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The NBA has seen a plethora of talent over the years. Some of the most iconic players in the history of the sport have come straight out of high school, bypassing the traditional college route.
Among these prodigious talents, a few have even risen to the pinnacle of the sport, earning the coveted title of NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
How many NBA MVPs were drafted out of high school?
Let’s delve into the careers of these extraordinary players who made the leap from high school courts to the grand stage of the National Basketball Associaton.
#4. Moses Malone
After being drafted in the third round of the 1974 ABA draft out of high school, Moses Malone went on to have a legendary career.
Moses Malone was born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia. He attended Petersburg High School, where he dominated the court and caught the attention of professional scouts.
Malone was so dominant as a schoolboy that he accomplished the then rare feat of going straight from high school into professional basketball. Malone began his professional career after he was selected in the third round of the 1974 ABA Draft by the Utah Stars.
He was named an ABA All-Star as a rookie and played two seasons in the league until it merged with the NBA in 1976. Over his 19-year NBA career, Malone was recognized as one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport.
He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award three times. In addition, Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983.
Malone’s career stats include an average of 20.3 points per game, 12.3 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game. His rebounding prowess earned him the nickname "Chairman of the Boards".
3. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was drafted straight out of high school in 1995 and went on to have a successful career, including winning the NBA MVP award in 2004.Kevin Garnett, often referred to as “The Big Ticket”, was born on May 19, 1976, in Greenville, South Carolina.
He attended Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois, where he was recognized as a 1995 McDonald’s All-American and won a national player of the year award.
In a move that would pave the way for future high school prodigies, Garnett decided to forego college and enter the 1995 NBA Draft. He was selected with the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first player to be drafted directly out of high school in 20 years.
Garnett’s impact on the court was immediate and profound. His intensity, defensive ability, and versatility quickly established him as one of the greatest power forwards of all time.
Over his illustrious 21-season career in the NBA, Garnett accumulated an impressive list of accolades. He was a 15-time NBA All-Star, won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2004, and was named to the All-NBA First Team four times.
In addition, Garnett was a dominant force on the defensive end, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2008 and being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Garnett’s career was not just about individual accolades. He was instrumental in leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008. His leadership, both on and off the court, was a key factor in the team’s success.
#2. Kobe Bryant:
Kobe Bryant was drafted straight out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick of the 1996 NBA draft.
However, in a draft day trade that would change the course of NBA history, he was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star.
He was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. Bryant’s career stats include an average of 25.0 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 4.7 assists per game. He ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time regular season scoring and all-time postseason scoring lists.
#1 LeBron James
LeBron James, often referred to as “The Chosen One” or “King James”, was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, where he dominated the court and caught the attention of professional scouts.
James was the consensus national high-school player of the year in his senior season. He decided to forego college and enter the 2003 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall selection.
Over his illustrious career in the NBA, LeBron has accumulated an impressive list of accolades. He is a 20-time NBA All-Star, has won four Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four NBA Finals MVP Awards, and three All-Star Game MVP Awards.
He has competed in 10 NBA Finals, winning four NBA championships. He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers.
LeBron’s career stats include an average of 25.2 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, and 5.0 assists per game during his high school career. He has become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and ranks fourth in career assists.
Off the court, LeBron is known for his activism and business interests. He is a media figure and has made significant contributions to his community through various charitable works.nificant contributions to his community through various charitable works.
