Kiki Vandeweghe, born Ernest Maurice Vandeweghe III, became a well-known figure in the world of professional basketball. His journey began at UCLA, where he played college basketball and helped lead the Bruins to the NCAA championship game in 1980. His performance at UCLA caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1980 NBA Draft. However, Vandeweghe was quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he would start his professional career.
During his time with the Nuggets, Vandeweghe developed a reputation as a prolific scorer. Known for his smooth shooting touch and ability to score from various positions on the court, he averaged over 20 points per game in multiple seasons. His offensive prowess was a key component of the Nuggets' high-scoring offense in the early 1980s. Vandeweghe's scoring ability earned him two All-Star selections while with Denver, in 1983 and 1984.
In 1984, Vandeweghe was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he continued to excel as a scorer. He maintained his high scoring averages and was instrumental in helping the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs. His time in Portland further solidified his reputation as one of the league's top offensive players. Vandeweghe's ability to score efficiently made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
After several productive seasons with the Trail Blazers, Vandeweghe was traded to the New York Knicks in 1989. Although his scoring numbers declined during his tenure with the Knicks, he provided veteran leadership and experience to a young team. Vandeweghe's presence was felt both on and off the court, as he helped mentor younger players and contributed to the team's overall success.
Vandeweghe's playing career concluded with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played his final NBA season in 1992-1993. Over the course of his career, he amassed over 15,000 points and maintained a scoring average of 19.7 points per game. His ability to score consistently made him one of the most reliable offensive players of his era.
Following his retirement as a player, Vandeweghe transitioned into various roles within the basketball world. He served as a coach, executive, and analyst, continuing to share his knowledge and expertise. Vandeweghe held positions such as the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, where he was involved in team-building and player development.
In addition to his executive roles, Vandeweghe also spent time as an interim head coach for the Nets during the 2009-2010 season. His experience as a player and executive provided him with a unique perspective on the game, which he utilized in his coaching endeavors.
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