Prior to 2006, basketball prospects were allowed to enter the NBA straight out of high school. Several NBA legends, such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy McGrady, took advantage of this opportunity. However, in 2006, the NBA implemented an age limit, requiring players to be at least 19 years old to be draft-eligible. Despite recent discussions about potentially lowering the age limit, no changes have been made.
Before the age limit was enforced, there were several young players who made their NBA debut shortly after high school. Let's take a look at some of these players:
Andrew Bynum: At 18 years and 6 days, Bynum became an NBA player when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite modest numbers in his rookie season, Bynum later became an All-Star and won two championships.
Jermaine O'Neal: O'Neal entered the league at 18 years and 53 days, eventually becoming a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection after starting his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kobe Bryant: Bryant, drafted at 18 years and 72 days, went on to become a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and 18-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Darko Milicic: Milicic, drafted at 18 years and 133 days, played for multiple teams during his NBA career and earned over $53 million in contracts.
Stan Brown: Brown, at 18 years and 139 days, had a unique journey starting with the Philadelphia Sphas and later playing for the Philadelphia Warriors.
Bill Willoughby: Willoughby, at 18 years and 156 days, had a successful eight-year NBA career after being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks.
Tracy McGrady: McGrady, entering the league at 18 years and 160 days, became a seven-time All-NBA selection and led the league in scoring twice.
Yaroslav Korolev: Korolev, drafted at 18 years and 181 days, returned to Russia after a brief NBA stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Andris Biedrins: Biedrins, drafted at 18 years and 217 days, played 10 seasons in the NBA, with his best year coming in 2008-09.
C.J. Miles: Miles, at 18 years and 241 days, played 16 seasons in the NBA as a reliable role player for various teams.
These players represent a group of talented individuals who made the jump from high school to the NBA before the age limit was imposed. While the age limit has changed the landscape of player entry into the league, these players left their mark on the NBA with their skills and contributions.
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