Maurice Taylor, an American professional basketball player, spent nearly a decade in the NBA, where he played as a power forward. Born on October 30, 1976, in Detroit, Michigan, Taylor honed his skills at the University of Michigan, where he played college basketball for the Wolverines. His college career was marked by his participation in the 1995 NCAA Tournament, and he was part of the team that won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1997.
Taylor entered the NBA when he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft. His rookie season with the Clippers saw him quickly adapt to the professional level, where he averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Over the next few seasons, Taylor became a consistent scorer for the Clippers, known for his ability to score in the post and his mid-range shooting.
In 2000, Taylor signed with the Houston Rockets as a free agent. His tenure with the Rockets was marked by solid performances, although it was interrupted by an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for the entire 2001-2002 season. Despite this setback, Taylor returned to the court and continued to contribute to the Rockets' efforts in subsequent seasons.
Taylor's career took another turn when he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2005. During his time with the Knicks, he played a supporting role, providing veteran experience to a team in transition. His stint in New York was followed by a brief period with the Sacramento Kings, where he played his final NBA games.
Throughout his career, Taylor was known for his scoring ability and his presence in the paint. While he may not have achieved superstar status, he was a reliable player who contributed to the teams he played for. After leaving the NBA, Taylor continued to be involved in basketball, playing overseas and participating in various basketball-related activities.
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