Eduardo Nájera facts for kids
Nájera in 2008
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| Dallas Mavericks | |
|---|---|
| Scout | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | July 11, 1976 Ciudad Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico |
| High school | Cornerstone Christian Academy (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Oklahoma (1996–2000) |
| NBA Draft | 2000 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall |
| Selected by the Houston Rockets | |
| Pro career | 2000–2012 |
| Coaching career | 2012–2015 |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 2000–2004 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2004–2005 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2005–2008 | Denver Nuggets |
| 2008–2010 | New Jersey Nets |
| 2010 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2010–2012 | Charlotte Bobcats |
| As coach: | |
| 2012–2015 | Texas Legends |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
Eduardo Alonso Nájera Pérez (born July 11, 1976) is a famous Mexican former professional basketball player. He is known as one of the greatest Mexican basketball players ever. After his playing career, he became a coach and is now a scout for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also works as a TV analyst for Mavericks games.
Contents
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Eduardo Nájera was born in Ciudad Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico. He is the son of Servando Nájera and Rosa Irene Pérez. He was only the second player born in Mexico to play in the NBA. He was also the first Mexican player to be chosen in the NBA draft.
College Basketball Career
Nájera played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 1997 to 2000. He became a big star there. He helped his team reach the NCAA tournament four times in a row. He also ranked among the top ten players in his school's history for nine different statistics.
Before he was drafted into the NBA in 2000, scouts were very impressed with Nájera. They praised his quick first step and amazing ability to get rebounds. He also played for the Mexican team in the 1997 and 1999 World University Games. He helped his team finish fourth in the 1999 games.
Professional Basketball Journey
Playing for the Dallas Mavericks (2000–2004)
Eduardo Nájera started his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks in 2000. He played a lot in his first two seasons. However, knee injuries limited his playing time in his later years with the team.
In 2004, Nájera helped coach at the first-ever Basketball Without Borders Americas tournament. This event took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Time with the Golden State Warriors (2004–2005)
In August 2004, Nájera was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He continued to play a steady role and contributed to the team.
Productive Years with the Denver Nuggets (2005–2008)
In February 2005, Nájera was traded again, this time to the Denver Nuggets. He had some of his most successful seasons as an NBA player with the Nuggets.
In 2006, Nájera played in an exhibition game in Monterrey, Mexico. It was between the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets.
He started his first playoff game for the Nuggets in April 2006. This was during a series against the Los Angeles Clippers. In December 2006, he was involved in a game incident. He tried to separate players during a fight and was ejected from the game.
Joining the New Jersey Nets (2008–2010)
In July 2008, Nájera signed a contract with the New Jersey Nets. He wanted to help the Nets' young players become stronger. He chose the Nets over other teams because he wanted to lead a young and talented team.
Returning to Dallas (2010)
In January 2010, Nájera was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks. He played for them again for a short period.
Final Seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats (2010–2012)
In July 2010, Nájera was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. His last NBA game was on April 6, 2012. He suffered an injury that ended his playing career.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player in 2012, Nájera became a head coach. He coached the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League. He coached the team until 2015, when his assistant coach took over.
Beyond the Court
Eduardo Nájera has achieved many honors off the court. In 2000, he was named a Third Team All-American. This was a first for a Mexican-born player. He also graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in sociology in 2000.
In the same year, he received the Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award. This award is given to a player who shows great character on and off the court.
Nájera has also done a lot of charity work. In 2001, he became a Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Against Drugs for the United Nations Drug Control Programme. In 2004, he started the Eduardo Najera Foundation for Latino Achievement. This foundation helps Latino students get college scholarships. In 2006, he received an award for his outstanding charity work in the Denver community.
Images for kids
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Eduardo Nájera in the 2009–10 season
See also
In Spanish: Eduardo Nájera para niños
