The NBA is considering lowering its draft eligibility age from 19 to 18, as it was prior to 2005. Who were the best high school prospects to make the immediate jump to the pro ranks back then? Here’s a look at four who were drafted and went on to establish themselves among the game’s top players.
LeBron James
James, one of the greatest high school basketball prospects of all-time, was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rated as a five-star prospect at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, as well as the No. 1 overall player in the 2003 class, James is still playing in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. The upcoming 2022-23 season will be the 20th for the 18-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion.
Kobe Bryant
Inducted to the NBA Hall of Fame in 2020, Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania. Bryant went on to spend his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, with whom became an 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, 12-time All-Defensive selection, and much more.
Dwight Howard
Similar to James, Howard was considered the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2004 class, when the five-star attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in Georgia. Selected No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard has enjoyed an 18-year NBA career that includes eight All-Star appearances, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and much more.
Kevin Garnett
Garnett was taken with the No. 5 overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves out of Farragut Career Academy in Illinois. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, Garnett played 22 seasons in the NBA with multiple teams and earned 15 All-Star appearances, 12 All-Defensive selections, and much more.
