José Calderón, a Spanish professional basketball player, enjoyed a lengthy career in the NBA, known for his exceptional skills as a point guard. Born on September 28, 1981, in Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, Calderón began his professional career in Europe before making his way to the NBA. His journey in the league started when he signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2005, after playing for several teams in the Spanish ACB League.
Calderón quickly established himself as a reliable and efficient player. Known for his excellent court vision and passing ability, he became a vital part of the Raptors' lineup. During his tenure with Toronto, he set a franchise record for assists and became one of the league's most accurate free-throw shooters. In the 2008-2009 season, Calderón led the NBA in free-throw percentage, shooting an impressive 98.1%.
After spending several years with the Raptors, Calderón was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2013. His time in Detroit was brief, but he continued to demonstrate his skills as a playmaker and floor general. Following his stint with the Pistons, Calderón signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2013, where he played for one season. His ability to manage the game and provide leadership on the court was evident, and he continued to be a valuable asset to his team.
In 2014, Calderón was traded to the New York Knicks, where he spent two seasons. Despite the team's struggles, he remained a steady presence on the court, contributing with his passing and shooting. Calderón's career then took him to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, although his time there was short-lived due to a mid-season trade to the Atlanta Hawks.
Calderón's journey continued with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he signed in 2017. During his time with the Cavaliers, he played alongside LeBron James and contributed to the team's success in reaching the NBA Finals in 2018. Although the Cavaliers were ultimately defeated by the Golden State Warriors, Calderón's experience and leadership were valuable to the team.
In the latter part of his career, Calderón signed with the Detroit Pistons once again for the 2018-2019 season. His role was primarily as a veteran presence and mentor to younger players, providing guidance and stability. After the conclusion of the 2018-2019 season, Calderón retired from professional basketball, leaving behind a legacy of consistency and professionalism.
Throughout his NBA career, Calderón was known for his high basketball IQ, unselfish play, and ability to run an offense effectively.
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