When he finished high school, Tracy McGrady made a direct transition to the NBA from Mount Zion Christian Academy. The Toronto Raptors selected him as their 9th pick in 1997.
In 2004, Dwight Howard received the top selection of the NBA Draft when the Orlando Magic selected him right after his graduation from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. Players noticed his impact immediately because he became the first high school selection to begin on opening night in rookie competition.
In 1995, Kevin Garnett ended a 20-year stretch without a high school player being drafted
He was drafted directly to the NBA by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the fifth overall pick.
Kobe Bryant secured the 13th selection in the 1996 NBA draft through the Charlotte Hornets before they immediately sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers per their pre-draft agreement. Kobe Bryant established his place as an all-time great by showing his worth through multiple years after high school at Lower Merion in Pennsylvania.
“Maybe He Can Rub Some Hennessy on It”: Injured LeBron James Gets Mocked for “Second Decision”
“Maybe He Can Rub Some Hennessy on It”: Injured LeBron James Gets Mocked for “Second Decision”
