NBA: 30 best careers from players who skipped college

30 best careers from players who skipped college – 28. Travis Outlaw

Some high school prospects entered the league and made a name for themselves. Others entered thinking they already had a name and fell short of their goals. For some, however, they fit right into the same mold as many players coming out of college. Travis Outlaw was simply a good role player who enjoyed a solid NBA career.

A five-star recruit from Starkville, Mississippi, Outlaw declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected 23rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was an explosive athlete who could float above the rim. At 6’9″ Outlaw had the size to defend multiple positions, and while he never developed as a shooter, he had the ability to finish inside.

He put together a two-season stretch of strong play in his early 20s, playing in 163 of 164 possible games and averaging double digits in scoring for the Portland Trail Blazers. That earned him a large contract with the New Jersey Nets, which had saved up cap space hoping for a star and pivoted to sign Outlaw as part of a collection of four role players. His claim to fame is being a part of that underwhelming class, through no fault of his own.

Outlaw was eventually waived from a New Jersey team falling short of expectations, and finished out his career with the Sacramento Kings. In the end, 11 years in the league for the 23rd pick is a good return. He wasn’t a star but Outlaw had a solid career as a role player and made life-changing money, a reasonable goal for any young basketball player.