Danny Fortson's journey through the NBA was characterized by his physical style of play and his ability to dominate the boards. Born on March 27, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fortson developed his basketball skills at an early age, eventually leading him to a successful college career at the University of Cincinnati. Under the guidance of coach Bob Huggins, Fortson became a standout player, earning consensus All-American honors and establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the country.
In the 1997 NBA Draft, Fortson was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, though his rights were quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets. As a rookie, Fortson made an immediate impact with his rebounding prowess and physical presence in the paint. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in his first season, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Fortson's time with the Nuggets was marked by his relentless work on the boards. In his second season, he averaged a double-double with 11.0 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, ranking among the league's top rebounders. His performance caught the attention of the Boston Celtics, who acquired him in a trade in 1999. However, his stint with the Celtics was short-lived, as he was traded to the Golden State Warriors after just one season.
With the Warriors, Fortson found a more stable role and continued to excel as a rebounder. During the 2000-2001 season, he averaged a career-high 16.7 points and 16.3 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounding. His ability to control the glass and score in the post made him a valuable asset for the Warriors, and he became a fan favorite for his gritty style of play.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Fortson's career. He missed the entire 2001-2002 season due to a foot injury, and upon his return, he struggled to regain his previous form. Despite these setbacks, Fortson remained a sought-after player, and in 2004, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. His time in Dallas was brief, as he was soon traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played the final years of his career.
With the SuperSonics, Fortson continued to provide toughness and rebounding off the bench. Although his playing time decreased, he remained an effective role player, known for his ability to draw fouls and his tenacity on the court. Fortson retired from professional basketball in 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the league's most tenacious rebounders during his era.
Throughout his NBA career, Fortson was known for his physicality and his ability to dominate the boards.
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