Rich Kelley, a professional basketball player, made his presence felt in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during his career. Born on March 23, 1953, in San Mateo, California, Kelley attended Stanford University, where he played college basketball and honed his skills as a center. His performance at Stanford caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Jazz as the seventh overall pick.
Kelley's NBA journey began with the New Orleans Jazz, where he played alongside legendary players like Pete Maravich. Standing at 7 feet tall, Kelley was known for his rebounding ability and defensive prowess. His time with the Jazz saw him develop into a reliable player, contributing to the team's efforts on both ends of the court. Despite the challenges faced by the Jazz during those years, Kelley remained a consistent performer.
In 1979, Kelley was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he continued to showcase his skills as a center. His tenure with the Nets was marked by steady performances, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking. Kelley's ability to read the game and position himself effectively made him a valuable asset to the team. However, his time with the Nets was relatively short-lived, as he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1980.
With the Suns, Kelley found a new environment to further his career. He played a crucial role in the team's frontcourt rotation, providing depth and experience. His rebounding and defensive skills were assets that the Suns utilized effectively during his time with the team. Kelley's presence in the paint helped the Suns in their playoff pursuits, although the team faced stiff competition in the Western Conference.
Kelley's career took another turn when he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1983. His stint with the Nuggets added another chapter to his NBA journey, as he continued to contribute as a seasoned center. Kelley's experience and understanding of the game were valuable to the Nuggets, who were looking to strengthen their roster. His time in Denver, however, was relatively brief, as he was traded back to the Jazz, now relocated to Utah, in 1984.
Returning to the Jazz, Kelley brought his career full circle. He played his final NBA seasons with the team that had originally drafted him. During this period, Kelley continued to provide veteran leadership and stability in the frontcourt. His rebounding and defensive capabilities remained his trademarks, and he played a supporting role as the Jazz developed a new core of players.
Throughout his NBA career, Rich Kelley was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He played in a total of 655 regular-season games, averaging 7.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Kelley's ability to adapt to different teams and roles underscored his value as a player who could be relied upon to perform his duties effectively.
After retiring from professional basketball, Kelley transitioned into a career outside of sports.
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