Raymond Felton's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. A point guard known for his quickness and playmaking abilities, Felton quickly established himself as a reliable player in the league. During his rookie season, he averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Felton's tenure with the Bobcats lasted five seasons, during which he became a consistent starter and a leader on the court. His ability to orchestrate the offense and his defensive tenacity were valuable assets to the team. In the 2009-2010 season, Felton played a crucial role in leading the Bobcats to their first-ever playoff appearance, where they faced the Orlando Magic in the first round.
In 2010, Felton signed with the New York Knicks, where he teamed up with Amar'e Stoudemire and later Carmelo Anthony. His first stint with the Knicks was marked by a career-high average of 17.1 points and 9.0 assists per game. Felton's performance helped the Knicks reach the playoffs, although they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
The following season, Felton was traded to the Denver Nuggets as part of a multi-team deal. His time in Denver was short-lived, as he was traded again to the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Blazers, Felton continued to demonstrate his skills as a starting point guard, averaging 11.4 points and 6.5 assists per game during the 2011-2012 season.
Felton returned to the Knicks in 2012, where he played for two more seasons. During this period, he was part of a Knicks team that reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2013, their deepest playoff run in over a decade. Felton's performance was instrumental in the team's success, as he provided steady leadership and clutch performances in critical moments.
In 2014, Felton was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. His time with the Mavericks was marked by a reduced role, but he remained a valuable contributor off the bench. Over two seasons in Dallas, Felton averaged 9.7 points and 3.6 assists per game, providing veteran experience and stability to the team's backcourt.
Felton's career continued with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he signed in 2016. As a backup point guard, he played an important role in the Clippers' rotation, offering depth and experience. During his time with the Clippers, Felton averaged 6.7 points and 2.4 assists per game.
In 2017, Felton joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent two seasons. His veteran presence was appreciated in the Thunder's locker room, and he provided solid minutes off the bench. Felton's ability to manage the game and contribute in various ways made him a valuable asset to the team.
Throughout his career, Raymond Felton was known for his leadership, court vision, and ability to perform under pressure.
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