Terry Cummings entered the NBA as a highly regarded prospect after an impressive college career at DePaul University. Selected as the second overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft by the San Diego Clippers, Cummings quickly demonstrated his talent on the professional stage. In his rookie season, he averaged 23.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His immediate success set the tone for a long and productive career in the league.
Cummings' tenure with the Clippers was marked by his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. However, after two seasons, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continued to excel. During his time with the Bucks, Cummings became a central figure in the team's success, consistently leading them to the playoffs. His scoring and rebounding numbers remained impressive, and he was selected to the NBA All-Star Game twice, in 1985 and 1989.
The forward's career was characterized by his ability to adapt and remain effective across different teams. After his stint with the Bucks, Cummings played for the San Antonio Spurs, where he continued to be a reliable scorer and rebounder. His time with the Spurs further solidified his reputation as a dependable player who could contribute significantly to his team's efforts.
Cummings also had brief periods with the Seattle SuperSonics, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors. Despite the changes in teams, he maintained a consistent level of performance, showcasing his ability to adjust to different playing styles and team dynamics. His longevity in the league was a testament to his skill and professionalism.
Throughout his career, Cummings was known for his strong work ethic and leadership on and off the court. He finished his NBA journey with over 19,000 points and 8,600 rebounds, placing him among the top players of his era in these categories. His contributions to the teams he played for were significant, and he left a lasting legacy in the NBA.
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