Chris Wilcox, a professional basketball player, spent a decade in the NBA, where he played as a power forward and center. Born on September 3, 1982, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wilcox honed his skills at the University of Maryland, where he played college basketball for two seasons. His performance with the Terrapins, particularly during their 2002 NCAA Championship run, caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In the 2002 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers selected Wilcox as the eighth overall pick. He joined a team that was in the process of rebuilding and looking to develop young talent. During his time with the Clippers, Wilcox showed flashes of his potential, contributing as a reliable player off the bench and occasionally stepping into a starting role. His athleticism and ability to run the floor made him a valuable asset in the Clippers' rotation.
Midway through the 2005-2006 season, Wilcox was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. This move proved beneficial for his career, as he found more opportunities to showcase his skills. In Seattle, Wilcox became a regular starter and delivered some of his best performances. He averaged career-high numbers in points and rebounds, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level in the NBA. His time with the SuperSonics solidified his reputation as a dependable frontcourt player.
After the SuperSonics relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wilcox continued to play for the team until he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2009. His stint with the Knicks was brief, and he soon found himself with the Detroit Pistons. In Detroit, Wilcox provided veteran leadership and depth to the Pistons' roster. He played two seasons with the team, contributing both as a starter and a reserve.
In 2011, Wilcox signed with the Boston Celtics, where he joined a team with championship aspirations. His role with the Celtics was primarily as a backup, but he provided valuable minutes off the bench. Wilcox's time in Boston was marked by a health scare when he was diagnosed with a heart irregularity, which required surgery and sidelined him for part of the 2011-2012 season. Despite this setback, he returned to the court and continued to play for the Celtics until 2013.
Throughout his NBA career, Chris Wilcox was known for his athleticism, ability to finish around the rim, and his work on the boards.
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