Raef LaFrentz

Last updated

Raef LaFrentz
Raef Lafrentz out of bounds.jpg
LaFrentz with the Boston Celtics in 2006
Personal information
Born (1976-05-29) May 29, 1976 (age 47)
Hampton, Iowa, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High schoolMFL MarMac (Monona, Iowa)
College Kansas (1994–1998)
NBA draft 1998: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Selected by the Denver Nuggets
Playing career1998–2009
Position Power forward / center
Number45, 9
Coaching career2019–present
Career history
As player:
1998–2002 Denver Nuggets
2002–2003 Dallas Mavericks
2003–2006 Boston Celtics
2006–2009 Portland Trail Blazers
As coach:
2019–present Decorah HS (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
Career NBA statistics
Points 5,690 (10.1 ppg)
Rebounds 3,423 (6.1 rpg)
Blocks 919 (1.6 bpg)
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at NBA.com
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at Basketball-Reference.com

Raef Andrew LaFrentz (born May 29, 1976) is an American former professional basketball power forward and center who played for the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born and raised in Iowa, LaFrentz attended the University of Kansas and was drafted in 1998 by the Denver Nuggets. He was known for his perimeter shooting and his shot blocking abilities. In 2019–20 [1] LaFrentz became an assistant basketball coach at Decorah High School in Decorah, Iowa. [2]

Contents

Career

High school

Raef LaFrentz attended MFL MarMac High School located in Monona, Iowa. His father, Ron, was an assistant coach on LaFrentz's high school team. He was named to the USA Today All-USA 1st Team in 1994 and was a high school McDonald's All-American.

During the summer before his freshman year at the University of Kansas, LaFrentz was selected to the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival North Team and averaged 11.8 ppg. and 6.8 rpg.

College

LaFrentz played basketball at Kansas, finishing in 1998. He played with future NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and journeyman Scot Pollard while at Kansas. The 1996–97 team finished the season ranked #1 in the country, but lost to Arizona (led by future NBA stars Jason Terry and Mike Bibby) in the Regional Semifinal. He was a four-year starter and an All-American in his junior and senior seasons. He joined Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal as the only players in the 1990s to earn first team AP All-America honors twice.

Compiling career averages of 15.8 ppg and 9.1 rpg while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor overall, he concluded his career ranked second all-time at Kansas in points with 2,066 and rebounds with 1,186, and left trailing only Danny Manning in both categories.

Accumulating a record of 123–17 (87.9 winning percentage) over his four seasons, he was part of a senior class that won more games over a four-year period than any class in KU history.

Named by the A.P. in 1997 and 1998 the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, he was also tabbed All-Big 12 Conference first team by both the media and coaches his final two seasons.

LaFrentz became the first KU player in 27 years to average a double-double over an entire season when he posted 19.8 ppg and 11.4 rpg averages as a senior in 1997–98, leading the Jayhawks to a 35–4 record.

NBA

The third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 1998 NBA draft, LaFrentz averaged 13.8 ppg., 7.6 rpg. and 1.4 bpg. but played in just 12 games as a rookie and missed the majority of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee against Dallas on February 25, 1999. Successfully returning from the torn ACL to start 80 of his 81 appearances in 1999–2000, he averaged 12.4 ppg., an NBA 25th best 7.9 rpg. and ranked eighth in the NBA in blocked shots, averaging 2.2 bpg. LaFrentz also played in the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend. He played on the NBA All-Star Weekend Rookie Challenge Sophomore Roster. It was the first ever Sophomore team to play in the rookie challenge. It was there at NBA All-Star Weekend that LaFrentz was on the receiving end of Jason Williams' legendary "elbow pass". LaFrentz was unable to score on the play due to being fouled. In his third year (2000–01), he started 74 of the 78 games he played in and averaged 12.9 ppg., while ranking seventh in the league in blocks at 2.6 bpg., tied for 25th in rebounding with a 7.8 rpg. average, and tied for 27th in field goal percentage (career high .477).

Between November 2001 and February 2002, LaFrentz had a historical run in which he totaled at least five 3-pointers and five blocked shots in four separate games (in a span of just three months); up to that point, it had only occurred four times total in NBA history, and no one had done it more than once. He remains the all-time leader in league history in reaching that milestone. Kristaps Porzingis is second with three such games in his career, each with a different team. [3]

LaFrentz was traded by the Nuggets with Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson, and Tariq Abdul-Wahad to the Dallas Mavericks for Juwan Howard, Donnell Harvey, Tim Hardaway and a 2002 first-round pick on February 21, 2002. He finished the 2001–02 season second in the NBA in blocked shots per game.

LaFrentz played for the US national team in the 2002 FIBA World Championship. [4]

The Celtics acquired LaFrentz from the Dallas Mavericks, along with Chris Mills, Jiri Welsch and a first-round draft choice, in exchange for Tony Delk and Antoine Walker on October 20, 2003.

On November 13, 2005, LaFrentz became the first NBA player to have a perfect 7–7 three point shooting half. [5] [6] This feat would be tied by 10 other NBA players before it was eclipsed by Jalen Brunson with an 8–8 half on December 15, 2023. [7] On June 28, 2006, the Boston Celtics traded LaFrentz, guard Dan Dickau, and the number seven pick in the 2006 NBA draft to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Theo Ratliff and guard Sebastian Telfair. [8] The number 7 pick (Randy Foye) was later traded by the Blazers for the number 6 pick (Brandon Roy) in a draft day trade.

Career highlights and awards

College
NBA
NBA records

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high
 * Led the league

NBA

Regular season

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1998–99 Denver 121232.3.457.387.7507.6.7.81.413.8
1999–00 Denver 818030.1.446.328.6867.91.2.52.212.4
2000–01 Denver 787431.5.477.367.6987.81.4.52.612.9
2001–02 Denver 515132.7.466.434.6677.41.2.63.014.9
2001–02 Dallas 272529.1.437.305.7617.41.1.92.210.8
2002–03 Dallas 694323.3.518.405.6824.8.8.51.39.3
2003–04 Boston 17119.3.460.200.7694.61.4.5.87.8
2004–05 Boston 808027.5.496.364.8116.91.2.51.211.1
2005–06 Boston 82*6324.8.431.392.6805.01.4.4.97.8
2006–07 Portland 27913.0.382.087.7692.6.3.3.43.7
2007–08 Portland 3907.5.443.000.5791.7.2.3.41.7
Career56343825.8.466.363.7116.11.1.51.610.1

Playoffs

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2002 Dallas 8830.6.500.333.5457.6.6.32.811.3
2003 Dallas 201624.6.433.200.8424.4.3.62.28.0
2005 Boston 7726.4.390.500.8004.91.1.91.76.9
Career353126.3.446.297.7505.2.5.52.28.5

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1994–95 Kansas 313123.6.534.400.6379.77.5.5.311.4
1995–96 Kansas 343427.0.543.286.6618.2.4.9.813.4
1996–97 Kansas 363628.9.584.167.7619.3.7.91.318.5
1997–98 Kansas 303030.2.548.471.73811.41.0.91.519.8
Career13113127.5.555.371.7129.10.70.71.115.8

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antoine Walker</span> American basketball player (born 1976)

Antoine Devon Walker is an American former professional basketball player. He was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft out of the University of Kentucky and played in the NBA from 1996 to 2008. Walker played for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, the BSN's Mets de Guaynabo and the NBA D-League's Idaho Stampede before retiring from basketball in 2012. Walker, a three-time NBA All-Star, won an NCAA championship with Kentucky in 1996 and an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moses Malone</span> American basketball player (1955–2015)

Moses Eugene Malone Sr. was an American professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1974 through 1995. A center, he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times, was a 12-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA Team selection. Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983, winning both the league and Finals MVP. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2001. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history, Malone is also seen as one of the most underrated NBA players.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Van Exel</span> American basketball coach and former player

Nickey Maxwell Van Exel is an American professional basketball coach and former player who last served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Van Exel played for six NBA teams from 1993 through 2006. He was an NBA All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Kaman</span> German-American basketball player

Christopher Zane Kaman is a German-American former professional basketball player. Kaman stands 7'0" and played the center position. He was selected sixth overall in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, after a college basketball career at Central Michigan University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikki Moore</span> American basketball player (born 1975)

Clinton Renard "Mikki" Moore is an American former professional basketball player.

Christopher John Anstey is an Australian former professional basketball player. His career included stints in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Russia and Spain. Anstey was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft. He also played for the Melbourne Tigers, South East Melbourne Magic and Victoria Titans in the NBL. He retired at the end of the 2009–10 season while with the Tigers and later became the team's head coach in 2012.

Felton LaFrance Spencer was an American professional basketball player who was a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1990 to 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Brown (basketball, born 1950)</span> American sportsperson and basketball player (1950–2023)

Walter Roger Brown was an American National Basketball Association (NBA) and American Basketball Association (ABA) basketball player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LaPhonso Ellis</span> American basketball player

LaPhonso Darnell Ellis is an American former professional basketball player and college basketball analyst. He previously worked for ESPN before being let go by the company in June 2023. Ellis played 11 years in the NBA after starring at Notre Dame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leon Powe</span> American basketball player (born 1984)

Leon Powe Jr. is an American former professional basketball power forward. Drafted in 2006 by the Denver Nuggets, Powe grew up in Oakland, California, and played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley. He played his first three years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and won a championship with the team in 2008. From 2009 to 2011, Powe played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also had a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2011. After a stint in Puerto Rico, Powe announced his retirement in 2014 citing multiple injuries and his desire to become a businessman.

Alton Lavelle Lister is an American former professional basketball player. He is currently serving as an assistant coach for TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Ousmane Cisse is a Malian retired professional basketball player. Standing at 6' 9" he played both power forward and center positions. In 2005-06 he was the top rebounder in the Israel Basketball Premier League, as well as the Israeli Basketball Premier League Defensive Player of the Year.

Artis Wayne Cooper was an American professional basketball player who played fourteen seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Coop", he played for the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Denver Nuggets from 1978 to 1992. He was the Denver Nuggets’ all-time leader in blocks when he left the franchise in 1989. After his playing career ended, he worked as an executive with the Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Roberson</span> American basketball player (1947–2020)

Rick Roberson was an American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Los Angeles Lakers (1969–71), Cleveland Cavaliers (1971–73), Portland Trail Blazers (1973–74), New Orleans Jazz (1974–75) and Kansas City Kings (1975–76).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Wallace</span> American professional basketball player (born 1985)

Brandon Travares Wallace is an American professional basketball player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosta Koufos</span> Greek-American Basketball player (born 1989)

Konstantine Demetrios "Kosta" Koufos is a Greek-American professional basketball player who is a free agent. He played one season at Ohio State before being selected by the Utah Jazz with the 23rd overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft.

The 2002–03 NBA season was the Rockets' 36th season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season in the city of Houston. This was their final season playing at the Compaq Center. The Rockets won the Draft Lottery, where they selected 7'6" Chinese sensation Yao Ming with the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. In December, the Rockets acquired James Posey from the Denver Nuggets in a three-team trade, which sent Kenny Thomas to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the Nuggets' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season as a franchise. 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. However, on January 6, 1999, NBA commissioner David Stern, and NBPA director Billy Hunter finally reached an agreement to end the lockout. The deal was approved by both the players and owners, and was signed on January 20, ending the lockout after 204 days. The regular season began on February 5, and was cut short to just 50 games instead of the regular 82-game schedule.

The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Nuggets' 24th season in the National Basketball Association, and 33rd season as a franchise. It was also their first season playing at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets had the 18th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, and selected James Posey out of Xavier University. During the off-season, the team acquired Ron Mercer and Popeye Jones from the Boston Celtics, and signed free agent George McCloud. With Dan Issel back as head coach, the Nuggets had a solid nucleus of second-year star Raef LaFrentz, Antonio McDyess and Nick Van Exel with a 17–15 record to start the season. However, the Nuggets would struggle and slip below .500, holding a 21–27 record at the All-Star break.

References

  1. ↑ "With help from Raef LaFrentz, Decorah boys' basketball enjoys breakthrough season". www.thegazette.com. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Raef LaFrentz Bio [2021 Update] | Family, Wife, Stats & Net Worth". Players Bio. May 30, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  3. ↑ "List of NBA Players with 5 3's and 5 Blocks in a Single Game". StatMuse. March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  4. ↑ 2002 USA Basketball Archived July 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ "LaFrentz powers Celtics' win vs. Rockets". ESPN. November 13, 2005. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  6. ↑ Lopez, Andrew (November 30, 2021). "Jonas Valanciunas goes 7-for-7 from 3 in first half, scores career-high 39 as Pelicans beat Clippers again". ESPN . Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Brunson sets records from deep, drops career-high 50 in Knicks' win". ESPN. December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  8. ↑ Raef LaFrentz NBA Basketball at CBSSports.com
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.