Craig Ehlo's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Houston Rockets in the third round of the 1983 NBA Draft. A product of Odessa College and Washington State University, Ehlo entered the league with a reputation for being a hardworking and reliable player. His early years with the Rockets were marked by limited playing time, as he found himself competing for minutes on a team that was already stacked with talent.
In 1986, Ehlo's career took a significant turn when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was with the Cavaliers that he became a more prominent figure on the court, known for his defensive skills and ability to hit crucial shots. Ehlo's tenure with the Cavaliers coincided with a period of growth for the team, as they became regular contenders in the Eastern Conference. His most memorable moment came during the 1989 NBA Playoffs, in a game against the Chicago Bulls. Ehlo scored a go-ahead basket with just seconds remaining, only to have Michael Jordan famously hit "The Shot" over him, which secured a victory for the Bulls. Despite being on the losing end of that iconic play, Ehlo's performance in that game and throughout the series was commendable.
Ehlo continued to be a valuable player for the Cavaliers until 1993. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively made him a reliable option for the team. After his time in Cleveland, Ehlo signed with the Atlanta Hawks, where he played for two seasons. With the Hawks, he continued to demonstrate his skills as a solid role player, providing veteran leadership and experience to a young team.
In 1995, Ehlo joined the Seattle SuperSonics, returning to the Pacific Northwest where he had played college basketball. His stint with the SuperSonics was brief, but he was part of a team that made a deep playoff run, reaching the NBA Finals in 1996. Although the SuperSonics ultimately fell to the Chicago Bulls, Ehlo's presence on the team added depth to their roster.
Ehlo's professional basketball career concluded after the 1996-1997 season. Over the course of his career, he played in over 800 NBA games, averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Ehlo was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
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