Olden Polynice, a Haitian-born basketball player, spent over a decade in the NBA, known for his defensive skills and rebounding ability. Born on November 21, 1964, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Polynice moved to the United States, where he attended high school in the Bronx, New York. His basketball journey began to take shape at the University of Virginia, where he played college basketball and developed his game further.
In the 1987 NBA Draft, Polynice was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the eighth overall pick. However, he was quickly traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Scottie Pippen, a move that would become notable in NBA history. Polynice's early years in the league were spent with the SuperSonics, where he established himself as a reliable center. His time in Seattle allowed him to hone his skills, particularly in defense and rebounding, which became his trademarks.
After three seasons with the SuperSonics, Polynice was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1991. During his tenure with the Clippers, he continued to be a solid presence in the paint, providing the team with much-needed size and strength. Polynice's ability to grab rebounds and defend the basket made him a valuable asset to the Clippers during his time there.
In 1994, Polynice signed with the Detroit Pistons, where he played for two seasons. His role with the Pistons was similar to his previous teams, focusing on defense and rebounding. Polynice's consistent performance on the court earned him respect among his peers and coaches, even if he wasn't always in the spotlight.
The Sacramento Kings became Polynice's next destination in 1996. He spent four seasons with the Kings, where he played alongside talented teammates and contributed to the team's efforts in the competitive Western Conference. Polynice's experience and defensive prowess were beneficial to the Kings during his stint with the team.
In 1999, Polynice returned to the Seattle SuperSonics for a brief period before moving on to the Utah Jazz. With the Jazz, he played under legendary coach Jerry Sloan and alongside Hall of Famers like Karl Malone and John Stockton. Polynice's role with the Jazz was primarily as a backup center, where he continued to provide defense and rebounding off the bench.
Polynice's NBA career concluded with a short stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the early 2000s. Over his career, he played in over 1,000 NBA games, averaging 7.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. While he may not have been a star player, Polynice's longevity in the league and his ability to fulfill his role effectively were commendable.
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