Antonio Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Antonio Davis

Davis in 2009
Personal information
Born	(1968-10-31) October 31, 1968 (age 56) Oakland, California, U.S.
High school	McClymonds (Oakland, California)
Listed height	2.10 m (6 ft 10.68 in)
Listed weight	245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
College	UTEP (1986–1990)
NBA Draft	1990 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall
Selected by the Indiana Pacers
Pro career	1990–2006
Career history
1990–1992	Panathinaikos
1992–1993	Philips Milano
1993–1999	Indiana Pacers
1999–2003	Toronto Raptors
2003–2005	Chicago Bulls
2005–2006	New York Knicks
2006	Toronto Raptors
Career highlights and awards
NBA All-Star (2001) FIBA Korać Cup champion (1993) Greek League All-Star (1991)
Career NBA statistics
Points	9,041 (10.0 ppg)
Rebounds	6,755 (7.5 rpg)
Blocks	889 (1.0 bpg)
Medals Men's Basketball Representing the  United States FIBA Americas Championship Silver 1989 Mexico City Team competition

Antonio Lee Davis (born October 31, 1968) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). These teams included the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks. Before joining the NBA, he also played basketball in Europe for teams in Greece and Italy.

Davis was once the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which is like a union for NBA players. After his playing career, he became a studio analyst for NBA broadcasts on ESPN. He also works as a co-host and analyst on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

College Basketball Career

Antonio Davis played college basketball at the UTEP from 1986 to 1990. His coach there was Don Haskins. Davis played alongside Tim Hardaway, who also became a future NBA All-Star.

In 1987, Davis helped UTEP win 25 games and reach the NCAA tournament. They won their first game against Arizona in overtime. The next year, Davis started 30 games, averaging almost 10 points and 6 rebounds. UTEP made it to the tournament again.

As a junior, Davis averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds per game. The team won 26 games and entered the 1989 NCAA tournament. They won their first game but lost in the second round. In his final year, even after Hardaway left for the NBA, Davis helped UTEP win 21 games. He averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds. After four seasons, Davis decided to enter the 1990 NBA draft.

Playing in Europe

The Indiana Pacers picked Antonio Davis in the second round of the 1990 NBA draft. He was the 45th player chosen overall. However, instead of playing in the NBA right away, he chose to play professionally in Europe.

He played for Panathinaikos in Greece from 1990 to 1992. Then, he played for Philips Milano in Italy during the 1992–93 season. While playing for Milano, Davis helped his team win the FIBA Korać Cup championship in the 1992–93 season.

NBA Career Highlights

Starting with the Indiana Pacers

In 1993, Davis came back to the United States to play in the NBA. He signed with the Indiana Pacers as a free agent for the 1993–94 season.

First Seasons with the Pacers

As a rookie, Davis played in 81 games, usually coming off the bench. He helped the Pacers reach the playoffs. They swept the Orlando Magic and then surprised the Atlanta Hawks. The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they played against the Patrick Ewing-led New York Knicks. The Pacers lost the series, but it was a great first season.

The next year, the Pacers won 52 games. Davis played in 44 games, averaging 7.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. In the playoffs, the Pacers again faced the New York Knicks. In one famous game, Reggie Miller scored many points quickly to help the Pacers win. The Pacers won that series and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row. They played against the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal, and lost in a close seven-game series.

The following season, the Pacers won 52 games again. Davis averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. In the playoffs, the Pacers lost to the Atlanta Hawks.

Later Years with the Pacers

In the 1996–97 season, the Pacers missed the playoffs. However, Davis played in all 82 games, starting 28 of them. He averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. The next year, the Pacers improved greatly. They won 58 games with new coach Larry Bird and player Chris Mullin. Davis played in all 82 games again, averaging 9.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.

In the playoffs, the Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks. They then faced the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a very tough series that went to seven games. The Pacers fought hard but eventually lost to the Bulls, who went on to win the championship.

The next season, after Michael Jordan retired, the Pacers were expected to do very well. After a four-month lockout, the Pacers won their division. Davis continued to be a strong rebounder and inside scorer, averaging 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. In the playoffs, the Pacers swept their first two opponents. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row, again facing the New York Knicks. It was another close series, but the Pacers lost in six games. After this, Davis wanted to be traded to another team.

Joining the Toronto Raptors

On August 1, 1999, Antonio Davis was traded to the Toronto Raptors.

First Seasons with the Raptors

In the 1999–00 season, Davis became a starter for the Raptors. He played in 79 games, averaging 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Raptors won 45 games and made the playoffs for the first time in their history. They played against the New York Knicks and were swept in three games.

The 2000–01 season was Davis's best year. He averaged 13.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He was chosen for the NBA All-Star Team, which was the only time in his career. The Raptors won 47 games and made the playoffs again. They defeated the New York Knicks in five games. In the second round, they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Allen Iverson. This series was very close, going to seven games. The Raptors lost the final game by just one point. Davis played very well in this series, averaging 16.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

Later Seasons with the Raptors

The 2001–02 season was even better for Davis in terms of scoring. He averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. The Raptors made the playoffs for the third year in a row. They played against the Detroit Pistons. The series went to five games, and the Raptors lost the final game closely. Davis had his best playoff performance, averaging 17.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.

The 2002–03 season was tough for the Raptors due to many injuries. They finished with a 24–58 record and missed the playoffs. Davis still averaged 13.9 points and 8.2 rebounds.

In the 2003–04 season, Davis continued to play well, often getting "double-doubles" (double-digit points and rebounds). He was a key player for the Raptors, known for his scoring, rebounding, and defense. His time with the Raptors ended when he was traded.

Playing for the Chicago Bulls

Antonio Davis was traded to the Chicago Bulls during the 2003–04 season. He became an important veteran player for a young team that included Tyson Chandler and Kirk Hinrich. He continued to contribute with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking.

In the 2004–05 season, Davis averaged 7.0 points and 5.9 rebounds. The Bulls won 47 games and made the playoffs for the first time since 1998. They lost to the Washington Wizards in six games. Davis averaged 9.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in those playoff games. In June 2005, Davis was elected the President of the NBA Players' Association.

Time with the New York Knicks

Davis with the Knicks in 2005

Before the 2005–06 season, Davis was traded to the New York Knicks. He played 36 games for the Knicks, averaging 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Fan Incident

On January 18, 2006, during a game between the Knicks and the Bulls, Davis went into the stands to talk to a fan. He was concerned about his wife, who he thought had been bothered by the fan. His wife later said the fan was using bad language near their child. The NBA suspended Davis for five games. Davis and the fan later settled their disagreement outside of court. They released a joint statement saying it was a misunderstanding and they wanted to move on.

Returning to the Raptors

On February 3, 2006, Davis was traded back to the Toronto Raptors. In his first game back, he scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. He started the next seven games but then missed time due to a back injury. On March 23, 2006, the Raptors released Davis because his injury was serious enough to end his season.

National Team Career

Antonio Davis also played for the United States men's national basketball team. He played in the 1989 Tournament of the Americas and the 2002 FIBA World Championship. He won a silver medal in the 1989 event.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular Season

Playoffs

Awards and Recognition

• In 2000, Antonio Davis received the Sears Community Service Award for his charity work.
• In 2010, he was added to the African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Antonio Davis studied computer information systems in college. He has twins, a son named Antonio Jr. and a daughter named Kaela.

• Kaela Davis played college basketball at Georgia Tech and then the University of South Carolina. She was part of the 2017 National Championship team. She was drafted 10th in the 2017 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings.
• Antonio Jr. ("A. J.") played college basketball at the University of Tennessee and the University of Central Florida. He now plays professionally overseas.

See also

In Spanish: Antonio Davis para niños

• Toronto Raptors accomplishments and records