Austin Croshere, a professional basketball player, began his NBA career when he was selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 12th overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft. Croshere, a forward standing 6 feet 10 inches tall, played college basketball at Providence College, where he developed a reputation for his shooting ability and work ethic. His transition to the NBA saw him joining a Pacers team that was on the rise in the Eastern Conference.
During his tenure with the Pacers, Croshere became known for his role as a reliable bench player who could provide scoring and rebounding. He was part of the Pacers' roster that reached the NBA Finals in 2000, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. In the Finals, Croshere delivered some memorable performances, including a standout game where he scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in Game 2, helping the Pacers secure their only win in the series. His efforts during the Finals earned him recognition as a valuable contributor to the team's success during that playoff run.
Croshere's ability to stretch the floor with his shooting was a valuable asset for the Pacers, particularly in an era when the three-point shot was becoming increasingly important in the NBA. Over the years, he developed a reputation as a dependable role player who could step up in crucial moments. His best statistical season came in the 2000-2001 campaign, where he averaged 10.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
After spending nine seasons with the Pacers, Croshere was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2006. His time with the Mavericks was marked by a reduced role, but he continued to provide veteran leadership and experience to the team. Croshere's stint in Dallas lasted one season, after which he signed with the Golden State Warriors for the 2007-2008 season. With the Warriors, he played a limited role, appearing in 44 games and averaging 3.9 points per game.
In the latter stages of his career, Croshere had brief spells with the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs. His time with these teams was short-lived, as he struggled to find a consistent role. Despite this, Croshere's experience and professionalism were valued by his teammates and coaches.
Throughout his NBA career, Croshere played in a total of 659 regular-season games, averaging 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. His career was characterized by his ability to adapt to different roles and his willingness to contribute in whatever way his team needed.
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