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Gerald Wallace
WallaceNets.jpg
Wallace with the New Jersey Nets in 2012
Personal information
Born (1982-07-23) July 23, 1982 (age 43)
Sylacauga, Alabama, U.S.
High school Childersburg
(Childersburg, Alabama)
Listed height 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight 215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
College Alabama (2000–2001)
NBA Draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
Selected by the Sacramento Kings
Pro career 2001–2015
League NBA
Career history
2001–2004 Sacramento Kings
2004–2011 Charlotte Bobcats
2011–2012 Portland Trail Blazers
2012–2013 New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
2013–2015 Boston Celtics
Career highlights and awards
  • NBA All-Star (2010)
  • NBA All-Defensive First Team (2010)
  • NBA steals leader (2006)
  • Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2000)
  • McDonald's All-American (2000)
  • First-team Parade All-American (2000)
  • Alabama Mr. Basketball (2000)
Career NBA statistics
Points 9,933 (11.9 ppg)
Rebounds 4,838 (5.8 rpg)
Assists 1,725 (2.1 apg)

Gerald Jermaine Wallace (born July 23, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player. He was known for his amazing athleticism and energetic style of play. People nicknamed him "Crash" because he played so hard. In 2010, he was chosen as an NBA All-Star and made the NBA All-Defensive First Team while playing for the Charlotte Bobcats. Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

High School and College Basketball

Gerald Wallace went to Childersburg High School in Childersburg, Alabama. He was a fantastic player there. In his final year of high school, he was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year. This award goes to the best high school basketball player in the country.

After high school, Wallace played one season of college basketball at the University of Alabama. He then decided to enter the 2001 NBA draft. He was picked in the first round as the 25th player overall. During his college season, he averaged 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Professional Basketball Career

Playing for the Sacramento Kings (2001–2004)

Gerald Wallace spent three seasons with the Sacramento Kings. He didn't play much, but when he did, he showed off his amazing athletic skills. In 2002, he even came in second place in the exciting Slam Dunk Contest. He once scored a career-high 21 points for the Kings in a game. The Kings had many talented players, so it was tough for Wallace to get a lot of playing time.

Becoming a Star with the Charlotte Bobcats (2004–2011)

In 2004, the Charlotte Bobcats picked Wallace in the 2004 NBA expansion draft. This meant he would get a chance to play more. In his first season with the Bobcats, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He kept getting better, and in the 2005–06 season, he was among the top 10 players in the NBA for field goal percentage, blocks, and steals.

Wallace was famous for his fearless style of play, which sometimes led to injuries. This is how he got his nickname "Crash." Even with injuries, his energetic play helped him get great defensive stats. His coach, Bernie Bickerstaff, said that Gerald's energy was key to his game.

Rip Shoots
Wallace trying to block a shot in January 2009

Wallace faced some tough injuries during his time with the Bobcats. In 2008, he had a concussion after an accidental elbow to the face. He also suffered a partially collapsed lung and a fractured rib in 2009. Despite these setbacks, he always worked hard to return to the court.

In 2010, Gerald Wallace made history by being selected for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. He was the first and only player from the Charlotte Bobcats to ever become an All-Star. He also joined the USA Basketball Men's National Team. In the Bobcats' first-ever playoff game, Wallace led the team with 25 points. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2010.

Wallace is one of only three players in NBA history to average at least two steals and two blocks per game in a single season. The other two are David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Moving to the Portland Trail Blazers (2011–2012)

In February 2011, Wallace was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He helped the team reach the playoffs that year. In his time with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

Playing for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets (2012–2013)

Wallace was traded to the New Jersey Nets in March 2012. He continued to play with his usual intensity. In July 2012, he signed a new contract with the Nets. He dealt with more injuries, including a sprained ankle and injured ribs, but kept pushing through.

Gerald Wallace Nets
Wallace with the Nets in March 2013

Time with the Boston Celtics (2013–2015)

In July 2013, Wallace was traded to the Boston Celtics. He played for the Celtics for two seasons. In 2014, he had a knee injury that ended his season early.

Gerald Wallace's last NBA game was in April 2015. He was traded to the Golden State Warriors and then to the Philadelphia 76ers before being released. He finished his career as a respected player known for his hard work and defensive skills.

Gerald Wallace's Career Stats

Here are some of Gerald Wallace's statistics from his time in the NBA.

Regular Season Stats

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2001–02 Sacramento 54 1 8.0 .429 .000 .500 1.7 .5 .4 .1 3.2
2002–03 Sacramento 47 7 12.1 .492 .250 .527 2.7 .5 .5 .3 4.7
2003–04 Sacramento 37 1 9.1 .360 .000 .458 2.0 .5 .4 .4 2.0
2004–05 Charlotte 70 68 30.7 .449 .274 .661 5.5 2.0 1.7 1.3 11.1
2005–06 Charlotte 55 52 34.5 .538 .280 .614 7.5 1.6 2.5* 2.1 15.2
2006–07 Charlotte 72 71 36.7 .502 .325 .691 7.2 2.6 2.0 1.0 18.1
2007–08 Charlotte 62 59 38.3 .449 .321 .731 6.0 3.5 2.1 .9 19.4
2008–09 Charlotte 71 71 37.6 .480 .298 .804 7.8 2.7 1.7 .9 16.6
2009–10 Charlotte 76 76 41.0 .484 .371 .776 10.0 2.1 1.5 1.1 18.2
2010–11 Charlotte 48 48 39.0 .433 .330 .739 8.2 2.4 1.2 1.0 15.6
Portland 23 15 35.7 .498 .338 .767 7.6 2.5 2.0 .7 15.8
2011–12 Portland 42 42 35.8 .472 .265 .776 6.6 2.7 1.5 .6 13.3
New Jersey 16 16 35.8 .416 .385 .859 6.8 3.1 1.4 .7 15.2
2012–13 Brooklyn 69 69 30.1 .397 .282 .637 4.6 2.6 1.4 .7 7.7
2013–14 Boston 58 16 24.4 .504 .297 .465 3.7 2.5 1.3 .2 5.1
2014–15 Boston 32 0 8.9 .412 .333 .400 1.8 .3 .5 .1 1.1
Career 832 611 29.7 .469 .312 .709 5.8 2.1 1.4 .8 11.9
All-Star 1 0 15.0 .333 .000 .000 3.0 1.0 .0 .0 2.0

Playoff Stats

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2002 Sacramento 5 0 2.8 .000 .000 1.000 .2 .2 .0 .2 .8
2003 Sacramento 7 0 2.6 .400 .000 1.000 .7 .0 .0 .1 .9
2004 Sacramento 3 0 6.7 .500 .000 .500 .7 .3 .3 .3 2.3
2010 Charlotte 4 4 41.0 .477 .455 .657 9.0 2.3 1.3 1.5 17.5
2011 Portland 6 6 37.7 .448 .176 .875 9.2 2.8 1.3 .5 15.2
2013 Brooklyn 7 7 34.7 .463 .379 .550 4.0 2.4 1.1 .7 12.0
2015 Boston 1 0 4.0 .000 .000 .000 1.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
Career 33 17 20.9 .455 .333 .726 3.9 1.4 .7 .5 7.9

Personal Life

Gerald Wallace started The Gerald Wallace Foundation. This organization helps provide opportunities for children and families in his hometown of Childersburg, Alabama. It also supports communities in Portland, Oregon, where he used to play.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gerald Wallace para niños

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