Antoine Carr, known for his imposing presence on the basketball court, played as a power forward and center during his professional career. Born on July 23, 1961, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Carr grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where he attended Wichita Heights High School. His basketball journey began to take shape at Wichita State University, where he played college basketball for the Shockers. Carr's collegiate performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the 1983 NBA Draft.
The Detroit Pistons picked Carr as the eighth overall selection in the first round. However, he did not immediately join the Pistons, opting instead to play overseas in Italy for a season with Simac Milano. This international experience added a unique dimension to his game, allowing him to refine his skills before entering the NBA.
Carr's NBA career officially began when he joined the Atlanta Hawks in 1984. During his time with the Hawks, he became known for his physical style of play and his ability to score in the post. His tenure with Atlanta lasted until 1989, after which he was traded to the Sacramento Kings. Carr's stint with the Kings was marked by consistent performances, where he continued to be a reliable scorer and a strong defensive presence.
In 1990, Carr moved to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played alongside Hall of Famer David Robinson. His role with the Spurs was primarily as a backup center, providing depth and experience to the team's frontcourt. Carr's time in San Antonio was characterized by his steady contributions off the bench, helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times.
The Utah Jazz became Carr's next destination in 1994. It was with the Jazz that he experienced some of the most memorable moments of his career. Playing under coach Jerry Sloan and alongside stars like Karl Malone and John Stockton, Carr was part of a team that reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. Although the Jazz fell short both times against the Chicago Bulls, Carr's performances during these playoff runs were noteworthy. His ability to come off the bench and provide scoring and defensive intensity was invaluable to the Jazz's success during this period.
After his time with the Jazz, Carr had brief stints with the Houston Rockets and the Vancouver Grizzlies. His role in these teams was primarily as a veteran presence, offering leadership and experience to younger players. Carr's final NBA season was with the Grizzlies in 1999-2000, after which he retired from professional basketball.
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