Kurt Thomas (basketball) facts for kids
Thomas in 2009
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 4, 1972 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| High school | Hillcrest (Dallas, Texas) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | TCU (1990–1995) |
| NBA Draft | 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall |
| Selected by the Miami Heat | |
| Pro career | 1995–2013 |
| Career history | |
| 1995–1997 | Miami Heat |
| 1997–1998 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 1999–2005 | New York Knicks |
| 2005–2007 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2007–2008 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 2008–2009 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2009–2010 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2010–2011 | Chicago Bulls |
| 2011–2012 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2012–2013 | New York Knicks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 8,973 (8.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 7,328 (6.6 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,204 (1.1 apg) |
Kurt Vincent Thomas (born October 4, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player. He was a tall player, standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) and weighing 230 pounds (104 kg). Kurt played as a power forward or center. He was known for his tough playing style and strong defense. Kurt played for 18 seasons in the NBA.
Early Life and College Basketball
Kurt Thomas started playing basketball in Dallas, Texas. He played at Birdie Alexander Elementary and D.A. Hulcy Middle School. Later, he went to Dallas Carter High before moving to Hillcrest High.
After high school, Kurt attended Texas Christian University (TCU). In the 1994–95 season, he was amazing. He led all college players in scoring and rebounding. He scored 28.9 points per game and grabbed 14.6 rebounds per game. Only two other players in history had done this before him! TCU later retired his No. 40 jersey to honor his achievements.
NBA Career Highlights
Starting with the Miami Heat
Kurt Thomas began his NBA journey with the Miami Heat in 1995. In his first year, he started 42 games out of 74. He even scored 29 points and got 15 rebounds in one game! However, in his second season, he got a serious ankle injury. This injury needed surgery, and he missed the rest of the season. While he was recovering, the Heat traded him to the Dallas Mavericks.
Moving to the Dallas Mavericks
Kurt's time with the Dallas Mavericks was very short. He only played 5 games before his ankle injury returned. He had to sit out the rest of that season. The team's coach, Don Nelson, even offered him a job as an assistant coach. But Kurt decided to become a free agent and signed with the New York Knicks.
Time with the New York Knicks
Kurt Thomas played seven seasons with the New York Knicks, from 1999 to 2005. This was a great time for the team. They made it to the playoffs four times! They even reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice and the NBA Finals once in 1999.
In the 2001 NBA Playoffs, Kurt played very well. He averaged 14.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. His best personal season was 2001-02. He started all 82 games and averaged 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds. He also scored a career-high 33 points twice during his time with the Knicks.
Playing for Other Teams
After his time with the Knicks, Kurt Thomas played for several other NBA teams.
Phoenix Suns
He played two seasons with the Phoenix Suns from 2005 to 2007.
Seattle SuperSonics
In 2007, Kurt was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. He played there for part of one season.
San Antonio Spurs
Later in the 2007-08 season, he was traded again, this time to the San Antonio Spurs. He played with the Spurs until 2009.
Milwaukee Bucks
In 2009, Kurt was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He played one season there.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls signed Kurt Thomas in 2010. He got to play a lot because some of the team's main players were injured. He started 37 games that season. He averaged 4.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Portland Trail Blazers
In 2011, Kurt signed with the Portland Trail Blazers for a two-year contract.
Return to the Knicks
In 2012, Kurt Thomas was traded back to the New York Knicks. He played one more season with the team that year. On April 12, 2013, the Knicks decided to let him go.
See also
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season scoring leaders
- List of NBA career personal fouls leaders
- List of oldest and youngest NBA players
