In the 1987 NBA Draft, Dudley was selected in the fourth round as the 75th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His early years in the league were marked by his tenacity on defense and his ability to block shots and grab rebounds. Although not known for his scoring ability, Dudley carved out a niche as a dependable center who could alter opponents' shots and provide a physical presence in the low post.
Dudley's NBA journey saw him play for several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns. His longest tenure was with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played from 1993 to 1997. During his time with the Blazers, Dudley became a fan favorite for his hustle and work ethic on the court. He was often tasked with guarding some of the league's most dominant centers, using his size and defensive acumen to challenge them.
One of the most memorable aspects of Dudley's career was his free-throw shooting struggles. Despite his proficiency in other areas of the game, Dudley had a notoriously low free-throw shooting percentage, often drawing attention and sometimes criticism. However, his ability to contribute defensively and on the boards ensured his place in the league for many years.
Dudley's career also included a stint with the New York Knicks, where he played from 1997 to 2000. During this period, he was part of the Knicks team that reached the NBA Finals in 1999. Although the Knicks ultimately fell to the San Antonio Spurs, Dudley's role as a backup center provided valuable minutes off the bench.
In addition to his on-court achievements, Dudley was known for his off-court endeavors. He was actively involved in charitable work, particularly in supporting diabetes research and education, as he himself was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age. His efforts in this area earned him recognition and respect beyond the basketball community.
After retiring from professional basketball in 2003, Dudley continued to be involved in various philanthropic activities and even ventured into politics. His post-basketball career included running for governor of Oregon in 2010 as a Republican candidate, although he was not elected.
Throughout his 16-year NBA career, Chris Dudley was recognized for his defensive prowess and his ability to provide a strong presence in the paint.
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