The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been the premier professional basketball league in the world. It is home to some of the greatest basketball players ever, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and many more. However, there are a number of NBA players who did not play high school basketball. In fact, some of them even went directly from high school to the NBA. In this article, we will look at some of the most prominent players who didn’t play high school basketball, and why they chose to make the jump.
The Rise of the “One-and-Done” Player
In recent years, the NBA has seen an increase in the number of players who go directly from high school to the NBA. This is due in part to the “one-and-done” rule, which requires players to be at least one year removed from high school before they are eligible to be drafted. This has allowed a number of young players to make the jump to the pros without playing a single game of high school basketball.
Reasons for Skipping High School Basketball
There are a variety of reasons why some players choose to skip high school basketball and make the jump directly to the pros. Some players are simply looking to capitalize on the increased exposure and financial opportunities that come with playing in the NBA. Other players may have a desire to compete against the best players in the world, which they can do in the NBA. Finally, some players may simply not have the skill set or physical tools to compete at the high school level.
Notable NBA Players Who Didn’t Play High School Basketball
The list of players who have skipped high school basketball and gone directly to the NBA is a long one. Here are some of the most notable:
- LeBron James: One of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James was drafted first overall in 2003 after skipping his senior year of high school. He has since gone on to become one of the most successful players in NBA history.
- Kobe Bryant: Another all-time great, Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school in 1996 and went on to become one of the greatest players of his generation. He was a five-time NBA champion and a two-time Finals MVP.
- Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett was the first player to be drafted out of high school in 1995. He went on to become one of the most dominant players of his era, winning the MVP in 2004 and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
- Tristan Thompson: Tristan Thompson was drafted fourth overall in 2011 after skipping college. He has since become a two-time NBA champion and a key contributor on multiple championship teams.
- Dwight Howard: Dwight Howard was drafted out of high school in 2004 and went on to become one of the best big men of his era. He is a six-time All-Star and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Risk Factors of Going Pro Out of High School
While there are a number of benefits to going pro out of high school, there are also a number of risks involved. One of the biggest risks is that the player may not be ready for the physical and mental demands of the NBA game. Players who go directly to the pros may also not be as prepared for the rigors of an 82-game season, which can take a toll on their bodies. Finally, players who go directly to the pros may not have the opportunity to develop their skills and basketball IQ as much as they would have in college.
Recent Changes to the NBA Draft
In recent years, the NBA has made some changes to the draft process in an effort to give players more time to develop their skills. The league now requires players to be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school before they are eligible for the draft. This is in an effort to ensure that players have the time to develop their skills and mature before entering the NBA.
The Benefits of High School Basketball
Despite the appeal of going pro out of high school, there are a number of benefits to playing high school basketball. Players who play in high school have the opportunity to hone their skills and gain valuable experience against top-level competition. Additionally, playing high school basketball gives players the opportunity to develop their basketball IQ and learn how to play the game the right way.
Conclusion
While there are a number of notable NBA players who didn’t play high school basketball, it is not a path that is right for everyone. Players who choose to go directly to the pros may miss out on the opportunity to hone their skills and gain valuable experience against top-level competition. However, for those who are ready and have the skill set to make the jump, going pro out of high school can be a lucrative and rewarding path.