Jodie Meeks, known for his sharpshooting abilities, made a name for himself in the NBA with his impressive three-point shooting skills. Born on August 21, 1987, in Nashville, Tennessee, Meeks honed his basketball talents at Norcross High School in Georgia before playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky. His standout performance in college, particularly his record-setting 54-point game against Tennessee, caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In 2009, Meeks declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 41st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. His rookie season saw him splitting time between the Bucks and their D-League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, as he worked to establish himself in the league. Despite limited playing time, Meeks showcased his potential as a reliable shooter.
A trade to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2010 marked a turning point in Meeks' career. With the 76ers, he found more opportunities to display his shooting prowess. During the 2010-2011 season, Meeks became a regular starter and played a crucial role in the team's playoff run. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting opened up the offense for his teammates.
After three seasons with Philadelphia, Meeks signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012. His tenure with the Lakers was marked by increased scoring responsibilities, especially during the 2013-2014 season when he averaged a career-high 15.7 points per game. Meeks' performance included a memorable 42-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting his scoring ability.
In 2014, Meeks joined the Detroit Pistons, where injuries limited his playing time. Despite the setbacks, he remained a valuable asset when healthy, contributing off the bench with his shooting and veteran presence. His stint with the Pistons was followed by a trade to the Orlando Magic in 2016, where he continued to battle injuries but provided depth and experience to the roster.
Meeks' career took another turn when he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2017. His role with the Wizards was primarily as a bench player, offering scoring bursts and three-point shooting. However, his time with the team was marred by a suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program, which affected his availability during the playoffs.
In 2019, Meeks joined the Toronto Raptors late in the season, adding depth to their roster during their championship run. Although his playing time was limited, being part of the Raptors' first NBA Championship was a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his NBA journey, Jodie Meeks was recognized for his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc.
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