Tracy Murray, a professional basketball player known for his sharpshooting abilities, spent over a decade in the NBA, leaving a lasting legacy as a reliable scorer. Born on July 25, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Murray honed his skills at Glendora High School, where he became one of the top high school players in the nation. His impressive performance earned him a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college basketball for three seasons.
During his time at UCLA, Murray established himself as a prolific scorer. He averaged 18.3 points per game over his college career and was named to the All-Pac-10 team twice. His junior year was particularly outstanding, as he averaged 21.4 points per game and led the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. Following his junior season, Murray declared for the NBA Draft.
In the 1992 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected Murray with the 18th overall pick. However, he was quickly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and then to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he began his professional career. Murray spent two seasons with the Trail Blazers, primarily coming off the bench as a scoring threat. His ability to shoot from long range made him a valuable asset in the team's rotation.
Murray's career took him to several teams, including the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Washington Bullets/Wizards, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. His most productive years came during his time with the Washington Bullets/Wizards. In the 1997-1998 season, Murray averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess and three-point shooting ability. He became known for his ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense, a role he embraced throughout his career.
One of Murray's most memorable performances occurred on February 10, 1998, when he scored 50 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors. This achievement highlighted his scoring ability and placed him among the select group of players who have reached the 50-point mark in an NBA game.
Throughout his career, Murray was recognized for his shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc. He finished his NBA career with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%, making him one of the more reliable long-range shooters of his era. His shooting skills were complemented by his free-throw accuracy, as he maintained an 83.6% free-throw percentage over his career.
After retiring from the NBA, Murray continued to be involved in basketball. He played briefly overseas and later transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. His knowledge of the game and experience as a player provided valuable insights in his roles as a coach and analyst.
🏀