Vinny Del Negro's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft. A guard known for his shooting ability and basketball IQ, Del Negro spent two seasons with the Kings, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the league. His time in Sacramento laid the foundation for a career that would see him play both in the NBA and overseas.
After his stint with the Kings, Del Negro took his talents to Italy, where he played for Benetton Treviso. His performance in the Italian league was impressive, and he helped lead the team to a league championship in 1992. This success overseas caught the attention of NBA teams, and Del Negro returned to the United States to continue his career in the NBA.
In 1992, Del Negro signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he would spend the next six seasons. During his time with the Spurs, he became a reliable player, known for his steady shooting and ability to contribute as both a starter and a reserve. Del Negro played alongside some of the league's greats, including David Robinson, and was part of a team that consistently made playoff appearances. His tenure with the Spurs was marked by consistent performance and a deep understanding of the game, which earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Following his successful run with the Spurs, Del Negro joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998. He played two seasons with the Bucks, continuing to provide veteran leadership and a steady hand on the court. His experience and basketball acumen were valuable assets to the team, and he played a key role in helping the Bucks reach the playoffs during his time there.
Del Negro's playing career also included brief stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. While his time with these teams was shorter, he continued to demonstrate his professionalism and understanding of the game. After retiring as a player, Del Negro transitioned into a new phase of his basketball career, moving from the court to the front office and eventually to coaching.
In 2006, Del Negro joined the Phoenix Suns' front office as the director of player personnel. His knowledge of the game and experience as a player provided valuable insights into player evaluation and team building. This role was a stepping stone to his eventual move into coaching, where he would continue to influence the game from the sidelines.
Del Negro's coaching career began in 2008 when he was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. In his first season, he led the Bulls to the playoffs, showcasing his ability to guide and develop young talent. Under his leadership, the Bulls made back-to-back playoff appearances, and Del Negro's coaching style was characterized by a focus on defense and teamwork.
In 2010, Del Negro was appointed as the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. During his tenure with the Clippers, he helped the team reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons, including a memorable run to the Western Conference Semifinals in 2012. His time with the Clippers was marked by the development of a young and talented roster, which included players like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
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