Armen Gilliam, known by the nickname "The Hammer," was a professional basketball player whose career spanned over a decade in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on May 28, 1964, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Gilliam first gained attention for his basketball skills during his college years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Under the guidance of coach Jerry Tarkanian, he became a standout player, leading the Runnin' Rebels to the Final Four in 1987. His impressive performance in college basketball set the stage for his entry into the NBA.
In the 1987 NBA Draft, Gilliam was selected as the second overall pick by the Phoenix Suns. His rookie season with the Suns showcased his ability to adapt to the professional level, as he quickly became a reliable power forward. Gilliam's scoring ability and rebounding skills were evident from the start, and he averaged 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in his first season. His strong presence in the paint and his mid-range shooting made him a valuable asset to the Suns.
After two seasons with Phoenix, Gilliam was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 1989. During his time with the Hornets, he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, averaging over 18 points per game in the 1990-1991 season. His tenure with Charlotte was marked by consistent performances, and he played a crucial role in the team's development during its early years in the league.
In 1991, Gilliam was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he continued to be a productive player. His time with the 76ers saw him maintain his scoring and rebounding averages, contributing significantly to the team's frontcourt. Gilliam's ability to play both power forward and center allowed him to adapt to different team needs and strategies.
Gilliam's career also included stints with the New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Utah Jazz. With each team, he brought his trademark work ethic and scoring ability. While playing for the Nets, he achieved a career-high average of 18.3 points per game during the 1992-1993 season. His consistent performance on the court earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Throughout his NBA career, Gilliam was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score in the post. He was a reliable scorer, often using his strength and footwork to outmaneuver defenders. His rebounding skills were also a key aspect of his game, as he frequently battled for position under the basket.
Gilliam retired from professional basketball in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to the sport. Over the course of his career, he played in 929 regular-season games, amassing a total of 12,700 points and 6,401 rebounds. His contributions to the teams he played for were marked by his consistent performance and his ability to adapt to different roles on the court.
After retiring from the NBA, Gilliam remained involved in basketball, participating in various community and youth programs. He also played in the United States Basketball League (USBL) and the American Basketball Association (ABA), continuing to share his love for the game with others.
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