10 Greatest NBA Players Straight Outta High School

Truth in Numbers: 20.3 PTS / 12.3 REB / 22 PER / 13x All-Star / 8x All-NBA / 2x All-Defense / 3x MVP / 1x Champion

-Hall of Fame Class of 2001-

KG may be credited with jumpstarting the trend in the 90's, however he doesn't claim the title of "first high schooler in modern basketball to go directly to the pros". That distinction goes to the "Chairman of the Boards" - Moses Malone. Drafted by the Utah Stars in the 1974 ABA Draft, Malone was named to the ABA All-Star game in his first year. With the ABA-NBA merger, he'd spend the next two years bouncing between Utah, St. Louis, Buffalo, and Portland before landing in Houston.

Malone spent six seasons with the Rockets, becoming one the best centers in the league. He won his first MVP award in '78. He set a career high with 37 rebounds in a game in '79. Earned another MVP in '82. Then he signed a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, teaming up with Julius Erving to win the 1983 NBA championship and his third MVP trophy. He became the first player to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons for different teams.

After four years in Philly, Malone spent time in Washington, Atlanta, and Milwaukee before returning to the 76ers as a backup, and finally retiring with the San Antonio Spurs in 1995. He was the last player left from the old ABA. Known for his leadership and mentoring ability, Moses played alongside centers/forwards such as Charles Barkley, Shawn Bradley, David Robinson, and Manute Bol.

When he retired, Malone was #1 all time in offensive rebounds, 3rd in total rebounds, 1st in free throws, and 2nd in total games played.