Pat Garrity's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the 19th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Dallas Mavericks and then to the Phoenix Suns, where he started his NBA career. Garrity, a 6'9" forward known for his shooting ability, played one season with the Suns before being traded to the Orlando Magic in 1999 as part of a deal involving Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.
During his time with the Orlando Magic, Garrity became known for his three-point shooting skills. He played nine seasons with the Magic, becoming a reliable option off the bench and occasionally stepping into a starting role. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting was a valuable asset to the team, particularly during the early 2000s when the NBA was beginning to see the increased importance of three-point shooting.
Garrity's best statistical season came in the 2001-2002 campaign, where he averaged 11.1 points per game and shot 40.1% from beyond the arc. His performance that season helped the Magic secure a playoff berth. Throughout his career, Garrity was known for his consistency and professionalism, traits that earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Garrity's career. Despite these challenges, he continued to contribute to the team in various capacities, whether through his on-court performance or his leadership in the locker room. By the time he retired in 2008, Garrity had played in over 500 NBA games, all while maintaining a reputation as a dependable shooter and team player.
After retiring from professional basketball, Garrity pursued a career in business, earning an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He later worked in the financial sector and also served in an executive role for the Detroit Pistons, applying his analytical skills and basketball knowledge to the team's front office operations.
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