Jermaine O'Neal

Jermaine O'Neal was one of the last great prep-to-pro gambles that paid off, drafted 17th out of high school in 1996 as one of the youngest players ever to step on an NBA floor. He barely played in four seasons buried on Portland's deep bench, and the trade to Indiana in 2000 unlocked everything. Over eight seasons with the Pacers he became a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA big man, and the 2002 Most Improved Player — an award that undersold just how complete he'd become as a two-way anchor. His prime was collateral damage of the 2004 brawl in Detroit and the injuries that followed, but at his peak he was among the best post scorers and rim protectors in the game. He played 18 seasons across six teams before retiring in 2014.