Eric "Sleepy" Floyd, known for his quick scoring ability and clutch performances, made a lasting impression in the world of professional basketball. Born on March 6, 1960, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Floyd's journey to the NBA began with a stellar college career at Georgetown University. Under the guidance of coach John Thompson, Floyd honed his skills and became one of the top guards in college basketball, earning All-American honors.
Floyd entered the NBA when he was selected by the New Jersey Nets as the 13th overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft. However, his time with the Nets was short-lived, as he was traded to the Golden State Warriors during his rookie season. It was with the Warriors that Floyd began to truly shine, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to perform under pressure.
One of the most memorable moments of Floyd's career came during the 1987 NBA Playoffs. In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Floyd delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 51 points, including 29 in a single quarter. This feat set a playoff record for points in a quarter, a testament to his explosive scoring ability. Despite the Warriors eventually losing the series, Floyd's performance remains one of the most remarkable in playoff history.
Floyd continued to be a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Warriors until 1987, when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. With the Rockets, Floyd continued to be a valuable asset, providing veteran leadership and consistent play. His tenure with the Rockets saw him adapt to different roles, often coming off the bench to provide a scoring spark.
In 1993, Floyd was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played a supporting role for a team that was building towards future success. His experience and basketball IQ were assets to the Spurs, even as his playing time began to decrease. Floyd's final NBA stop was with the New Jersey Nets, the team that originally drafted him. He played his last season in the league with the Nets before retiring in 1995.
Throughout his career, Sleepy Floyd was known for his ability to score in bunches and his knack for rising to the occasion in critical moments.
🏀