Roundfield entered the professional basketball scene when he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1975 NBA Draft. However, he chose to begin his career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the Indiana Pacers. The ABA-NBA merger in 1976 brought Roundfield into the NBA, where he continued to play for the Pacers. During his time with Indiana, he quickly established himself as a reliable forward, known for his rebounding ability and defensive prowess.
In 1978, Roundfield signed with the Atlanta Hawks, where he truly flourished. Over the next several years, he became a cornerstone of the Hawks' lineup. His tenure with Atlanta was marked by three consecutive NBA All-Star selections from 1980 to 1982. Roundfield's defensive skills were particularly noteworthy, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times and the All-Defensive Second Team twice. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim made him a valuable asset to the Hawks.
Roundfield's offensive game was also solid, as he consistently averaged double figures in scoring throughout his career. His best statistical season came in 1980-81 when he averaged 19.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. This performance helped lead the Hawks to several playoff appearances, although they were unable to advance past the Eastern Conference Semifinals during his time with the team.
In 1984, Roundfield was traded to the Detroit Pistons, bringing him back to his home state of Michigan. He played two seasons with the Pistons, continuing to contribute as a reliable forward. In 1986, he was traded to the Washington Bullets, where he played his final NBA season. After leaving the NBA, Roundfield spent a brief period playing professionally in Italy before retiring from basketball.
Throughout his career, Roundfield was respected by teammates and opponents alike for his work ethic and professionalism.
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