Matt Carroll, an American professional basketball player, spent nearly a decade in the NBA, primarily known for his sharpshooting abilities. Born on August 28, 1980, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carroll honed his skills at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Pennsylvania before playing college basketball at the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, he developed a reputation as a reliable scorer and a proficient three-point shooter, which would become his trademark in the professional leagues.
After going undrafted in the 2003 NBA Draft, Carroll began his professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers, although he did not play in any regular-season games for them. He soon found an opportunity with the San Antonio Spurs, where he made his NBA debut. However, it was with the Charlotte Bobcats that Carroll found a more stable role. Joining the Bobcats in the 2004-2005 season, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his shooting prowess and work ethic.
Carroll's tenure with the Bobcats was marked by his ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense. During the 2006-2007 season, he averaged a career-high 12.1 points per game, showcasing his ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a six-year contract extension with the Bobcats, solidifying his place in the team's rotation.
In addition to his time with the Bobcats, Carroll also had stints with the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers. His role in these teams was similar, often serving as a shooting specialist who could stretch the floor and provide scoring depth. Despite not being a starter for most of his career, Carroll's shooting skills were highly valued, particularly in an era when three-point shooting was becoming increasingly important in the NBA.
Throughout his career, Carroll was known for his professionalism and consistency. He played in over 450 NBA games, averaging 6.6 points per game and shooting 38.4% from three-point range. His ability to maintain a spot in the league for several years, despite the challenges of being an undrafted player, speaks to his skill set and adaptability.
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