Brendan Haywood's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his rights were immediately traded to the Orlando Magic and then to the Washington Wizards, where he would start his NBA career. Standing at 7 feet tall, Haywood played the center position, bringing a strong defensive presence to the court.

During his time with the Washington Wizards, Haywood became known for his shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills. He played with the Wizards for nearly a decade, from 2001 to 2010, and was a consistent starter for much of his tenure. His defensive prowess was a key component of the Wizards' strategy, and he often found himself matched up against some of the league's best big men. Haywood's best statistical season with the Wizards came in the 2007-2008 campaign when he averaged 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

In February 2010, Haywood was traded to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a seven-player deal. His arrival in Dallas bolstered the team's frontcourt depth, and he played a crucial role in their defensive schemes. The highlight of Haywood's career came in the 2010-2011 season when he was part of the Mavericks team that won the NBA Championship. Although he played a backup role to starting center Tyson Chandler, Haywood's contributions off the bench were vital during the Mavericks' playoff run. His size and defensive skills provided the team with a reliable option in the paint, helping them secure their first-ever NBA title.

After his stint with the Mavericks, Haywood was waived via the amnesty clause in 2012, which allowed the team to remove his salary from their books. He was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets), where he played for the 2012-2013 season. In Charlotte, Haywood continued to provide veteran leadership and defensive stability, though his playing time and statistical output began to decline.

Haywood's final NBA stop came with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played during the 2014-2015 season. His role with the Cavaliers was limited, and he primarily served as a mentor to younger players on the roster. Despite seeing limited action on the court, his experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the team.

Throughout his NBA career, Brendan Haywood was known for his defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding. While he may not have been a prolific scorer, his presence in the paint was a constant challenge for opposing offenses.

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