Antonio McDyess facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Antonio McDyess

McDyess with the Spurs
Personal information
Born	(1974-09-07) September 7, 1974 (age 50) Quitman, Mississippi, U.S.
High school	Quitman (Quitman, Mississippi)
Listed height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight	240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
College	Alabama (1993–1995)
NBA Draft	1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
Pro career	1995–2011
Career history
1995–1997	Denver Nuggets
1997–1998	Phoenix Suns
1999–2002	Denver Nuggets
2002–2004	New York Knicks
2004	Phoenix Suns
2004–2009	Detroit Pistons
2009–2011	San Antonio Spurs
Career highlights and awards
NBA All-Star (2001) All-NBA Third Team (1999) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996) Second-team All-SEC (1995) Second-team Parade All-American (1993)
Career NBA statistics
Points	12,227 (12.0 ppg)
Rebounds	7,638 (7.5 rpg)
Blocks	1,102 (1.1 bpg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 2000 Sydney Team competition

Antonio Keithflen McDyess, born on September 7, 1974, is a former American professional basketball player. He was known for playing as a power forward. He stood tall at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighed 240 pounds (109 kg). Before joining the pros, he played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide team.

Early Life and College Basketball

Antonio McDyess was born in Quitman, Mississippi. He went to the University of Alabama for college. Before college, he was one of the top 30 high school basketball players in the country. He even played in the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic, a special game for talented young players.

While at the University of Alabama, McDyess played for the Crimson Tide team. In his second year, he was the team's best player. He led them in scoring, with 13.6 points per game, and in rebounding, with 10.0 rebounds per game. Many people thought he was the best big player in the SEC. After his second year, he decided to leave college early to join the 1995 NBA draft.

Starting His NBA Journey

Antonio McDyess was picked second overall in the 1995 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. However, before the season even started, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. This trade involved him and Randy Woods going to Denver, while Rodney Rogers and a draft pick went to the Clippers. That pick was later used to choose Brent Barry.

In his first six seasons, McDyess was known for his amazing jumping and powerful dunks. He averaged 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game during this time. In 1997, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. He helped the Suns have a great season, finishing with 56 wins and 26 losses.

Returning to the Nuggets

After one season with the Suns, McDyess became a free agent. This meant he could choose which team to play for next. He decided to return to the Denver Nuggets for the 1998–99 season. This move caused some talk because he had first agreed to go back to Phoenix. Some Suns players even tried to convince him to change his mind.

On February 28, 1999, McDyess had an incredible game for the Nuggets. He scored a career-high 46 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. This helped his team win a close game against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Becoming an All-Star

McDyess was seen as a rising star in the NBA. In 2000, he was chosen to be part of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team. This team won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

During the 2000–01 season, McDyess was named an NBA All-Star. He became only the third player in Nuggets history to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a single season. However, near the end of that season, he hurt his left knee.

Battling Injuries

After his All-Star season, McDyess faced a tough time with injuries. In October 2001, he found out he had a partial tear in his knee tendon. He needed surgery and missed the entire 2001–02 season.

He continued to struggle with his knee, getting hurt again several times. He had more surgeries and missed the whole 2002–03 season as well.

McDyess with the Pistons in 2008

On June 26, 2002, McDyess was traded to the New York Knicks. Fans were excited about him joining the team. But in an exhibition game on October 8, 2002, he hurt his knee again while dunking. He had another surgery just four days later.

In the 2003–04 season, after playing only 18 games for the Knicks, McDyess was traded back to the Phoenix Suns. This time, he stayed healthy for the rest of the season. After that season, his knee was declared fully healthy.

Finding a New Role with the Pistons

With his knee healthy, the Detroit Pistons signed Antonio McDyess in 2004. He was able to change his playing style and become a very important player for them. In his first season with the Pistons, he averaged 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He became known for his mid-range shots and turn-around jumpers. He was a very efficient scorer, helping the Pistons reach the NBA Finals in 2005. They lost to the Spurs in that series.

McDyess became a reliable "sixth man" for Detroit, meaning he was often the first player to come off the bench. He played in all 82 games for two seasons in a row. In the 2007–08 season, he became the Pistons' starting power forward.

On November 3, 2008, McDyess was traded back to the Denver Nuggets as part of a big trade for Allen Iverson. However, this trade was mainly for salary reasons, and the Nuggets bought out his contract. After waiting the required time, he re-signed with the Pistons on December 9. In the playoffs that year, on April 26, 2009, McDyess scored a playoff career-high 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Final Years with the Spurs

On July 8, 2009, Antonio McDyess agreed to a three-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He spent his last two seasons in the NBA with the Spurs, often playing as their starting center alongside Tim Duncan. On January 27, 2010, he scored a season-high 17 points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks.

On December 19, 2011, Antonio McDyess announced that he was retiring from the NBA. He had a long and successful career, overcoming injuries to play for many years.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Antonio McDyess para niños