Transitioning from college or high school to NBA success is always slow for most prospects. Draft picks from high school tend to get extra attention, considering their age and talent. The following article shall look at these players and analyze their careers.
Derrick Rose – The Chicago MVP
The streets won’t forget the legend of the young Chicago Bulls protégé, Derrick Rose, who stormed the League. Before he could win any accolades, Rose impressed during in-game-play, mainly exciting fans through his explosive dunks. Drafted in 2008, Derrick’s quick rise to stardom got him the following awards:
- 2010-11 – MVP
- 2010-11 All-NBA team
- 2008-09 Rookie of the Year Award
- 3x All-Star appearances
Things would start going downhill after a string of career-threatening injuries. However, he’s still among the most influential players, and Knicks fans are shouting his name in the ongoing playoffs, even when he’s on the bench.
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Anthony Davis – The Olympics Effect
Anthony Davis is among the first centers to shoot the ball consistently well, apart from guarding the paint. Before he could play his first game as a rookie for New Orleans, he got a chance to play for the U.S.A. in the 2012 Olympics and won gold. As a 19-year-old, he interacted with some of the biggest stars, including Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.
He now plays for the LA Lakers, teaming up with James, and they ended up winning a ring in 2020 together. Considering his initial achievements in New Orleans, like being a 3-time block leader, this chip is enough to place him in the hall of fame.
Lebron James and Kobe Bryant – Straight from HighSchool
Both Lebron and Kobe (RIP) joined the NBA in high school and proved any doubters wrong. The two are at least in the top 5 of major stats and achievements.
For instance, Kobe Bryant seats 4th in the all-time scoring list, while Lebron recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become number one in the category.
The stars matched their high school hype, with Lebron considered the most explosive from the start of his career in Cleveland. He plays for Bryant’s former team and continues Kobe’s winning legacy while he builds his own.
Lonzo Ball – Fans Hype
Lonzo Ball is an honorable mention who got all the attention during college and high school, mainly due to his father’s influence. He is quite the player, his ball-hog skills as a guard catching the attention of the Lakers in the 2017 draft, going second overall.
He quickly became a fan’s favorite, but the pressure would catch up with him later. His defense and shooting improved after the trade to Chicago Bulls, but he’s currently away due to a knee injury.
Conclusion
Above are some players who gained fame early in one of the prestigious U.S sports. These athletes have had their path to success, with some, like Kobe, directly impacting and motivating most League players.