Charles Smith (basketball, born 1965) facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | July 16, 1965 Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. |
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| High school | Warren Harding (Bridgeport, Connecticut) |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Pittsburgh (1984–1988) | |||||||||||||||||||
| NBA Draft | 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 1988–1998 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1988–1992 | Los Angeles Clippers | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1992–1996 | New York Knicks | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1996–1998 | San Antonio Spurs | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Career NBA statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Points | 8,107 (14.4 ppg) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rebounds | 3,246 (5.8 rpg) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assists | 798 (1.4 apg) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Charles Daniel Smith (born July 16, 1965) is a former American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1988 to 1998. Charles was an amazing college player for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He even won a gold medal with the USA team in 1986 and a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics.
Contents
Charles Smith's College Basketball Journey
As a college player, Charles Smith was named the best player in the Big East Conference in 1988. He was part of a highly-rated group of five new players at the University of Pittsburgh. This group was thought to be the best in the country.
With Charles and power forward Jerome Lane, the Pitt Basketball Team became very strong. They started the 1987–88 season ranked 4th in the nation. They even climbed as high as 2nd place while Charles was playing there.
Representing Team USA
Charles also played for the US national team. He was the top scorer for the team at the 1986 FIBA World Championship. There, he helped the team win a gold medal. He also played in the 1988 Olympics, where his team earned a bronze medal.
Charles Smith's NBA Career Highlights
After his great college career, Charles Smith was picked third overall in the 1988 NBA draft. He was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Playing for the Los Angeles Clippers
Charles quickly showed his talent in the NBA. He was named to the 1988 NBA All-Rookie Team. He averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game in his first year. For four years with the Clippers, he was the team's top scorer. He averaged 19 points per game during that time.
Moving to the New York Knicks
Later, Charles was traded to the New York Knicks. He moved with Doc Rivers and Bo Kimble. In return, the Clippers received point guard Mark Jackson. The Knicks' coach, Pat Riley, changed Charles's position. He moved him from power forward to small forward. This was to fill a spot left by Xavier McDaniel.
Later Career with the San Antonio Spurs
Around this time, Charles started having problems with his knees. His playing statistics began to decline. He was then traded to the San Antonio Spurs for J. R. Reid. Charles retired from professional basketball in 1998.
Life After Basketball
After retiring from the NBA, Charles Smith stayed busy. He became a Resource Board Member for the Family Office Association. This group helps develop global partnerships. Before that, he worked in media and business.
Supporting Retired Players
Charles also served as a Team Representative for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). He later became its First Vice President. He helped create the NBPA Foundation. This non-profit group helps retired players who need support. Charles then became the Executive Director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). He organized special games with over 40 retired NBA players.
Business Ventures
Charles Smith also founded New Media Technology Corp. This company was a pioneer in developing special apps for video in 1998. Today, Charles D. Smith has started a construction company in Africa. His goal is to build sports and entertainment communities there. These communities will be similar to places like LA Live in Los Angeles.
Images for kids
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Charles smith dominates the 1988 olyimpics
Charles Smith during the 1988 Olympics.
See also
In Spanish: Charles D. Smith para niños
