with Joe Smith in 2000, which led to the NBA stripping the franchise of three first rounders. A lengthy small forward with a smooth jumper and solid moves to the basket, Ebi had undeniable NBA level talent but found playing sparse on a roster highlighted by the similarly skilled and sized Latrell Sprewell and Wally Szczerbiak. Ebi played just 32 total minutes in 17 appearances in his rookie season, and then played in just two meaningless late season games in his second year, though he did average 13.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in those contests. Like many players on this list, Ebi would have benefitted from a more robust D-League, but when the Wolves were unable to stash him for more than a year in the minor league system (due to regulations at the time), they waived him in 2006, ending his NBA career. But his pro career is still active to this day, including stops in Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, and France.
37) Korleone Young, 40th pick of Pistons, 1998
Owing in parts to the timing of his career, his off-court controversies and legal trouble, his irrefutable talent, and his memorable name, Young became a poster child of the anti-prep-to-pro argument that led to the age eligibility rule in the 2005 NBA collective bargaining agreement. He was one of three high school players selected in the 1998 NBA Draft, along with Al Harrington and Rashard Lewis. Their only predecessors were Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, who were already All-Stars, and Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O'Neal, who were showing early potential and eventually became star players as well. This left Young as the first legit bust of the era, and his reputation paid dearly for it. He appeared in just three games for the Pistons in a lockout-shortened rookie season (the timing of the lockout right after his draft certainly didn't help his player development) and then couldn't make the 76ers roster after a summer league stint. He spent time in the IBA, CBA, D-League, and Australia, but his attempts at an NBA comeback were hampered by his involvement in an AAU scandal involving illicit payments from Nike.
Owing in parts to the timing of his career, his off-court controversies and legal trouble, his irrefutable talent, and his memorable name, Young became a poster child of the anti-prep-to-pro argument that led to the age eligibility rule in the 2005 NBA collective bargaining agreement. He was one of three high school players selected in the 1998 NBA Draft, along with Al Harrington and Rashard Lewis. Their only predecessors were Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, who were already All-Stars, and Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O'Neal, who were showing early potential and eventually became star players as well. This left Young as the first legit bust of the era, and his reputation paid dearly for it. He appeared in just three games for the Pistons in a lockout-shortened rookie season (the timing of the lockout right after his draft certainly didn't help his player development) and then couldn't make the 76ers roster after a summer league stint. He spent time in the IBA, CBA, D-League, and Australia, but his attempts at an NBA comeback were hampered by his involvement in an AAU scandal involving illicit payments from Nike.
36) Robert Swift, 12th pick of SuperSonics in 2004
Swift was a memorable figure for many reasons during his career, from his tattoos to his long hair to his gangly figure to his massively unlucky injuries, but unfortunately not for his play on the court. Born and raised in Bakersfield, he was all set to move two hours south to play at USC but pulled out at the last moment when Danny Ainge promised to draft him on the Celtics with the 15th pick. Shockingly, Swift was taken even earlier, going to the Sonics in the late lottery. It was an especially curious pick considering that coach Nate McMillan was infamous for not playing rookies and the Sonics already had a lottery pick center from 2003 in Nick Collison. Though Swift scarcely saw the court in his rookie year, he found more playing time in '05-'06 under new coach Bob Hill and was set to take over the starting job full time in '06-'07, but suffered the first of several major injuries that would cripple his career. He end up missing the entire season due to an ACL tear, and then made just 34 more appearances over the next two years before ending his career.
Swift was a memorable figure for many reasons during his career, from his tattoos to his long hair to his gangly figure to his massively unlucky injuries, but unfortunately not for his play on the court. Born and raised in Bakersfield, he was all set to move two hours south to play at USC but pulled out at the last moment when Danny Ainge promised to draft him on the Celtics with the 15th pick. Shockingly, Swift was taken even earlier, going to the Sonics in the late lottery. It was an especially curious pick considering that coach Nate McMillan was infamous for not playing rookies and the Sonics already had a lottery pick center from 2003 in Nick Collison. Though Swift scarcely saw the court in his rookie year, he found more playing time in '05-'06 under new coach Bob Hill and was set to take over the starting job full time in '06-'07, but suffered the first of several major injuries that would cripple his career. He end up missing the entire season due to an ACL tear, and then made just 34 more appearances over the next two years before ending his career.
35) Jonathan Bender, 5th pick of Raptors in 1999 (traded to Pacers)
Unlike the more spectacular burnouts of Korleone Young and Leon Smith, Bender's shortcomings in the pros can be fully explained by injuries. Spurning a commitment to Mississippi State (he played his high school ball at nearby Picayune, Mississippi), he was talented and athletic enough to get picked fifth overall in 1999 by the Raptors, who then traded him to the Pacers for star center Antonio Davis. With a lengthy frame and preternatural shooting touch, Bender drew early comparisons to fellow prep-to-pro Kevin Garnett, especially as he became the first high school draftee to score double-digit points in his NBA debut. Though his playing time was limited early on a veteran-laden Pacers team that was a consistent Finals contender, Bender seemed prepped to break out as a star in '02-'03 when chronic knee problems starting to wreak havoc. He was eventually forced to retire at age 25, having played just 237 games over seven seasons. Though his playing career was limited, Bender found some success later in life as an inventor, creating a resistance training device called the JB Intensive Trainer.
Unlike the more spectacular burnouts of Korleone Young and Leon Smith, Bender's shortcomings in the pros can be fully explained by injuries. Spurning a commitment to Mississippi State (he played his high school ball at nearby Picayune, Mississippi), he was talented and athletic enough to get picked fifth overall in 1999 by the Raptors, who then traded him to the Pacers for star center Antonio Davis. With a lengthy frame and preternatural shooting touch, Bender drew early comparisons to fellow prep-to-pro Kevin Garnett, especially as he became the first high school draftee to score double-digit points in his NBA debut. Though his playing time was limited early on a veteran-laden Pacers team that was a consistent Finals contender, Bender seemed prepped to break out as a star in '02-'03 when chronic knee problems starting to wreak havoc. He was eventually forced to retire at age 25, having played just 237 games over seven seasons. Though his playing career was limited, Bender found some success later in life as an inventor, creating a resistance training device called the JB Intensive Trainer.
34) Sebastian Telfair, 13th pick of Trail Blazers in 2004
His NBA career technically lasted a decade, but Telfair's list of accomplishments over that time is limited. A prep star point guard from the projects of Brooklyn, he supposedly opted to enter the 2004 draft after a fatal shooting in his apartment complex. As is the case with so many players on this list, he was failed by the lack of an apparatus to assist teenaged rookies transitioning to the NBA, especially as he traveled across the country to Portland while his mother stayed home to tend to his ailing father. The Trail Blazers were arguably a worst-case scenario landing spot for an impressionable young player like Telfair, and his future off-court issues and legal troubles bear this out. He eventually played for nine teams over 10 seasons, never averaging more than 10 points or six assists per game. He is currently awaiting charges on a weapons possession felony that resulted from a recent traffic stop back in his native New York City.
His NBA career technically lasted a decade, but Telfair's list of accomplishments over that time is limited. A prep star point guard from the projects of Brooklyn, he supposedly opted to enter the 2004 draft after a fatal shooting in his apartment complex. As is the case with so many players on this list, he was failed by the lack of an apparatus to assist teenaged rookies transitioning to the NBA, especially as he traveled across the country to Portland while his mother stayed home to tend to his ailing father. The Trail Blazers were arguably a worst-case scenario landing spot for an impressionable young player like Telfair, and his future off-court issues and legal troubles bear this out. He eventually played for nine teams over 10 seasons, never averaging more than 10 points or six assists per game. He is currently awaiting charges on a weapons possession felony that resulted from a recent traffic stop back in his native New York City.
33) Darius Miles, 3rd pick of Clippers in 2000
The first high schooler to be drafted as high as third overall, and the first to be named All-Rookie, Miles' career would unfortunately peak right around there. Part of a brash, young core with Quentin Richardson, Lamar Odom, and Elton Brand that briefly thrilled Clippers fans but couldn't lift the franchise out of mediocrity, Miles was quickly labeled as a malcontent and traded twice before his 22nd birthday, and his career and reputation never recovered. He was briefly the starting small forward in Cleveland before a guy named LeBron James came along, then put up decent numbers in two-plus seasons with Portland that were otherwise marred by feuds with coach Mo Cheeks and then an ACL tear that effectively ended his career at age 25.
The first high schooler to be drafted as high as third overall, and the first to be named All-Rookie, Miles' career would unfortunately peak right around there. Part of a brash, young core with Quentin Richardson, Lamar Odom, and Elton Brand that briefly thrilled Clippers fans but couldn't lift the franchise out of mediocrity, Miles was quickly labeled as a malcontent and traded twice before his 22nd birthday, and his career and reputation never recovered. He was briefly the starting small forward in Cleveland before a guy named LeBron James came along, then put up decent numbers in two-plus seasons with Portland that were otherwise marred by feuds with coach Mo Cheeks and then an ACL tear that effectively ended his career at age 25.
32) DeSagana Diop, 8th pick of Cavaliers in 2001
At seven feet and over 300 pounds, Diop was already an imposing force in his senior year of high school at the famed Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He opted to forgo college and enter the draft the same year as Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry, and was considered a lesser athlete but a safer bet than both of them due to his polished game. But even though Diop was drafted by a Cavs team going nowhere fast, he found limited playing time in his first four seasons. As opposed to many of the players on this list that proved too immature to succeed in the NBA as a teenager, Diop seemed to be a coachable player that was just not scouted correctly and drafted too high as a result. His offensive game turned out to be much too weak to gain consistent NBA minutes, but he found his calling later on as a defensive specialist for the Mavericks and Bobcats, and even started in all six games for Dallas in the 2006 NBA Finals. He lasted 12 seasons in the NBA, but averaged just 2.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
At seven feet and over 300 pounds, Diop was already an imposing force in his senior year of high school at the famed Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He opted to forgo college and enter the draft the same year as Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry, and was considered a lesser athlete but a safer bet than both of them due to his polished game. But even though Diop was drafted by a Cavs team going nowhere fast, he found limited playing time in his first four seasons. As opposed to many of the players on this list that proved too immature to succeed in the NBA as a teenager, Diop seemed to be a coachable player that was just not scouted correctly and drafted too high as a result. His offensive game turned out to be much too weak to gain consistent NBA minutes, but he found his calling later on as a defensive specialist for the Mavericks and Bobcats, and even started in all six games for Dallas in the 2006 NBA Finals. He lasted 12 seasons in the NBA, but averaged just 2.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
31) Eddy Curry, 4th pick of Bulls in 2001
As would be expected for an 18-year-old center joining one of the league's worst teams, Curry had some early struggles in his career. By '04-'05, however, he was finally developing into of the NBA's best young centers, leading the Bulls back to the playoffs as their leading scorer with 16.1 points per game, when he complained to team trainers about chest pains during a late season game. An irregular heartbeat was discovered and Curry's career would never be the same. He was traded to the Knicks that summer and scored a career high 19.5 points per game in '06-'07, but eventually gained so much weight that coach Mike D'Antoni refused to play him during the '08-'09 season. Curry later had short stints with the Heat (with whom he earned a title ring in 2012 despite not playing any playoff minutes) and Mavericks before spending some time playing in China to close out his career.
As would be expected for an 18-year-old center joining one of the league's worst teams, Curry had some early struggles in his career. By '04-'05, however, he was finally developing into of the NBA's best young centers, leading the Bulls back to the playoffs as their leading scorer with 16.1 points per game, when he complained to team trainers about chest pains during a late season game. An irregular heartbeat was discovered and Curry's career would never be the same. He was traded to the Knicks that summer and scored a career high 19.5 points per game in '06-'07, but eventually gained so much weight that coach Mike D'Antoni refused to play him during the '08-'09 season. Curry later had short stints with the Heat (with whom he earned a title ring in 2012 despite not playing any playoff minutes) and Mavericks before spending some time playing in China to close out his career.
30) Martell Webster, 6th pick of Trail Blazers in 2005
The 2005 draft was stacked with prep players (and 18-year-old foreign players) as a new CBA was looming and expected to include an age eligibility rule. Webster was the highest-rated non-college player that year and the first selected at sixth overall. His NBA career never reached an All-Star caliber but was hardly a flameout either. He lasted 10 seasons, five with Portland, three with Minnesota, and two with Washington, and averaged as high as 11.4 points per game in '12-'13. But injuries really derailed him, especially a broken left foot that cost him essentially the entire '08-'09 season just as his career seemed to be taking off. It also didn't help that Webster's early years were spent with the lousy mid-aughts Trail Blazers that also featured fellow disappointing prep-to-pro lottery picks Sebastian Telfair, Darius Miles, and Travis Outlaw.
29) Bill Willoughby, 19th pick of Hawks in 1975
In the same year that Darryl Dawkins became infamous for joining the NBA straight from high school, Willoughby also took advantage of the newly instituted "hardship clause" allowing players to declare for the draft without playing in college first. As bad as things got for the prep-to-pro stars of the '90s and '00s, Willoughby had it even worse as he struggled to fit in with his much older new teammates on the Hawks. At just 18 years and 156 days, he was, at the time, the second youngest player ever to take the court in an NBA game, and he struggled as expected in his rookie season. Willoughby did last eight seasons in the NBA with six different teams, averaging a career high 7.8 points per game for the Rockets in '81-'82. He also played on the Rockets team that made a surprise trip to the 1981 NBA Finals. Long after retiring from basketball, he eventually did attend college, earning a degree from Fairleigh Dickinson in 2001. His tuition was entirely paid for by the NBA Retired Players Association.
The 2005 draft was stacked with prep players (and 18-year-old foreign players) as a new CBA was looming and expected to include an age eligibility rule. Webster was the highest-rated non-college player that year and the first selected at sixth overall. His NBA career never reached an All-Star caliber but was hardly a flameout either. He lasted 10 seasons, five with Portland, three with Minnesota, and two with Washington, and averaged as high as 11.4 points per game in '12-'13. But injuries really derailed him, especially a broken left foot that cost him essentially the entire '08-'09 season just as his career seemed to be taking off. It also didn't help that Webster's early years were spent with the lousy mid-aughts Trail Blazers that also featured fellow disappointing prep-to-pro lottery picks Sebastian Telfair, Darius Miles, and Travis Outlaw.
29) Bill Willoughby, 19th pick of Hawks in 1975
In the same year that Darryl Dawkins became infamous for joining the NBA straight from high school, Willoughby also took advantage of the newly instituted "hardship clause" allowing players to declare for the draft without playing in college first. As bad as things got for the prep-to-pro stars of the '90s and '00s, Willoughby had it even worse as he struggled to fit in with his much older new teammates on the Hawks. At just 18 years and 156 days, he was, at the time, the second youngest player ever to take the court in an NBA game, and he struggled as expected in his rookie season. Willoughby did last eight seasons in the NBA with six different teams, averaging a career high 7.8 points per game for the Rockets in '81-'82. He also played on the Rockets team that made a surprise trip to the 1981 NBA Finals. Long after retiring from basketball, he eventually did attend college, earning a degree from Fairleigh Dickinson in 2001. His tuition was entirely paid for by the NBA Retired Players Association.
28) Dorell Wright, 19th pick of Heat in 2004
Drafted by the Heat one year after they selected a franchise cornerstone in Dwyane Wade, Wright was expected to be groomed as a secondary superstar on the wing, but instead settled into a decent career as a journeyman long distance shooting specialist. Miami reached the Conference Finals in his rookie season and won the title in his second, but Wright was hardly involved, not even making the playoff roster either year. He emerged as a role player in '06-'07 and eventually peaked in '10-'11 after signing with the Warriors. Wright averaged 16.4 points per game that season and led the NBA in three-pointers, teaming up as a killer shooting duo with Stephen Curry the year before Golden State drafted Klay Thompson. After stints with the Sixers and Blazers, and some time in China, Wright re-signed with the Heat in 2016 and made several playoff appearances. He was most recently playing for a pro team in Russia.
Drafted by the Heat one year after they selected a franchise cornerstone in Dwyane Wade, Wright was expected to be groomed as a secondary superstar on the wing, but instead settled into a decent career as a journeyman long distance shooting specialist. Miami reached the Conference Finals in his rookie season and won the title in his second, but Wright was hardly involved, not even making the playoff roster either year. He emerged as a role player in '06-'07 and eventually peaked in '10-'11 after signing with the Warriors. Wright averaged 16.4 points per game that season and led the NBA in three-pointers, teaming up as a killer shooting duo with Stephen Curry the year before Golden State drafted Klay Thompson. After stints with the Sixers and Blazers, and some time in China, Wright re-signed with the Heat in 2016 and made several playoff appearances. He was most recently playing for a pro team in Russia.
27) Gerald Green, 18th pick of Celtics in 2005
His debut came in 2005 with the Celtics as a 19-year-old, and 13 years and nine franchises later (plus stops in Russia, China, and the D-League), Green is still plugging away as a bench scoring threat for the Rockets. Though he didn't play competitive basketball until his sophomore year of high school, he was considered the #1 recruit in the country after his senior year at Gulf Shores Academy. Already 19 at graduation due to repeating his junior year, Green committed to Oklahoma State but opted for the NBA Draft soon after. Despite his status as the top high school senior, he fell all the way to the 18th pick to Boston. He played for four teams in his first four seasons, winning a Slam Dunk Contest and flashing periodic brilliance on the court, but also suffering with inconsistency and injuries. His career seemed to be over already at age 23, as he signed with a team in Russia, but Green made an improbable comeback after the 2011 lockout. His second act as a high-flying bench scorer has been a pleasant surprise, especially on the Rockets team that came just short of reaching the 2018 NBA Finals.
His debut came in 2005 with the Celtics as a 19-year-old, and 13 years and nine franchises later (plus stops in Russia, China, and the D-League), Green is still plugging away as a bench scoring threat for the Rockets. Though he didn't play competitive basketball until his sophomore year of high school, he was considered the #1 recruit in the country after his senior year at Gulf Shores Academy. Already 19 at graduation due to repeating his junior year, Green committed to Oklahoma State but opted for the NBA Draft soon after. Despite his status as the top high school senior, he fell all the way to the 18th pick to Boston. He played for four teams in his first four seasons, winning a Slam Dunk Contest and flashing periodic brilliance on the court, but also suffering with inconsistency and injuries. His career seemed to be over already at age 23, as he signed with a team in Russia, but Green made an improbable comeback after the 2011 lockout. His second act as a high-flying bench scorer has been a pleasant surprise, especially on the Rockets team that came just short of reaching the 2018 NBA Finals.
26) Andray Blatche, 49th pick of Wizards in 2005
Far be it for us to be the arbiters of these decisions, but Blatche's case seems as obvious as anyone's on this list that he should have spent time playing college basketball. Granted, hindsight is 20/20 on this one. Ranked as the #5 recruit in the country in 2005, Blatche somehow fell to the late second round of the draft but was still hyped as a potential successor to Antawn Jamison at power forward. But his early career was a disaster, starting with missing training camp after being shot during a carjacking, then struggling upon his return and getting assigned to the D-League. The Wizards still lavished him with a huge contract once his rookie deal ended, one they would regret so much that Blatche eventually became their amnesty clause waiving in 2012. He did have his moments, especially in '10-'11 when he averaged 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, but by the end of his time in Washington Blatche was so disinterested and out-of-shape that coach Randy Wittman benched him indefinitely. Since leaving the NBA in 2014 (after two semi-successful seasons with the Nets), he's become a star in the Philippines after accepting citizenship to play on the national team, and is expected to be their centerpiece player at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Far be it for us to be the arbiters of these decisions, but Blatche's case seems as obvious as anyone's on this list that he should have spent time playing college basketball. Granted, hindsight is 20/20 on this one. Ranked as the #5 recruit in the country in 2005, Blatche somehow fell to the late second round of the draft but was still hyped as a potential successor to Antawn Jamison at power forward. But his early career was a disaster, starting with missing training camp after being shot during a carjacking, then struggling upon his return and getting assigned to the D-League. The Wizards still lavished him with a huge contract once his rookie deal ended, one they would regret so much that Blatche eventually became their amnesty clause waiving in 2012. He did have his moments, especially in '10-'11 when he averaged 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, but by the end of his time in Washington Blatche was so disinterested and out-of-shape that coach Randy Wittman benched him indefinitely. Since leaving the NBA in 2014 (after two semi-successful seasons with the Nets), he's become a star in the Philippines after accepting citizenship to play on the national team, and is expected to be their centerpiece player at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
25) DeShawn Stevenson, 23rd pick of Jazz in 2000
Recruited to play at Kansas under Roy Williams, who called him, at the time, the greatest recruit he'd ever seen, Stevenson instead declared for the NBA Draft after failing to secure a qualifying score on the SAT. He was taken late in the first round by a veteran-laden Jazz team in the final stages of the Malone-Stockton era, and found limited playing time in his first three seasons. His next stints with the Magic and Wizards were more successful, as Stevenson found a niche as a tertiary scorer and wing defensive specialist. He was eventually traded to the Mavericks in 2010 and was a part-time starting shooting guard on the '10-'11 team that won the NBA title.
Recruited to play at Kansas under Roy Williams, who called him, at the time, the greatest recruit he'd ever seen, Stevenson instead declared for the NBA Draft after failing to secure a qualifying score on the SAT. He was taken late in the first round by a veteran-laden Jazz team in the final stages of the Malone-Stockton era, and found limited playing time in his first three seasons. His next stints with the Magic and Wizards were more successful, as Stevenson found a niche as a tertiary scorer and wing defensive specialist. He was eventually traded to the Mavericks in 2010 and was a part-time starting shooting guard on the '10-'11 team that won the NBA title.
24) Kwame Brown, 1st pick of Wizards in 2001
As the first high school player to be drafted #1 overall, Brown's career was overly scrutinized, causing him to be labeled somewhat unfairly as one of the league's biggest busts when his career empirically wasn't too bad. Much of that perception is due to his connection to the man that was first his owner/president and later his teammate. Michael Jordan took an executive role with Washington in 2000, and in his first draft in that capacity swung for the fences with Brown. Then a year later he returned to the court and supposedly harassed the young center endlessly before finally trading him to the Lakers in 2005. By then Brown was suffering with injuries and the burden of failing to live up to expectations. Over 12 NBA seasons with Washington, Los Angeles, Memphis, Detroit, Charlotte (where he was reunited with Jordan as an owner), Golden State, and Philadelphia he averaged double-digit points in a season just once and never found a consistent spot in a starting lineup.
As the first high school player to be drafted #1 overall, Brown's career was overly scrutinized, causing him to be labeled somewhat unfairly as one of the league's biggest busts when his career empirically wasn't too bad. Much of that perception is due to his connection to the man that was first his owner/president and later his teammate. Michael Jordan took an executive role with Washington in 2000, and in his first draft in that capacity swung for the fences with Brown. Then a year later he returned to the court and supposedly harassed the young center endlessly before finally trading him to the Lakers in 2005. By then Brown was suffering with injuries and the burden of failing to live up to expectations. Over 12 NBA seasons with Washington, Los Angeles, Memphis, Detroit, Charlotte (where he was reunited with Jordan as an owner), Golden State, and Philadelphia he averaged double-digit points in a season just once and never found a consistent spot in a starting lineup.
23) Travis Outlaw, 23rd pick of Trail Blazers in 2003
It certainly didn't portend great things when the top headline for Portland's draft in 2003 was a team trying to shake its "Jail Blazers" nickname drafting a man literally named Outlaw. Despite his moniker, Outlaw had no legal troubles (he would eventually get arrested in 2016 for marijuana possession, long after his pro career had ended) and in fact built a reputation during his NBA career as a low-maintenance, likable teammate. He was also possessing obvious skills as a combo forward who could guard two positions, handle the ball, and score at will. But just as he seemed to be having his breakout season as Portland's sixth man in '09-'10, Outlaw suffered a broken left foot (almost the exact same injury that had derailed fellow Blazers prep-to-pro player Martell Webster a year earlier) and was never the same. His career was ultimately not a full success but certainly not an unmitigated disaster either, as he lasted 11 seasons, averaging 8.5 points per game, but playing in the postseason just once, a first round loss with Portland in 2009.
It certainly didn't portend great things when the top headline for Portland's draft in 2003 was a team trying to shake its "Jail Blazers" nickname drafting a man literally named Outlaw. Despite his moniker, Outlaw had no legal troubles (he would eventually get arrested in 2016 for marijuana possession, long after his pro career had ended) and in fact built a reputation during his NBA career as a low-maintenance, likable teammate. He was also possessing obvious skills as a combo forward who could guard two positions, handle the ball, and score at will. But just as he seemed to be having his breakout season as Portland's sixth man in '09-'10, Outlaw suffered a broken left foot (almost the exact same injury that had derailed fellow Blazers prep-to-pro player Martell Webster a year earlier) and was never the same. His career was ultimately not a full success but certainly not an unmitigated disaster either, as he lasted 11 seasons, averaging 8.5 points per game, but playing in the postseason just once, a first round loss with Portland in 2009.
22) C.J. Miles, 34th pick of Jazz in 2005
His career seemed to be perpetually on the brink of breaking out into stardom with the Jazz team that drafted him, until finally it fizzled out into solid but unspectacular secondary stints with the Cavs and Pacers. Though he promised to team up with LaMarcus Aldridge for Texas (after starring for Skyline High School in Dallas) if not drafted in the first round, Miles opted to stay in the NBA anyway despite falling to Utah in round two. He became the youngest player in Jazz history in his rookie season, but averaged just 4.0 points per game in spare playing time in his first three years, and regularly got assigned to the D-League. Though he eventually did become a solid contributor for the Jazz, he was also the subject of an infamous postgame interview when legendary coach Jerry Sloan derided him for still being "in diapers." Miles eventually signed with the Cavs and then, after LeBron James' return, averaged a career high 13.5 points per game for the Pacers in '14-'15. He was a key member of the Raptors bench in '17-'18 and has now spent 14 seasons in the NBA despite just turning 32 years old in March.
His career seemed to be perpetually on the brink of breaking out into stardom with the Jazz team that drafted him, until finally it fizzled out into solid but unspectacular secondary stints with the Cavs and Pacers. Though he promised to team up with LaMarcus Aldridge for Texas (after starring for Skyline High School in Dallas) if not drafted in the first round, Miles opted to stay in the NBA anyway despite falling to Utah in round two. He became the youngest player in Jazz history in his rookie season, but averaged just 4.0 points per game in spare playing time in his first three years, and regularly got assigned to the D-League. Though he eventually did become a solid contributor for the Jazz, he was also the subject of an infamous postgame interview when legendary coach Jerry Sloan derided him for still being "in diapers." Miles eventually signed with the Cavs and then, after LeBron James' return, averaged a career high 13.5 points per game for the Pacers in '14-'15. He was a key member of the Raptors bench in '17-'18 and has now spent 14 seasons in the NBA despite just turning 32 years old in March.
21) Amir Johnson, 56th pick of Pistons in 2005
One of 23 early entrants drafted in 2005, the last year before the NBA age limit took effect, Johnson was selected as almost an afterthought late in the second round by Detroit, and his lack of playing time early in his career reflected that. A product of South Central Los Angeles, where he starred for Westchester High School, Johnson likely would have benefitted from some time in the NCAA (he initially committed to Louisville) but it's hard to disparage him for earning NBA paychecks as soon as possible. Possibly benefitting from the low expectations of being such a low pick, he never became a star player but built a solid career as a reliable stretch four. He credits Rasheed Wallace for taking him under his wing early in his career, and eventually Johnson became a steady veteran presence himself for the Raptors, Celtics, and 76ers.
One of 23 early entrants drafted in 2005, the last year before the NBA age limit took effect, Johnson was selected as almost an afterthought late in the second round by Detroit, and his lack of playing time early in his career reflected that. A product of South Central Los Angeles, where he starred for Westchester High School, Johnson likely would have benefitted from some time in the NCAA (he initially committed to Louisville) but it's hard to disparage him for earning NBA paychecks as soon as possible. Possibly benefitting from the low expectations of being such a low pick, he never became a star player but built a solid career as a reliable stretch four. He credits Rasheed Wallace for taking him under his wing early in his career, and eventually Johnson became a steady veteran presence himself for the Raptors, Celtics, and 76ers.
20) Kendrick Perkins, 27th pick of Grizzlies in 2003 (traded to Celtics)
Though he was considered one of the top 10 high school prospects in the country, Perkins dropped to late in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft due to concerns over his conditioning. He dominated at the high school level in his native Texas, averaging nearly a triple-double as a senior, but had a quiet NBA career early as his limited athleticism kept him off the court. It didn't help that the Celtics drafted another prep-to-pro center prospect with an old-school post game in Al Jefferson in 2004. Kismet struck in 2007, when the Celtics traded Jefferson to the Timberwolves as part of the Kevin Garnett deal and turned into an instant title contender, just as Perkins was rounding into a perfect complementary role player at center. Adding rebounding, defense, and general toughness and animosity towards opponents, Perkins became an old school enforcer for the Celtics for several seasons, then later on for the Thunder after a surprising trade in 2011. He ultimately played in four NBA Finals, including a championship in 2008 with Boston.
Though he was considered one of the top 10 high school prospects in the country, Perkins dropped to late in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft due to concerns over his conditioning. He dominated at the high school level in his native Texas, averaging nearly a triple-double as a senior, but had a quiet NBA career early as his limited athleticism kept him off the court. It didn't help that the Celtics drafted another prep-to-pro center prospect with an old-school post game in Al Jefferson in 2004. Kismet struck in 2007, when the Celtics traded Jefferson to the Timberwolves as part of the Kevin Garnett deal and turned into an instant title contender, just as Perkins was rounding into a perfect complementary role player at center. Adding rebounding, defense, and general toughness and animosity towards opponents, Perkins became an old school enforcer for the Celtics for several seasons, then later on for the Thunder after a surprising trade in 2011. He ultimately played in four NBA Finals, including a championship in 2008 with Boston.
19) Shaun Livingston, 4th pick of Clippers in 2004
He could easily wound up near the bottom of this list after absolutely shredding his knee early in his career, but Livingston found a second act as a solid bench guard for the Warriors which has led to several championships won. Being hyped as a potential successor to Magic Johnson (or at least Penny Hardaway), Livingston was the #2 high school recruit in 2004 and originally committed to Duke where he would have teamed up with J.J. Redick, but the allure of the NBA wound up being too much. He was drafted fourth by the star-crossed Clippers and the inevitable tragedy struck late in the '06-'07 season, when Livingston somehow tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL all at the same time during a game against the Bobcats. The injury was so severe that not only was his playing career at risk, there was actually a chance that his leg had to be amputated. He eventually clawed his way back but struggled in brief comeback stints with the Heat, Thunder, Wizards, Bobcats, Bucks, Cavs, and Nets. He eventually settled in as a perfect bench combo guard for Golden State, backing up both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
He could easily wound up near the bottom of this list after absolutely shredding his knee early in his career, but Livingston found a second act as a solid bench guard for the Warriors which has led to several championships won. Being hyped as a potential successor to Magic Johnson (or at least Penny Hardaway), Livingston was the #2 high school recruit in 2004 and originally committed to Duke where he would have teamed up with J.J. Redick, but the allure of the NBA wound up being too much. He was drafted fourth by the star-crossed Clippers and the inevitable tragedy struck late in the '06-'07 season, when Livingston somehow tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL all at the same time during a game against the Bobcats. The injury was so severe that not only was his playing career at risk, there was actually a chance that his leg had to be amputated. He eventually clawed his way back but struggled in brief comeback stints with the Heat, Thunder, Wizards, Bobcats, Bucks, Cavs, and Nets. He eventually settled in as a perfect bench combo guard for Golden State, backing up both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
18) Al Harrington, 25th pick of Pacers in 1998
Though he never fully emerged as an All-Star player, Harrington still enjoyed a 16-year NBA career that was successful by most metrics. A prep star at St. Patrick in New Jersey, he was supposedly considering nearby St. John's as a college landing spot but opted to go pro seemingly on the basis of being promised to be a lottery pick. Things didn't work out that way, and Harrington fell to the Pacers late in the first round. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the teenager as he joined a franchise that didn't need help right away because it was stacked with interior veteran presences like Sam Perkins and Antonio Davis, who took Harrington under his wing. Harrington spent seven seasons in Indiana but put up his best stats elsewhere, averaging 18+ points per game for the Hawks in '05-'06 and for the Knicks in '08-'09. He was also a key part of the '06-'07 Warriors team that stunned the Mavericks in the playoffs opening round as an eight seed. Though he last played in the NBA in 2014, he's remained active in pro basketball since, spending time with teams in China and Australia, and most recently winning a title in the Big 3 League.
Though he never fully emerged as an All-Star player, Harrington still enjoyed a 16-year NBA career that was successful by most metrics. A prep star at St. Patrick in New Jersey, he was supposedly considering nearby St. John's as a college landing spot but opted to go pro seemingly on the basis of being promised to be a lottery pick. Things didn't work out that way, and Harrington fell to the Pacers late in the first round. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the teenager as he joined a franchise that didn't need help right away because it was stacked with interior veteran presences like Sam Perkins and Antonio Davis, who took Harrington under his wing. Harrington spent seven seasons in Indiana but put up his best stats elsewhere, averaging 18+ points per game for the Hawks in '05-'06 and for the Knicks in '08-'09. He was also a key part of the '06-'07 Warriors team that stunned the Mavericks in the playoffs opening round as an eight seed. Though he last played in the NBA in 2014, he's remained active in pro basketball since, spending time with teams in China and Australia, and most recently winning a title in the Big 3 League.
17) Andrew Bynum, 10th pick of Lakers in 2005
Almost a decade after they revitalized their franchise by trading for Kobe Bryant on draft day in 1996, the Lakers took a risk on another high school phenom in Bynum. At 17 years and 244 days, he became the youngest person ever drafted by an NBA team (breaking Jermaine O'Neal's record) and soon after was anointed as the youngest ever to play in the league, making his debut just a week after his 18th birthday. Despite his undeveloped game and attitude, Bynum felt immediate pressure from Lakers fans to fill the shoes of the recently departed Shaquille O'Neal. He was also feeling it from Bryant, who was infamously caught on tape bemoaning the franchise's inability to trade Bynum for Jason Kidd. Bynum still became an integral part of the Lakers teams that won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, and had an All-Star season in '11-'12, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Lakers still traded him away in the summer of 2012 as part of the Dwight Howard deal and lingering knee issues affected the remainder of his brief career. By the end of '13-'14 Bynum was essentially finished in the NBA at the age of 26. He has attempted several comeback attempts since, to no avail.
Almost a decade after they revitalized their franchise by trading for Kobe Bryant on draft day in 1996, the Lakers took a risk on another high school phenom in Bynum. At 17 years and 244 days, he became the youngest person ever drafted by an NBA team (breaking Jermaine O'Neal's record) and soon after was anointed as the youngest ever to play in the league, making his debut just a week after his 18th birthday. Despite his undeveloped game and attitude, Bynum felt immediate pressure from Lakers fans to fill the shoes of the recently departed Shaquille O'Neal. He was also feeling it from Bryant, who was infamously caught on tape bemoaning the franchise's inability to trade Bynum for Jason Kidd. Bynum still became an integral part of the Lakers teams that won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, and had an All-Star season in '11-'12, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Lakers still traded him away in the summer of 2012 as part of the Dwight Howard deal and lingering knee issues affected the remainder of his brief career. By the end of '13-'14 Bynum was essentially finished in the NBA at the age of 26. He has attempted several comeback attempts since, to no avail.
16) Lou Williams, 45th pick of 76ers in 2005
Georgia basketball is a program with only nominal success during the modern era, and their fans must still lament what might have been in '05-'06 if Williams had opted to attend. Named Mr. Georgia while playing high school basketball, he was arguably the most lauded Bulldogs recruit since Dominique Wilkins, but at the last minute opted to declare for the NBA Draft instead. It seemed like a curious choice as most scouts had Williams as a late first round pick at best, and sure enough he fell to the 76ers in the middle of the second round. His playing time was limited early but Williams eventually developed in a scoring force off the bench, especially after Philadelphia traded away Allen Iverson. He came to embrace that second unit role and has ultimately become one of the greatest bench scorers in league history. Williams has averaged 14+ points per game in each of the last seven seasons, including a career high 22.6 per game for the Clippers in '17-'18, when he was named Sixth Man of the Year for the second time.
Georgia basketball is a program with only nominal success during the modern era, and their fans must still lament what might have been in '05-'06 if Williams had opted to attend. Named Mr. Georgia while playing high school basketball, he was arguably the most lauded Bulldogs recruit since Dominique Wilkins, but at the last minute opted to declare for the NBA Draft instead. It seemed like a curious choice as most scouts had Williams as a late first round pick at best, and sure enough he fell to the 76ers in the middle of the second round. His playing time was limited early but Williams eventually developed in a scoring force off the bench, especially after Philadelphia traded away Allen Iverson. He came to embrace that second unit role and has ultimately become one of the greatest bench scorers in league history. Williams has averaged 14+ points per game in each of the last seven seasons, including a career high 22.6 per game for the Clippers in '17-'18, when he was named Sixth Man of the Year for the second time.
15) Al Jefferson, 15th pick of Celtics in 2004
The first, and only, high school player drafted by the Celtics, Jefferson faced a unique pressure in joining a marquee franchise so young. After a star career at Prentiss High School in Mississippi, where he averaged an awe-inspiring 42.6 points per game in his senior season, he was lauded as the long-term answer at center for Boston and expected to fill the shoes once worn by Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Robert Parish, while returning the franchise to glory alongside Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Things didn't quite work out that way, with Jefferson spending just three years in Boston before getting traded (along with several other players) for Kevin Garnett. And even though his career was marked by various injuries and never included an All-Star nod or a second round playoff appearance, it was a solid showing as a whole. Jefferson had a great run with the Timberwolves, averaging 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game over three seasons while he was still under the age of 26. He also finished eighth in MVP voting for the Bobcats in '13-'14, while leading the team to a surprise playoff appearance.
The first, and only, high school player drafted by the Celtics, Jefferson faced a unique pressure in joining a marquee franchise so young. After a star career at Prentiss High School in Mississippi, where he averaged an awe-inspiring 42.6 points per game in his senior season, he was lauded as the long-term answer at center for Boston and expected to fill the shoes once worn by Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Robert Parish, while returning the franchise to glory alongside Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Things didn't quite work out that way, with Jefferson spending just three years in Boston before getting traded (along with several other players) for Kevin Garnett. And even though his career was marked by various injuries and never included an All-Star nod or a second round playoff appearance, it was a solid showing as a whole. Jefferson had a great run with the Timberwolves, averaging 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game over three seasons while he was still under the age of 26. He also finished eighth in MVP voting for the Bobcats in '13-'14, while leading the team to a surprise playoff appearance.
14) J.R. Smith, 18th pick of Hornets in 2004
Compiling one of the whackiest careers in NBA history, Smith has gone from high school phenom in New Jersey to first round pick to benched and shunned by several coaches (including George Karl, natch) to a quixotic Chinese sojourn to sixth man extraordinaire to starting shooting guard for the world champs. His prep career was a bit of a mess, lasting five years across three different high schools. He reportedly could have gone pro in baseball or football as well, but opted to hit the NBA Draft after splitting MVP honors with Dwight Howard at the 2004 McDonald's All-American Game. His early years with the Hornets and Nuggets were sometimes thrilling but almost always exhausting for coaches and fans that couldn't fathom his shot selection and defensive lapses. After spending the 2011 lockout in China, Smith made an unlikely comeback with the Knicks, winning Sixth Man of the Year in '12-'13. He was traded to Cleveland in 2015 for an eventful stint that included a shirtless championship parade celebration as a conquering hero in 2016, but also the most meme-able moment in NBA history with an all-time blunder at the end of game one of the 2018 Finals.
Compiling one of the whackiest careers in NBA history, Smith has gone from high school phenom in New Jersey to first round pick to benched and shunned by several coaches (including George Karl, natch) to a quixotic Chinese sojourn to sixth man extraordinaire to starting shooting guard for the world champs. His prep career was a bit of a mess, lasting five years across three different high schools. He reportedly could have gone pro in baseball or football as well, but opted to hit the NBA Draft after splitting MVP honors with Dwight Howard at the 2004 McDonald's All-American Game. His early years with the Hornets and Nuggets were sometimes thrilling but almost always exhausting for coaches and fans that couldn't fathom his shot selection and defensive lapses. After spending the 2011 lockout in China, Smith made an unlikely comeback with the Knicks, winning Sixth Man of the Year in '12-'13. He was traded to Cleveland in 2015 for an eventful stint that included a shirtless championship parade celebration as a conquering hero in 2016, but also the most meme-able moment in NBA history with an all-time blunder at the end of game one of the 2018 Finals.
13) Tyson Chandler, 2nd pick of Clippers in 2001 (traded to Bulls)
Though he became more of a defensive specialist in the NBA, albeit a great one, Chandler was a dominant force at both ends in high school, to the point that he was drawing reasonable Shaq comparisons. Already almost six feet tall at age nine when his family moved to the Los Angeles area, Chandler became enamored with the sport so naturally suited to his size. He was a revelation at Dominguez High School in Compton (which also produced Cedric Ceballos, Dennis Johnson, and Chandler's prep teammate, Tayshaun Prince) and became a state champion, a local celebrity, and the subject of a 60 Minutes segment all before turning 18. Recruited by essentially every major college program, he opted to declare for the 2001 Draft instead and was selected with the second pick, right behind Kwame Brown and right ahead of Eddy Curry. The Clippers quickly traded Chandler to the Bulls, where he teamed with Curry as a young, brash "Twin Towers" that briefly captivated fans but couldn't life the moribund Bulls in the standings. Chandler eventually found his calling as a defensive stalwart with a sparse but efficient offensive post game. He has made the All-Defensive team three times, was Defensive Player of the Year for the Knicks in '11-'12, an All-Star in 2013, led the league in offensive rating four times, and won a title with the Mavericks in 2011 as their starting center and anchor on defense. He also eventually realized his dream of Olympic glory, winning gold with Team USA in 2012.
Though he became more of a defensive specialist in the NBA, albeit a great one, Chandler was a dominant force at both ends in high school, to the point that he was drawing reasonable Shaq comparisons. Already almost six feet tall at age nine when his family moved to the Los Angeles area, Chandler became enamored with the sport so naturally suited to his size. He was a revelation at Dominguez High School in Compton (which also produced Cedric Ceballos, Dennis Johnson, and Chandler's prep teammate, Tayshaun Prince) and became a state champion, a local celebrity, and the subject of a 60 Minutes segment all before turning 18. Recruited by essentially every major college program, he opted to declare for the 2001 Draft instead and was selected with the second pick, right behind Kwame Brown and right ahead of Eddy Curry. The Clippers quickly traded Chandler to the Bulls, where he teamed with Curry as a young, brash "Twin Towers" that briefly captivated fans but couldn't life the moribund Bulls in the standings. Chandler eventually found his calling as a defensive stalwart with a sparse but efficient offensive post game. He has made the All-Defensive team three times, was Defensive Player of the Year for the Knicks in '11-'12, an All-Star in 2013, led the league in offensive rating four times, and won a title with the Mavericks in 2011 as their starting center and anchor on defense. He also eventually realized his dream of Olympic glory, winning gold with Team USA in 2012.
12) Monta Ellis, 40th pick of Warriors in 2005
Nothing ever came easy for Ellis, first as a young boy growing up in poverty in Mississippi, then as a skinny, short teenager just barely making his high school team, and later as a youthful pro with no natural position and an oft unwarranted shoot-first mentality. Part of the final flooded class of prep-to-pro draftees in 2005, Ellis fell to the second round, which cost him millions of dollars in early contracts but helped keep the pressure off early in his career. Unlike most players that reached the NBA straight from high school, he was already 20 years old by the time he made his pro debut, and brought a maturity to his finances and his work ethic that was well beyond most of his peers. It paid off quickly, with Ellis averaging 20+ points per game for the Warriors by his third season. Though his "shoot first, ask questions later" approach could rankle coaches and didn't help the Warriors to success in the standings, it endeared him to fans over the years, including in later successful stops with the Bucks, Mavericks, and Pacers.
Nothing ever came easy for Ellis, first as a young boy growing up in poverty in Mississippi, then as a skinny, short teenager just barely making his high school team, and later as a youthful pro with no natural position and an oft unwarranted shoot-first mentality. Part of the final flooded class of prep-to-pro draftees in 2005, Ellis fell to the second round, which cost him millions of dollars in early contracts but helped keep the pressure off early in his career. Unlike most players that reached the NBA straight from high school, he was already 20 years old by the time he made his pro debut, and brought a maturity to his finances and his work ethic that was well beyond most of his peers. It paid off quickly, with Ellis averaging 20+ points per game for the Warriors by his third season. Though his "shoot first, ask questions later" approach could rankle coaches and didn't help the Warriors to success in the standings, it endeared him to fans over the years, including in later successful stops with the Bucks, Mavericks, and Pacers.
11) Darryl Dawkins, 5th pick of 76ers in 1975
Over two decades before Kevin Garnett, Kwame Brown, or LeBron James, Dawkins broke ground and courted controversy as the first high school player to join the NBA. His decision was possible thanks to Spencer Haywood, whose lawsuit against the NBA had led to the creation of a "hardship clause" allowing players to declare for the draft without completing four years of college if they could prove financial hardship in their life. Though he was selected fifth overall out of Maynard Evans High School in Orlando and undeniably athletic, Dawkins found playing time sparse until his breakout '77-'78 season. He is now remembered less for his trail blazing drafting and more for his thunderous, backboard-shattering dunks, his colorful personality, his indelible "Chocolate Thunder" nickname, and his contributions to the late '70s and early '80s 76ers that included three NBA Finals appearances.
Over two decades before Kevin Garnett, Kwame Brown, or LeBron James, Dawkins broke ground and courted controversy as the first high school player to join the NBA. His decision was possible thanks to Spencer Haywood, whose lawsuit against the NBA had led to the creation of a "hardship clause" allowing players to declare for the draft without completing four years of college if they could prove financial hardship in their life. Though he was selected fifth overall out of Maynard Evans High School in Orlando and undeniably athletic, Dawkins found playing time sparse until his breakout '77-'78 season. He is now remembered less for his trail blazing drafting and more for his thunderous, backboard-shattering dunks, his colorful personality, his indelible "Chocolate Thunder" nickname, and his contributions to the late '70s and early '80s 76ers that included three NBA Finals appearances.
10) Josh Smith, 17th pick of Hawks in 2004
His father, Pete Smith, made a significant impact at the NCAA level, as the first ever black athlete at Valdosta State, in his home state of Georgia, where he still holds several school records. The older Smith never played in the NBA, failing to make the roster of the Braves team that drafted him in the 13th round in 1971, but the younger Smith spent 13 seasons in the league after skipping college and declaring for the 2004 Draft. Unlike his father, Josh was recruited by all the major schools and committed to playing at Indiana after a star turn at the vaunted Oak Hill Academy. He committed to the NBA instead, and despite an athleticism that was on par with former AAU teammate and top pick Dwight Howard, Smith fell out of the lottery due to some subpar workouts and concerns over his shooting. Joining a hometown Hawks team that was in complete disarray, Smith was part of a major turnaround that culminated in three consecutive second round playoff appearances starting in 2009. Though he averaged 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game over a lengthy prime, Smith was always unfairly saddled with a bust label and featured prominently on our list of the greatest players to be snubbed from the All-Star Game.
His father, Pete Smith, made a significant impact at the NCAA level, as the first ever black athlete at Valdosta State, in his home state of Georgia, where he still holds several school records. The older Smith never played in the NBA, failing to make the roster of the Braves team that drafted him in the 13th round in 1971, but the younger Smith spent 13 seasons in the league after skipping college and declaring for the 2004 Draft. Unlike his father, Josh was recruited by all the major schools and committed to playing at Indiana after a star turn at the vaunted Oak Hill Academy. He committed to the NBA instead, and despite an athleticism that was on par with former AAU teammate and top pick Dwight Howard, Smith fell out of the lottery due to some subpar workouts and concerns over his shooting. Joining a hometown Hawks team that was in complete disarray, Smith was part of a major turnaround that culminated in three consecutive second round playoff appearances starting in 2009. Though he averaged 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game over a lengthy prime, Smith was always unfairly saddled with a bust label and featured prominently on our list of the greatest players to be snubbed from the All-Star Game.
9) Rashard Lewis, 32nd pick of SuperSonics in 1998
Another example of a player who benefitted from lowered expectations after falling to the second round, Lewis never blossomed into a full superstar but was certainly a solid, sometimes spectacular player for 16 NBA seasons. His career length and success was a testament to his ability to adapt, first as a scoring wing complementing Ray Allen in Seattle, then as a stretch four shooting specialist in Orlando, and later on as a role player for the Heat. He made the All-Star team twice, in 2005 and 2009, and was second on the Magic in scoring, rebounding, and blocks as they reached the 2009 NBA Finals. Lewis finally earned a championship ring late in his career, coming off the bench for Miami in '13-'14. Just a few years after he joined the NBA, Lewis was honored by his high school, Alief Elsik in Houston, by having his jersey retired.
Another example of a player who benefitted from lowered expectations after falling to the second round, Lewis never blossomed into a full superstar but was certainly a solid, sometimes spectacular player for 16 NBA seasons. His career length and success was a testament to his ability to adapt, first as a scoring wing complementing Ray Allen in Seattle, then as a stretch four shooting specialist in Orlando, and later on as a role player for the Heat. He made the All-Star team twice, in 2005 and 2009, and was second on the Magic in scoring, rebounding, and blocks as they reached the 2009 NBA Finals. Lewis finally earned a championship ring late in his career, coming off the bench for Miami in '13-'14. Just a few years after he joined the NBA, Lewis was honored by his high school, Alief Elsik in Houston, by having his jersey retired.
8) Jermaine O'Neal, 17th pick of Trail Blazers in 1996
Originally a member of the high school football team that was moonlighting as a shooting guard in basketball, O'Neal had a major growth spurt that nudged him towards his destiny on the court. Just a couple years later he was Mr. Basketball in South Carolina and arguably the top prep prospect in the country, garnering plenty of recruiting from top flight colleges, including the in-state powerhouses Clemson and South Carolina. But concerned over his ability to score high enough on the SAT to qualify for college, O'Neal followed in the footsteps of fellow South Carolina phenom Kevin Garnett the year before, joining Kobe Bryant as just the second and third high school players to declare for the NBA Draft in the post-merger era. He didn't play much early on, but gained invaluable experience on a Blazers team stocked with veterans like Brian Grant, Cliff Robinson, and Rasheed Wallace. O'Neal eventually blossomed into one of the league's best young centers after a trade to the Pacers in 2000. He was named to six consecutive All-Star teams during a stretch when he averaged 20.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, won Most Improved Player in '01-'02, and finished third in MVP voting in '03-'04, two spots behind Garnett. Various injuries derailed the second half of O'Neal's career and he limped through stints with the Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors before retiring in 2014.
Originally a member of the high school football team that was moonlighting as a shooting guard in basketball, O'Neal had a major growth spurt that nudged him towards his destiny on the court. Just a couple years later he was Mr. Basketball in South Carolina and arguably the top prep prospect in the country, garnering plenty of recruiting from top flight colleges, including the in-state powerhouses Clemson and South Carolina. But concerned over his ability to score high enough on the SAT to qualify for college, O'Neal followed in the footsteps of fellow South Carolina phenom Kevin Garnett the year before, joining Kobe Bryant as just the second and third high school players to declare for the NBA Draft in the post-merger era. He didn't play much early on, but gained invaluable experience on a Blazers team stocked with veterans like Brian Grant, Cliff Robinson, and Rasheed Wallace. O'Neal eventually blossomed into one of the league's best young centers after a trade to the Pacers in 2000. He was named to six consecutive All-Star teams during a stretch when he averaged 20.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, won Most Improved Player in '01-'02, and finished third in MVP voting in '03-'04, two spots behind Garnett. Various injuries derailed the second half of O'Neal's career and he limped through stints with the Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors before retiring in 2014.
7) Shawn Kemp, 17th pick of SuperSonics in 1989
It could be argued that Kemp doesn't belong on this list, as he attended - though did not play basketball for - Kentucky and Trinity Valley Community College, and was almost 20 years old when he played his first NBA game. But his story is a crucial one in the timeline of prep-to-pro players, as the only player between 1976 and 1995 to join the NBA without college experience. Though he was a megastar at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, Kemp opted to leave the Hoosier state and enroll at Kentucky. He was one of the most high profile early casualties of the newly enacted Prop 48, which disbarred students from competing in NCAA sports unless they met minimum testing and grade requirements. It turned out to be a moot point anyway, as Kemp was kicked off the team after allegedly stealing jewelry from the coach's son, Sean Sutton and after spending a semester in community college, declared for the 1989 draft. His pro career was not without controversy but it also included six All-Star appearances, three times being named 2nd-Team All-NBA, and one of the most memorable collections of in-game dunks in league history.
It could be argued that Kemp doesn't belong on this list, as he attended - though did not play basketball for - Kentucky and Trinity Valley Community College, and was almost 20 years old when he played his first NBA game. But his story is a crucial one in the timeline of prep-to-pro players, as the only player between 1976 and 1995 to join the NBA without college experience. Though he was a megastar at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, Kemp opted to leave the Hoosier state and enroll at Kentucky. He was one of the most high profile early casualties of the newly enacted Prop 48, which disbarred students from competing in NCAA sports unless they met minimum testing and grade requirements. It turned out to be a moot point anyway, as Kemp was kicked off the team after allegedly stealing jewelry from the coach's son, Sean Sutton and after spending a semester in community college, declared for the 1989 draft. His pro career was not without controversy but it also included six All-Star appearances, three times being named 2nd-Team All-NBA, and one of the most memorable collections of in-game dunks in league history.
6) Amare Stoudemire, 9th pick of Suns in 2002
Raised by a single mom who was in-and-out of jail throughout his childhood, Stoudemire wound up attending six different high school teams, finally ending his prep career with at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando. Despite never playing organized basketball before the age of 14, and participating for just two years in high school, he was considered the top recruit in the nation in 2002. He initially committed to Memphis but opted for the NBA instead, citing his need to provide for his mother. Selected by the Suns in 2002 lottery, he made an instant impact, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and becoming the first high school player to win Rookie of the Year. He improved exponentially from there until his failing knees started to derail his stardom. Despite several major injuries that caused him to miss significant time and lose much of his early awe-inspiring athleticism, Stoudemire still had a Hall of Fame worthy career, totaling over 15,000 career points, making 1st-Team All-NBA once and 2nd-Team All-NBA four times, and finishing in the top 10 in MVP voting three times.
Raised by a single mom who was in-and-out of jail throughout his childhood, Stoudemire wound up attending six different high school teams, finally ending his prep career with at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando. Despite never playing organized basketball before the age of 14, and participating for just two years in high school, he was considered the top recruit in the nation in 2002. He initially committed to Memphis but opted for the NBA instead, citing his need to provide for his mother. Selected by the Suns in 2002 lottery, he made an instant impact, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and becoming the first high school player to win Rookie of the Year. He improved exponentially from there until his failing knees started to derail his stardom. Despite several major injuries that caused him to miss significant time and lose much of his early awe-inspiring athleticism, Stoudemire still had a Hall of Fame worthy career, totaling over 15,000 career points, making 1st-Team All-NBA once and 2nd-Team All-NBA four times, and finishing in the top 10 in MVP voting three times.
5) Tracy McGrady, 9th pick of Raptors in 1997
Overlooked during his three years at Auburndale High School in central Florida, McGrady made a name for himself playing for the famed Mount Zion Academy in Durham, North Carolina his senior season and was soon the nation's top prospect. It was a meteoric rise for a player that was supposedly not even in the top 500 recruits list at the end of his junior year, but McGrady's athleticism and dedication were undeniable. Before the NBA Draft he already had a contract with high-powered agent Arn Tellum and a contract deal with Adidas, signaling to suitors like Kentucky and Florida State that the NCAA life wasn't for him. By his own account, McGrady struggled to adjust in Toronto after getting selected ninth overall by the Raptors but turned things around quickly when the team drafted his cousin, Vince Carter. His star turn came after signing with the Magic, allowing him to return home to Florida. He was a two-time scoring champion, a seven-time All-Star, 1st-Team All-NBA twice, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, and the Most Improved Player award winner in '00-'01. McGrady was done no favors by being constantly compared to fellow prep-to-pro star Kobe Bryant but his career ultimately went down as one of the 50 greatest in league history, good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Overlooked during his three years at Auburndale High School in central Florida, McGrady made a name for himself playing for the famed Mount Zion Academy in Durham, North Carolina his senior season and was soon the nation's top prospect. It was a meteoric rise for a player that was supposedly not even in the top 500 recruits list at the end of his junior year, but McGrady's athleticism and dedication were undeniable. Before the NBA Draft he already had a contract with high-powered agent Arn Tellum and a contract deal with Adidas, signaling to suitors like Kentucky and Florida State that the NCAA life wasn't for him. By his own account, McGrady struggled to adjust in Toronto after getting selected ninth overall by the Raptors but turned things around quickly when the team drafted his cousin, Vince Carter. His star turn came after signing with the Magic, allowing him to return home to Florida. He was a two-time scoring champion, a seven-time All-Star, 1st-Team All-NBA twice, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, and the Most Improved Player award winner in '00-'01. McGrady was done no favors by being constantly compared to fellow prep-to-pro star Kobe Bryant but his career ultimately went down as one of the 50 greatest in league history, good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
4) Dwight Howard, 1st pick of Magic in 2004
From an early age he cited Kevin Garnett as a basketball idol, and soon enough Howard was joining him in the prep-to-pro pipeline. After starring at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where his dad served as athletic director, Howard won essentially every prep accolade there is and was arguably the second most heavily hyped recruit of the modern era after LeBron James. Thanks to his otherworldly athleticism and polished game, a jump straight to the NBA was inevitable for Howard and in 2004 he became the third high school player to be drafted first overall. Despite joining a moribund Magic franchise, he was a revelation in his rookie season, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to average a double-double and the first direct from high school player to start all 82 games in his rookie campaign. Though he could never lay claim to being the league's best player, Howard was consistently amongst the cream of the crop from 2007 to 2012. He finished in the top five in MVP voting for four straight seasons, won Defensive Player of the Year three times, and led Orlando to the NBA Finals in 2009. He is the all-time leader in career blocks by a prep-to-pro player, and is second all-time in rebounds.
From an early age he cited Kevin Garnett as a basketball idol, and soon enough Howard was joining him in the prep-to-pro pipeline. After starring at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where his dad served as athletic director, Howard won essentially every prep accolade there is and was arguably the second most heavily hyped recruit of the modern era after LeBron James. Thanks to his otherworldly athleticism and polished game, a jump straight to the NBA was inevitable for Howard and in 2004 he became the third high school player to be drafted first overall. Despite joining a moribund Magic franchise, he was a revelation in his rookie season, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to average a double-double and the first direct from high school player to start all 82 games in his rookie campaign. Though he could never lay claim to being the league's best player, Howard was consistently amongst the cream of the crop from 2007 to 2012. He finished in the top five in MVP voting for four straight seasons, won Defensive Player of the Year three times, and led Orlando to the NBA Finals in 2009. He is the all-time leader in career blocks by a prep-to-pro player, and is second all-time in rebounds.
3) Kevin Garnett, 5th pick of Timberwolves in 1995
It had been two full decades since a player was taken in the NBA Draft straight out of high school, so Garnett's selection by the Timberwolves in 1995 sent shockwaves across the league. There was no new NBA regulation that allowed Garnett to do it, he was just a perfect storm of elite athleticism and rare maturity, mixed with an inability to qualify for the NCAA due to low ACT scores. His near immediate success, both on the court for Minnesota and in signing an unprecedented $126 million contract, inspired most of the players on this list to soon join him in the NBA without college experience. He eventually became the first prep-to-pro player to be named an All-Star, in 1997, the first to be named to the All-NBA team, in '98-'99, and the first to win MVP, in '03-'04. He is also the all-time prep-to-pro leader in career rebounds, and is third in total points. Though he was raised in South Carolina and played high school ball at the Farragut Academy in Chicago, Garnett claimed that if he had attended college he would have played under Gary Williams at Maryland.
It had been two full decades since a player was taken in the NBA Draft straight out of high school, so Garnett's selection by the Timberwolves in 1995 sent shockwaves across the league. There was no new NBA regulation that allowed Garnett to do it, he was just a perfect storm of elite athleticism and rare maturity, mixed with an inability to qualify for the NCAA due to low ACT scores. His near immediate success, both on the court for Minnesota and in signing an unprecedented $126 million contract, inspired most of the players on this list to soon join him in the NBA without college experience. He eventually became the first prep-to-pro player to be named an All-Star, in 1997, the first to be named to the All-NBA team, in '98-'99, and the first to win MVP, in '03-'04. He is also the all-time prep-to-pro leader in career rebounds, and is third in total points. Though he was raised in South Carolina and played high school ball at the Farragut Academy in Chicago, Garnett claimed that if he had attended college he would have played under Gary Williams at Maryland.
2) Kobe Bryant, 13th pick of Hornets in 1996 (traded to Lakers)
Unlike Kevin Garnett, who came to the sport late during junior high and was an instant phenom, Bryant was basically born with a basketball in his hands. His father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, spent eight seasons in the NBA and immediately passed his love of the sport down to his son. Kobe was born in Philadelphia while his dad played for the Sixers, then spent much of his childhood in Italy while Joe played several seasons in the Italian A1 League. During this time he would study tapes of NBA games that he received from his grandfather and spent his summers back in the states playing for club teams. The family eventually returned to the Philadelphia area, where Kobe starred at Lower Merion High School. In fact, he was arguably the biggest high school star of all time before LeBron James came along, especially after he took R&B star Brandy to his senior prom. College basketball seemed like a given for Bryant until Garnett smashed that paradigm by entering the 1995 NBA Draft, and he's stated in retrospect that he would have attended Duke. He became the first guard ever drafted straight out of high school, and was selected by the Hornets to be traded to the Lakers. Bryant was still only 17 on draft day, and actually had to co-sign with his parents on his first Lakers contract. He soon became the youngest player of all-time when he made his debut, at 18 years and 72 days. That record was eventually broken by Jermaine O'Neal, but Bryant still stands as the youngest ever player to start an NBA game, the youngest to win a Slam Dunk Contest, and the youngest to start an All-Star Game. He is currently the all-time scoring leader amongst prep-to-pro players but that record will be broken by LeBron James in '19-'20. Though he never suited up for Duke, Bryant eventually did get to play for Coach K as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and 2012.
Unlike Kevin Garnett, who came to the sport late during junior high and was an instant phenom, Bryant was basically born with a basketball in his hands. His father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, spent eight seasons in the NBA and immediately passed his love of the sport down to his son. Kobe was born in Philadelphia while his dad played for the Sixers, then spent much of his childhood in Italy while Joe played several seasons in the Italian A1 League. During this time he would study tapes of NBA games that he received from his grandfather and spent his summers back in the states playing for club teams. The family eventually returned to the Philadelphia area, where Kobe starred at Lower Merion High School. In fact, he was arguably the biggest high school star of all time before LeBron James came along, especially after he took R&B star Brandy to his senior prom. College basketball seemed like a given for Bryant until Garnett smashed that paradigm by entering the 1995 NBA Draft, and he's stated in retrospect that he would have attended Duke. He became the first guard ever drafted straight out of high school, and was selected by the Hornets to be traded to the Lakers. Bryant was still only 17 on draft day, and actually had to co-sign with his parents on his first Lakers contract. He soon became the youngest player of all-time when he made his debut, at 18 years and 72 days. That record was eventually broken by Jermaine O'Neal, but Bryant still stands as the youngest ever player to start an NBA game, the youngest to win a Slam Dunk Contest, and the youngest to start an All-Star Game. He is currently the all-time scoring leader amongst prep-to-pro players but that record will be broken by LeBron James in '19-'20. Though he never suited up for Duke, Bryant eventually did get to play for Coach K as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and 2012.
1) LeBron James, 1st pick of Cavaliers in 2003
James' life story is well-trod territory by now, so we'll stick with the CliffsNotes version. Raised by a single mom in Akron, his first love was football but he gravitated towards basketball after moving in with a local youth coach's family. Already a national star by the 8th grade, James destroyed the parameters of high school basketball, gaining so much recognition and popularity that his St. Vincent-St. Mary games were broadcast on pay-per-view. There was never any doubt that he was heading straight to the NBA, nor that he would become just the second prep-to-pro player to be drafted first overall. It was icing on the cake that his hometown Cavaliers won that top pick through the lottery. He is the all-time leader amongst prep-to-pro players in MVPs (four), Finals MVPs (three), and career assists (he's also second in career points).
James' life story is well-trod territory by now, so we'll stick with the CliffsNotes version. Raised by a single mom in Akron, his first love was football but he gravitated towards basketball after moving in with a local youth coach's family. Already a national star by the 8th grade, James destroyed the parameters of high school basketball, gaining so much recognition and popularity that his St. Vincent-St. Mary games were broadcast on pay-per-view. There was never any doubt that he was heading straight to the NBA, nor that he would become just the second prep-to-pro player to be drafted first overall. It was icing on the cake that his hometown Cavaliers won that top pick through the lottery. He is the all-time leader amongst prep-to-pro players in MVPs (four), Finals MVPs (three), and career assists (he's also second in career points).