Dave Greenwood, a professional basketball player, began his career in the NBA after being selected as the second overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. Greenwood, a power forward/center, was known for his rebounding ability and defensive skills. He played college basketball at UCLA, where he had a standout career, which led to his high draft selection.
During his time with the Chicago Bulls, Greenwood quickly established himself as a reliable player. He spent six seasons with the Bulls, where he consistently averaged double figures in points and was a strong presence on the boards. His best statistical season with the Bulls came in the 1980-81 season when he averaged 14.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Greenwood's tenure with the Bulls coincided with a period of rebuilding for the franchise, and while the team struggled to achieve significant success during those years, Greenwood's performance remained steady.
In 1985, Greenwood was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he continued to be a valuable asset. Playing alongside stars like George Gervin and later Alvin Robertson, Greenwood contributed to the Spurs' efforts in the Western Conference. His rebounding and defensive prowess were key elements of the Spurs' frontcourt. Greenwood played three seasons with the Spurs, maintaining his reputation as a solid and dependable player.
Greenwood's career took another turn when he joined the Denver Nuggets for the 1988-89 season. Although his time with the Nuggets was brief, he provided veteran leadership and experience to a young team. After his stint in Denver, Greenwood signed with the Detroit Pistons. During the 1989-90 season, he was part of the Pistons' roster that won the NBA Championship. Although his role was more limited compared to earlier in his career, being part of a championship-winning team was a significant achievement.
In the final stage of his career, Greenwood played for the San Antonio Spurs once again during the 1990-91 season. After this season, he retired from professional basketball. Over his career, Greenwood played in over 900 NBA games, averaging 10.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His ability to consistently perform as a rebounder and defender made him a valuable player throughout his time in the league.
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