Jawann Oldham, a towering presence on the basketball court, played as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 4, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Oldham's journey in professional basketball began after a successful college career at Seattle University. Standing at 7 feet tall, his height and defensive skills made him a valuable asset to several teams throughout his career.
Oldham entered the NBA when he was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft. However, his time with the Nuggets was short-lived, and he soon found himself moving across various teams in the league. His career in the NBA was characterized by frequent transitions, as he played for eight different teams over the span of a decade.
After his stint with the Nuggets, Oldham joined the Houston Rockets, where he continued to develop his skills as a center. His defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking ability, were his standout attributes. Despite not being a high-scoring player, his presence in the paint was enough to alter opponents' shots and provide a defensive anchor for his team.
Oldham's journey continued with the Chicago Bulls, where he played alongside a young Michael Jordan. During his time with the Bulls, Oldham contributed to the team's defense, although his role was often limited to coming off the bench. His tenure with the Bulls was followed by brief periods with the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings, where he continued to provide depth in the center position.
In the latter part of his career, Oldham played for the San Antonio Spurs, the Orlando Magic, and the Indiana Pacers. His role in these teams was primarily as a backup center, where he provided experience and defensive support. Despite the frequent team changes, Oldham's ability to adapt to different playing styles and team dynamics was evident.
Oldham's career in the NBA concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although his time with the Lakers was brief, it marked the end of his professional playing days in the league. Throughout his career, Oldham was known for his defensive prowess, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. His height and reach made him a challenging opponent for many of the league's centers.
After retiring from the NBA, Oldham continued to be involved in basketball, playing overseas and participating in various basketball-related activities.
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