Eric Piatkowski, known for his sharpshooting skills, enjoyed a lengthy career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 30, 1970, in Steubenville, Ohio, Piatkowski grew up in a basketball-centric environment, with his father, Walt Piatkowski, having played professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Eric's journey to the NBA began at the University of Nebraska, where he played college basketball for the Cornhuskers. During his time there, he became one of the school's all-time leading scorers and earned a reputation as a reliable three-point shooter.
In the 1994 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers selected Piatkowski with the 15th overall pick, but he was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. It was with the Clippers that Piatkowski spent the majority of his career, playing for them from 1994 to 2003. During his tenure with the Clippers, he became a fan favorite, known for his ability to hit crucial three-pointers and provide a scoring spark off the bench. Piatkowski's best season with the Clippers came in the 2001-2002 campaign when he averaged 11.3 points per game and shot over 40% from beyond the arc.
After nearly a decade with the Clippers, Piatkowski signed with the Houston Rockets in 2003. His role with the Rockets was similar to his previous one, serving as a three-point specialist and veteran presence on a team that featured stars like Yao Ming and Steve Francis. Piatkowski played two seasons with the Rockets, contributing to their playoff runs with his shooting prowess.
In 2005, Piatkowski joined the Chicago Bulls, where he continued to provide depth and experience to a young team. His time with the Bulls was marked by his steady shooting and leadership in the locker room. After two seasons in Chicago, he moved on to the Phoenix Suns for the 2007-2008 season. Although his playing time was limited with the Suns, Piatkowski's role as a mentor to younger players was valued by the organization.
Throughout his NBA career, Piatkowski was known for his three-point shooting ability, finishing with a career average of 39.9% from beyond the arc. His consistency from long range made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. Piatkowski retired from professional basketball in 2008, leaving behind a legacy as one of the league's reliable shooters.
Off the court, Piatkowski has been involved in various business ventures and community activities.
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