Jerry Stackhouse, a dynamic shooting guard and small forward, made a substantial impact on the NBA landscape during his career. Born on November 5, 1974, in Kinston, North Carolina, Stackhouse honed his skills at the University of North Carolina, where he played college basketball for the Tar Heels. His impressive performance in college led to him being selected as the third overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Stackhouse quickly established himself as a scoring threat in the league. In his rookie season, he averaged 19.2 points per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His ability to score in various ways, whether driving to the basket or shooting from the perimeter, made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
After two seasons with the 76ers, Stackhouse was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1997. It was with the Pistons that he truly flourished as a scorer. During the 2000-2001 season, he averaged a career-high 29.8 points per game, finishing second in the league in scoring behind only Allen Iverson. This scoring prowess earned him two consecutive NBA All-Star selections in 2000 and 2001.
In 2002, Stackhouse was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he continued to be a reliable scorer. He played alongside Michael Jordan during Jordan's final NBA season, which was a significant period in his career. Stackhouse's tenure with the Wizards was marked by consistent scoring, although injuries began to take a toll on his performance.
The Dallas Mavericks acquired Stackhouse in 2004, where he transitioned into a valuable sixth man role. His ability to provide scoring off the bench was instrumental in the Mavericks' success during his time there. Stackhouse played a key role in helping the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals in 2006, although they ultimately fell to the Miami Heat.
Following his stint with the Mavericks, Stackhouse played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite battling injuries in the latter part of his career, he remained a respected veteran presence in the locker room and continued to contribute when called upon.
Stackhouse retired from professional basketball in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as one of the league's most prolific scorers during his prime. Over his 18-year career, he amassed over 16,000 points, averaging 16.9 points per game. His journey through the NBA was marked by his scoring ability, adaptability, and leadership on and off the court.
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