Ryan Hollins, a center known for his height and athleticism, played in the NBA for several teams over the course of his career. Born on October 10, 1984, in Pasadena, California, Hollins attended John Muir High School before playing college basketball at UCLA. His college career was marked by steady improvement, and he played a significant role in helping the Bruins reach the NCAA championship game in 2006.
Hollins entered the NBA when he was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft. His professional career began with the Bobcats, where he played for two seasons. During his time with Charlotte, Hollins was primarily utilized as a backup center, providing energy and defense off the bench.
In 2008, Hollins was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. His stint with the Mavericks was brief, but he continued to develop his skills as a reliable role player. The following year, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he saw increased playing time and started in several games. His athleticism and ability to run the floor were assets to the Timberwolves, and he averaged career highs in points and rebounds during his time there.
Hollins' journey through the NBA continued as he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. With the Cavaliers, he played under coach Byron Scott and contributed as a backup center. His role remained consistent, providing defense and rebounding in limited minutes. After his time in Cleveland, Hollins signed with the Boston Celtics in 2012. His tenure with the Celtics was short, but he participated in their playoff run, adding depth to their frontcourt rotation.
The Los Angeles Clippers became Hollins' next team in 2012. Playing under coach Vinny Del Negro and later Doc Rivers, Hollins found a more stable role with the Clippers. Over two seasons, he was part of a team that made consecutive playoff appearances, and he contributed as a backup center, known for his shot-blocking and ability to finish around the rim.
In 2014, Hollins signed with the Sacramento Kings. His time with the Kings was marked by his veteran presence and leadership in the locker room. He played alongside DeMarcus Cousins and provided mentorship to younger players on the roster. After a season with the Kings, Hollins joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015. His role with the Grizzlies was similar to his previous teams, offering depth and experience to the frontcourt.
Hollins' NBA career concluded with a brief stint with the Washington Wizards in 2016. Throughout his career, he was known for his professionalism and ability to adapt to different team environments. While he never achieved star status, Hollins' journey through the league was characterized by his willingness to embrace his role and contribute to team success in whatever way he could.
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