Eddie Griffin (basketball) facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1982 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | August 17, 2007 (aged 25) Houston, Texas |
| High school | Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Seton Hall (2000–2001) |
| NBA Draft | 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall |
| Selected by the New Jersey Nets | |
| Pro career | 2001–2007 |
| Career history | |
| 2001–2003 | Houston Rockets |
| 2004–2007 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 2,171 (7.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,744 (5.8 rpg) |
| Assists | 236 (0.8 apg) |
Eddie Jamaal Griffin (born May 30, 1982 – died August 17, 2007) was an American professional basketball player. He was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eddie played as a power forward and center. He was known for his skills on the court. His last team was the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. He passed away in a car crash in 2007.
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Eddie Griffin's College Basketball Journey
Eddie Griffin had an amazing high school basketball career. He played for Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He was even named Parade's National Player of the Year. He also played in the McDonald's All-American Game. Eddie helped Roman Catholic win the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship twice. This happened during his junior and senior years.
However, Eddie faced some challenges during his senior year. An incident led him to finish his studies through special correspondence courses.
After high school, Eddie played college basketball for Seton Hall. As a freshman, he was a star player. He averaged 17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game. Many people thought he might be a top pick in the 2001 NBA draft. Sporting News even named him the nation's Freshman of the Year.
In January 2001, Eddie had a disagreement with a teammate. After his freshman year, he left Seton Hall under difficult circumstances. He then decided to enter the NBA Draft. Sadly, shortly before the draft, his half-brother Marvin Powell passed away from a heart attack.
Eddie Griffin's NBA Career
Even with his great freshman year at Seton Hall, some concerns about Eddie's behavior made him drop in the 2001 NBA draft. He was picked seventh overall by the New Jersey Nets. However, the Nets immediately traded his rights. They sent him to the Houston Rockets. In return, the Rockets sent Jason Collins, Brandon Armstrong, and Richard Jefferson to the Nets.
In his first year, the 2001-02 season, Eddie played in 73 games. He started 24 of those games. He averaged 8.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.84 blocks per game. His blocks per game ranked 13th in the entire NBA. In the 2002-03 season, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.44 blocks.
In December 2003, the Rockets let him go. This was after he missed practices and had team disagreements.
Before the 2004–05 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Eddie. He played for them for one year. His stats were similar to his previous seasons. The Timberwolves then signed him again for three more years. In the 2005-06 season, his scoring and rebounding numbers decreased. However, he averaged a career-high in blocks per game with 2.11.
Eddie Griffin's final NBA game was on December 13, 2006. It was a game where the Timberwolves lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Eddie played for only 48 seconds in that game. In March 2007, the Timberwolves released him from the team.
Throughout his NBA career, Eddie played in 303 games. He started 117 of them. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Eddie Griffin's Passing
Eddie Griffin passed away in a car crash on August 17, 2007. Houston police reported that he was involved in a tragic car crash involving a train. He was buried in Northwood Cemetery in Philadelphia. At the time of his passing, he had a three-year-old daughter named Amaree.
See also
In Spanish: Eddie Griffin para niños
- List of basketball players who died during their careers
