The 6 Best NBA Prospects of All-Time, Ranked

• College: Duke
• NBA Averages: 25.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists

Zion Williamson was one of the most highly anticipated and talked-about NBA prospects in recent years. Born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Williamson gained widespread attention for his exceptional athleticism, powerful dunks, and versatility on the basketball court.

Before Zion even stepped foot on a collegiate level basketball court, his highlight mixtapes would regularly get more views than actual NBA games. It's evident to see just how hyped of a prospect Zion is by how the New Orleans Pelicans reacted to getting the first overall pick in his draft.

• College: N/A (Played professionally in France)
• NBA Averages: 19.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists

Victor Wembanyama is a highly regarded French born basketball player who gained attention for his exceptional skills and potential as a young player. He made his professional debut in France at only 16-years-old and has put the world on notice ever since.

Despite his towering height, Wembanyama is known for his versatility. He possesses the ability to score from the perimeter, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. This well-rounded skill set has contributed to the high expectations surrounding his future in basketball. It's not far fetched to say we have never seen a prospect with the tools and build that Wemby possesses, and he is already showing out in his rookie season for the Spurs.

• College: LSU
• NBA Averages: 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists

Shaquille O'Neal, often referred to simply as Shaq, was a highly anticipated and celebrated prospect before entering the NBA. One of the most striking aspects of Shaq's prospect profile was his incredible physical attributes. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing over 300 pounds during his playing career, Shaq possessed a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that was rare and unmatched.

Shaquille O'Neal declared for the NBA Draft in 1992 after his junior year at LSU. His decision to leave college early was highly anticipated, and he was expected to be the top pick in the draft. Shaq's impact in the NBA was immediate. He went on to have a remarkable career, winning multiple NBA championships, earning numerous All-Star selections, and establishing himself as one of the most dominant centers in the history of the league.

• College: N/A (Went pro from High School)
• NBA Averages: 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists

LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA, and his journey as a prospect was marked by extraordinary expectations and anticipation. LeBron James gained national attention and acclaim while playing high school basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. His performances were so exceptional that he became a sports media sensation, earning a documentary on his notoriety before he even won an NBA finals.

Even in high school, LeBron's physical attributes were remarkable. Standing at around 6 feet 9 inches and possessing a combination of size, speed, and athleticism, he had a physical presence on the court that set him apart. LeBron James declared for the 2003 NBA Draft straight out of high school. His hometown Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the first overall pick, making him the centerpiece of the franchise's rebuilding efforts.

• College: Kansas
• NBA Averages: 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists

Wilt Chamberlain's journey to becoming one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball is fascinating, even though his era predates the modern NBA draft system. Chamberlain played college basketball at the University of Kansas before entering the professional ranks. Chamberlain played for the University of Kansas Jayhawks during the 1956-1958 seasons. His impact on college basketball was immediate and profound. Chamberlain was a scoring and rebounding machine, setting numerous records during his time at Kansas.

Due to NBA rules at the time, Chamberlain was not eligible for the NBA draft immediately after leaving college. Instead, he played a year with the Harlem Globetrotters before negotiating a deal to join the NBA's Philadelphia Warriors in 1959. Wilt Chamberlain's legacy extends far beyond his time as a prospect, as he went on to become one of the most iconic figures in basketball history.

• College: UCLA
• NBA Averages: 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport. However, when he was a prospect, he initially gained fame as a dominant college player before making a significant impact in the professional league.

Abdul-Jabbar, known as Lew Alcindor at the time, played college basketball at UCLA under legendary coach John Wooden from 1966 to 1969. During his college career, he led the UCLA Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships and won numerous individual accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award.

At the time of his transition for collegiate to professional basketball, the NBA and ABA were fighting to be the premier basketball league. The commissioner of the ABA planned on giving Kareem a $1 million check to sign with their league, but ultimately forgot to present the check. Kareem went on to sign with the NBA and the ABA would shortly fold and merge with the latter.