Calvin Natt's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. However, his career truly took shape when he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers shortly after. Natt quickly established himself as a reliable forward with a strong presence on the court. Known for his scoring ability and tenacity, he became a vital part of the Trail Blazers' lineup.
During his time with Portland, Natt consistently delivered solid performances, averaging double figures in points and contributing significantly to the team's efforts. His best season with the Trail Blazers came in the 1980-81 campaign when he averaged 20.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. His efforts helped Portland secure a spot in the playoffs, where they faced the Kansas City Kings in the first round. Although the Trail Blazers were eliminated, Natt's performance was a highlight of the series.
In 1984, Natt was traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he continued to excel. Playing alongside stars like Alex English and Dan Issel, Natt became an integral part of the Nuggets' high-scoring offense. His ability to score efficiently and his strong defensive skills made him a valuable asset to the team. During the 1984-85 season, Natt averaged 23.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, earning him a spot in the NBA All-Star Game. This season marked one of the peaks of his career, as he helped lead the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals, where they were eventually defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Natt's tenure with the Nuggets was marked by consistent performances and playoff appearances. However, injuries began to take a toll on his career. Despite these challenges, he remained a productive player, contributing to the team's success whenever he was on the court. In 1989, Natt was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played for a brief period before moving to the Indiana Pacers. His time with these teams was short-lived, as injuries continued to hinder his ability to perform at his best.
Throughout his career, Calvin Natt was known for his scoring prowess, strong work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure.
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