Nazr Mohammed's journey in professional basketball spanned nearly two decades, during which he played for several teams in the NBA. Born on September 5, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois, Mohammed attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college basketball for the Wildcats. His time at Kentucky was marked by success, as he was part of the team that won the NCAA Championship in 1996 and 1998.
In the 1998 NBA Draft, Mohammed was selected as the 29th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. However, he was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he began his NBA career. During his time with the 76ers, Mohammed played as a center, contributing primarily as a backup player. His role was to provide depth and support in the frontcourt, and he gained valuable experience in his early years in the league.
After a few seasons with the 76ers, Mohammed was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2001. With the Hawks, he saw increased playing time and began to develop his skills further. His performance improved, and he became a more reliable presence on the court. In 2004, Mohammed was traded to the New York Knicks, where he continued to play a supporting role.
A significant turning point in Mohammed's career came when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2005. With the Spurs, he had the opportunity to play alongside some of the league's best players and under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich. Mohammed's time with the Spurs was highlighted by winning an NBA Championship in 2005. His contributions during the playoffs were valuable, as he provided solid defense and rebounding.
Following his stint with the Spurs, Mohammed signed with the Detroit Pistons in 2006. He played for the Pistons for two seasons before being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007. With the Bobcats, Mohammed continued to be a steady presence in the paint, offering veteran leadership and experience to a young team.
In 2011, Mohammed joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played a supporting role in helping the team reach the NBA Finals in 2012. Although the Thunder did not win the championship, Mohammed's experience and leadership were assets to the team during their playoff run.
Later in his career, Mohammed signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2012, returning to his hometown. He played for the Bulls for several seasons, providing depth and mentorship to younger players. His tenure with the Bulls was marked by his professionalism and ability to contribute when called upon.
Throughout his career, Mohammed was known for his defensive skills, rebounding ability, and professionalism. He played in over 1,000 NBA games, a testament to his longevity and consistency in the league. Mohammed retired from professional basketball in 2016, leaving behind a career that spanned 18 seasons and included an NBA Championship.
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