Lloyd Daniels

Last updated • 2 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Lloyd Daniels
Personal information
Born (1967-09-04) September 4, 1967 (age 57)
Brooklyn, New York
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school Andrew Jackson
(Queens, New York)
College Mt. SAC (1986–1987)
NBA draft 1988: undrafted
Playing career1987–2006
Position Shooting guard
Number24, 44, 25
Career history
1987–1988 Topeka Sizzlers
1988 Waitemata Dolphins
1989–1990 Quad City Thunder
1990–1991Miami Tropics
1991–1992Greensboro City Gaters
1991–1992 Long Island Surf
19921994 San Antonio Spurs
1994 Philadelphia 76ers
1995 Limoges CSP
1995 Los Angeles Lakers
1995 Fort Wayne Fury
1995–1996 Scavolini Pesaro
1996 Sacramento Kings
1996–1997 New Jersey Nets
1997Fort Wayne Fury
1997–1999Polluelos de Aibonito
1999 Toronto Raptors
1998 Galatasaray S.K.
1998 Idaho Stampede
1998–1999 AEK B.C.
1999 Sioux Falls Skyforce
1999–2000 Baltimore BayRunners
2000 Trenton Shooting Stars
2000–2001Long Island Surf
2001Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs
2001 Panteras de Miranda
2001–2002 Scafati Basket
2002Panteras de Miranda
2002–2003 Ovarense Basquetebol
2005–2006Strong Island Sound
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Stats at Basketball Reference   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Lloyd "Swee'Pea" Daniels (born September 4, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contents

Early life

Daniels grew up in Brooklyn, and was raised by his relatives from the age of three after his mother died and his father abandoned him. [1] By his senior year of high school, he had attended multiple high schools in three states and could only read at a third-grade level. [2] [3] [1]

College career

Daniels attended UNLV and was slated to play on the basketball team under coach Jerry Tarkanian. Later one of Tarkanian's assistants, Mark Warkentien, became Daniels' legal guardian. [4]

Daniels enrolled at Mt. San Antonio College, a junior college near Los Angeles, to improve his academics. He played one game for Mt. San Antonio's basketball team but later quit to focus on improving his reading proficiency. However, on February 9, 1987, Daniels was arrested for buying crack cocaine from an undercover policeman. [3] [5] Although Tarkanian was known for taking in troubled players, this incident led Tarkanian to announce that Daniels would never play for UNLV. [3] It later emerged that Daniels had first been led to UNLV by Richard Perry, who had been convicted twice for sports bribery. [6] Perry's involvement resulted in an NCAA investigation that ultimately forced Tarkanian to resign. [7] [8] [9]

Professional career

In the 1986–87 recruiting cycle, Daniels was considered a talented player from New York City and compared to players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Connie Hawkins. [2] [1] John Valenti and Ron Naclerio wrote that Daniels was known for combining passing and shooting abilities. [10]

Daniels played professionally for several teams over the next six years and went through drug rehabilitation three times. In 1988, he was released from the Continental Basketball Association's Topeka Sizzlers. He then signed with Waitemata in New Zealand [11] and later played in the GBA and the USBL. [12] He also played overseas in Greece with AEK Athens BC and in Turkey with Galatasaray. After Jerry Tarkanian became head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Daniels signed with the team. [13] [14]

Daniels played for six NBA teams: the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, New Jersey Nets, and Toronto Raptors. [15] [16] [17] He also played in Italy with Scavolini Pesaro during the 1995–96 season. [18] In October 2005, Daniels tried out for the Strong Island Sound of the American Basketball Association. [19]

Personal life

Daniels' nickname, Swee'Pea, is a reference to the Popeye cartoon character of the same name. He lives in New Jersey where he coaches AAU basketball. [20] [21]

NBA career statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1992–93 San Antonio 771020.4.443.333.7272.81.9.5.49.1
1993–94 San Antonio 65515.1.376.352.7191.71.4.4.25.7
1994–95 Philadelphia 5012.6.333.2141.0001.4.8.4.04.6
1994–95 L.A. Lakers 251521.6.390.267.8002.21.4.8.47.4
1996–97 Sacramento 505.6.125.182.8.2.2.01.2
1996–97 New Jersey 17016.6.330.322.8332.31.5.5.25.4
1997–98 Toronto 6013.7.414.222.8001.2.7.5.35.7
Career2002917.7.403.316.7432.21.6.5.37.1

Playoffs

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1993 San Antonio 809.3.367.143.8331.9.3.4.03.5
1994 San Antonio 4016.5.400.5001.0002.3.8.0.35.5
Career12011.7.380.333.8752.0.4.3.14.2

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Antonio Spurs</span> National Basketball Association team in San Antonio

The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Frost Bank Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Gervin</span> American basketball player (born 1952)

George Gervin, nicknamed "the Iceman", is an American former professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Gervin averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons, and finished with an NBA career average of 26.2 points per game. Widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, in 1996 Gervin was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and in 2021, Gervin was named as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Tarkanian</span> American basketball coach (1930–2015)

Jerry Esther Tarkanian was an American basketball coach. He coached college basketball for 31 seasons over five decades at three schools. He spent the majority of his career coaching with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, leading them four times to the Final Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, winning the national championship in 1990. Tarkanian revolutionized the college game at UNLV, utilizing a pressing defense to fuel its fast-paced offense. Overall, he won over 700 games in his college coaching career, only twice failing to win 20 games, while never having a losing season. Tarkanian was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacque Vaughn</span> American basketball player and coach (born 1975)

Jacque T. Vaughn is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He most recently was the head coach for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Vaughn played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Nets, and San Antonio Spurs from 1997 to 2009.

Melvin Anderson Ely is an American former professional basketball player who was also an assistant coach for the Canton Charge of the NBA G League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rex Hughes</span>

Rex Hughes was an American college and professional basketball coach. He coached men's basketball at Long Beach City College, Kent State University, and later served as a National Basketball Association (NBA) assistant coach. He served as head coach for part of a season with the Sacramento Kings, and a single game as an interim coach with the San Antonio Spurs. Hughes also worked in NBA scouting and basketball operations with the Kings, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic. Hughes went to Redondo High School and played college basketball at Pepperdine.

Robert Leroy Smith is an American former professional basketball player and coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball</span> Mens basketball team of UNLV

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are the men's basketball team that represent the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); it plays at the Thomas & Mack Center on campus. As of 2023, UNLV has the seventh-highest winning percentage (.687) in Division I history. UNLV is 33–19 all-time in the NCAA tournament with a 63.5 winning percentage. In July 2008, ESPNU named the program the eighth most prestigious collegiate basketball program in the nation since the 1984–85 season.

The 2002–03 NBA season was the 36th season of the franchise, 30th in San Antonio, and 27th in the National Basketball Association. This was also the Spurs' first season playing at the SBC Center. During the off-season, the team signed free agents Kevin Willis, acquired second-year guard Speedy Claxton from the Philadelphia 76ers, and re-acquired former Spurs guard and three-point specialist Steve Kerr from the Portland Trail Blazers. Argentinian future star Manu Ginóbili, who was drafted by the team in 1999, would make his debut for his first NBA season. This would also be the fourteenth and final season for former All-Star center, and long-time Spurs star David Robinson. The Spurs played strong basketball, posting a nine-game winning streak at midseason, holding a 33–16 record at the All-Star break, then winning eleven straight games near the end of the season. The Spurs would win 60 games for only the second time in franchise history, finishing with a league-best 60–22 record.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the San Antonio Spurs' 32nd season as a franchise, the team's 26th season in San Antonio, and the team's 23rd season in the National Basketball Association. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled.

The 1991–92 NBA season was the Spurs' 16th season in the National Basketball Association, and 25th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Spurs acquired Antoine Carr from the Sacramento Kings, then signed free agent Vinnie Johnson in December. After a 10–3 start to the season, the Spurs struggled with mediocrity holding a 21–17 record in late January, as head coach Larry Brown was fired, and soon took a coaching job with the Los Angeles Clippers. At midseason, the team signed three-point specialist Trent Tucker. Under replacement, interim and General Manager Bob Bass, the Spurs held a 27–19 record at the All-Star break, finishing second in the Midwest Division with a 47–35 record.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 45th season in the National Basketball Association, and 36th season in the city of Detroit. During the off-season, the Pistons signed free agent Terry Mills, and acquired Olden Polynice from the Los Angeles Clippers. Under new head coach Ron Rothstein, the Pistons years of battle would catch up with them as they lost nine of their first eleven games. However, they would win ten of their next eleven games to climb back into playoff connection, but then slip below .500 holding a 21–29 record at the All-Star break.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Rockets' 26th season in the National Basketball Association, and 22nd season in Houston. After missing the playoffs the previous year, the Rockets selected Robert Horry from the University of Alabama with the eleventh overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. During the off-season, the team acquired Scott Brooks from the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the season opener, the Rockets traveled overseas to Yokohama, Japan to play their first two games against the Seattle SuperSonics.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Spurs' 17th season in the National Basketball Association, and 26th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Spurs acquired Dale Ellis from the Milwaukee Bucks, signed free agents Vinny Del Negro and undrafted rookie guard Lloyd Daniels, and re-signed Avery Johnson after a brief stint with the Houston Rockets. However, prior to the start of the season, Terry Cummings suffered a serious knee injury during a pick-up game, and only played in the final eight games of the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Lucas II</span> American basketball player (born 1953)

John Harding Lucas II is an American professional basketball coach and former player who most recently served as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played basketball and tennis at the University of Maryland, College Park and was an All-American in both.

The 1993–94 NBA season was the Spurs' 18th season in the National Basketball Association, and 27th season as a franchise. It was also their first season playing at the Alamodome. During the off-season, the Spurs acquired controversial All-Star forward and rebound specialist Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons, signed free agent Sleepy Floyd, and acquired Negele Knight from the Phoenix Suns during the first month of the regular season. The Spurs went on an 8-game winning streak between November and December after a 4–5 start to the season. The team would then win 13 consecutive games between January and February, holding a 35–14 record at the All-Star break, but then lose seven of their final ten games, finishing second in the Midwest Division with a 55–27 record.

The 2000–01 NBA season was the Spurs' 25th season in the National Basketball Association, their 28th season in San Antonio, and their 34th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Spurs signed free agents Derek Anderson, and Danny Ferry. All-Star forward Tim Duncan had nearly signed a free-agent deal with the Orlando Magic, who had offered him a six-year contract worth $67.5 million; however, Duncan decided to stay with the Spurs.

The 2001–02 NBA season was the Spurs' 26th season in the National Basketball Association, the 29th in San Antonio, and 35th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Spurs acquired Steve Smith from the Portland Trail Blazers, and signed free agents Bruce Bowen, second-year guard Stephen Jackson, and Charles Smith, and drafted French basketball star Tony Parker with the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. This was also the Spurs' last season at the Alamodome, as they moved into the brand new SBC Center the next season.

Malloy Nesmith Sr. is a former streetball player from New York City. He is originally from The Bronx, NY. In high school, he played at James Monroe High School, finishing in 1988. He played college ball at Utah State He left because of academics and dislike of the schools slow basketball style of play. He is considered to be a legendary streetball player and point guard who played at Rucker Park. He played as part of the Bad Boy Entertainment Squad. At the Rucker, he played against a number of NBA stars. He was the subject of a book, Swee'pea: The Story of Lloyd Daniels and Other Playground Basketball Legends. He was a regular at the Entertainers Ball Classic. He was featured in the NBA dribbling commercial. He played professionally at the Dominican Republic with the Gregorio Urbano Gilbert

Ron Naclerio is a basketball coach and author. He coaches at Benjamin Cardozo High School. He is the most winning coach in the Public Schools Athletic League.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Sad Tale of Sweet Pea". Sports Illustrated. May 22, 1989. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008.
  2. 1 2 McKinley Jr., James C. (May 13, 1989). "A Star Once, Felled First By Drugs, Now Bullets". The New York Times. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 "UNLV's Daniels Arrested on Drug Charges". Los Angeles Times. February 11, 1987. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  4. Michael Martinez (December 21, 1990). "Confronted With New Charges, U.N.L.V. Braces for Old Battle". The New York Times .
  5. Wojnarowski, Adrian (December 13, 2000). "Bayno, Tark deserve same medicine". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  6. "Times says UNLV players got gambler's cash". Deseret News. March 29, 1989. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  7. Robbins, Danny (June 8, 1991). "Tarkanian to quit UNLV after 1991–92 season". baltimoresun.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  8. Rhoden, William C. (February 24, 1992). "COLLEGE BASKETBALL; Tarkanian Rescinds His Decision to Resign". The New York Times. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  9. Wojciechowski, Gene (February 24, 1992). "Tarkanian Changes His Mind : Basketball: UNLV coach rescinds resignation, but university president says he will not allow it". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  10. Valenti, John; Naclerio, Ron (1990). Swee'Pea and Other Playground Legends: Tales of Drugs, Violence and Basketball. M. Kesend Pub. ISBN   0935576398.
  11. "New Zealand Basketball Federation Ousts Lloyd Daniels". Los Angeles Times. May 20, 1988. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  12. "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Lloyd Daniels's Next Stop: Long Island". The New York Times. April 30, 1992. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  13. "BASKETBALL; Tarkanian Turns Pro as Coach of the Runnin' Spurs". New York Times. April 16, 1992. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  14. "Spurs sign Daniels to 2-year deal". UPI.com. July 21, 1992. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  15. "Lakers sign Lloyd Daniels". Tampa Bay Times. February 23, 1995. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  16. "Jerry Tarkanian fired as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 9-11 start in 1992". WOAI. December 17, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  17. "Daniels Tries Again with the Raptors". Los Angeles Times. January 7, 1998. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  18. "Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro Roster, Schedule, Stats (1995-1996) | Proballers". Proballers. Retrieved November 29, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. "MySA.com: Courtside: The San Antonio Spurs Blog". www.mysanantonio.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2007. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  20. Osborne, Ben (April 2, 2014). "Lloyd Daniels: Born Again". SLAM. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  21. Martinez, Kiko (July 18, 2016). "Documentary Examines the Downfall of Former Spurs Guard Lloyd Daniels". San Antonio Current. Retrieved April 4, 2020.