Jamaal Tinsley facts for kids

Jamaal Lee Tinsley, born on February 28, 1978, is a former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jamaal played college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones. After his senior year, the Vancouver Grizzlies picked him in the 2001 NBA draft. He was then traded to the Indiana Pacers on the same night. Tinsley played for 11 seasons in the NBA. He spent most of his career with the Pacers. He also played for the Grizzlies and the Jazz.

Early Life and College Basketball

As a teenager, Tinsley practiced his basketball skills. He played streetball at Rucker Park in New York City. People on the street called him "Mel The Abuser."

He first played junior college basketball. This was at Mt. San Jacinto Community College (MSJC). Then, he became well-known in the Big 12 Conference. He played for Iowa State University.

In his junior year, Tinsley played for the Cyclones. He was named the Big 12 Player of the Year. He helped Iowa State get a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team, with star player Marcus Fizer, reached the Elite Eight. They lost to Michigan State, who later won the championship. In his final year, Tinsley was named an All-American. This was a big honor for college players.

NBA Career Highlights

Playing for the Indiana Pacers (2001–2009)

Tinsley wore #11 for the Indiana Pacers.

Tinsley quickly became the starting point guard for the Pacers. This was under coach Isiah Thomas. In his first season (2001–02), he averaged 9.4 points and 8.1 assists per game. On November 16, 2001, he achieved a rare "five-by-five". This means he had at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in one game. He was the youngest player to do this at the time.

In the 2002–03 season, Tinsley played 73 games for the Pacers. He started in 69 of those games. His average points and assists were slightly lower.

The next year, Rick Carlisle became the new coach. Tinsley was not the starting point guard at first. But when other players got hurt, he became a starter again. The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004. Tinsley started all 16 playoff games.

Tinsley missed much of the 2004–05 season due to a foot injury. The team still had a good record. He returned for Game 5 of the playoffs. In that game, he had seven assists and five steals. His five steals were the most by any player in the 2005 playoffs. Tinsley continued to have injury problems. In the 2007–08 season, he played only 39 games. He still averaged a career-high 8.4 assists.

For the 2008–09 season, Tinsley was replaced as the starter. The team decided to trade him. On July 22, 2009, the Pacers officially let Tinsley go.

Time with the Memphis Grizzlies (2009–2010)

On November 14, 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Tinsley. The team's General Manager, Chris Wallace, said Tinsley was the best player available. Tinsley was told he could compete for the starting point guard spot.

Playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders (2011)

On November 3, 2011, Tinsley was the first pick in the NBA Development League Draft. He was chosen by the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Tinsley played eight games for the D-Fenders. He averaged 9.9 points and 7.6 assists per game.

With the Utah Jazz (2011–2013)

On December 12, 2011, the Utah Jazz signed Tinsley. They also signed Keith McLeod and Trey Gilder.

The Jazz kept Tinsley for another season in June 2012. He re-signed with the Jazz on October 26, 2013. However, he only played 8 games that season. On November 12, 2013, the Jazz released him. Tinsley's last NBA game was on November 11, 2013. He had 3 assists and 1 rebound in that game.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular Season Games

Playoff Games

Other Achievements

On November 16, 2001, in only his 11th game as a rookie, Jamaal achieved a rare "5 x 5". This means he had at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. In that game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he recorded 12 points, 9 rebounds, 15 assists, 6 steals, and 5 blocks.

See also

In Spanish: Jamaal Tinsley para niños

• List of National Basketball Association players with 20 or more assists in a game