Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the 10 greatest NBA players drafted out of high school

By Dylan Carter

Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant #8 attempts to steal the ball away from Cleveland's LeBron James #23 during the NBA Players Hurricane Relief Game at the Toyota Center, September 11, 2005 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)
Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant #8 attempts to steal the ball away from Cleveland's LeBron James #23 during the NBA Players Hurricane Relief Game at the Toyota Center, September 11, 2005 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
NBA
Knicks center Tyson Chandler in NBA action (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

9. From High School to the NBA, Tyson Chandler perfected his role

In a similar fashion to Hawkins, the No. 2 pick in the 2001 draft was a quintessential role-playing center coming out of high school. A 7-footer with broad shoulders and a sturdy frame, Tyson Chander was a phenomenal one-on-one defender against other bigs. An expert rim protector despite never averaging more than two blocks, Chandler contested every shot within five feet of the paint without hesitation.

Chandler also gobbled up rebounds, oftentimes ranking near the top of the league in boards per game including nine seasons averaging at least three offensive boards. His efficiency was truly special, shooting above 60% from the field 10 times in his career. After his fourth year in the league, Chandler never shot below 56.5% for a season.

Essential to the Mavericks’ 2011 title team, Chandler parlayed his first ring into the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year trophy and the only All-NBA campaign of his career as a member of the New York Knicks. A one-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive selection, Chandler will be remembered as the ultimate role-playing center of his generation.