Lonnie Shelton facts for kids
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| No. 8 | |
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| Power forward / Center | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 19, 1955 Bakersfield, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | July 8, 2018 (aged 62) Westminster, California |
| High school | Foothill (Bakersfield, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Oregon State (1973–1976) |
| NBA Draft | 1976 / Round: 2 / Pick: 25th overall |
| Selected by the New York Knicks | |
| Pro career | 1976–1986 |
| Career history | |
| 1976–1978 | New York Knicks |
| 1978–1983 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1983–1986 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 8,049 (12.0 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 4,136 (6.1 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,459 (2.2 apg) |
Lonnie Jewel Shelton (born October 19, 1955 – died July 8, 2018) was an American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1976 to 1985. Lonnie was a strong player known for his defense and rebounding. He helped his team win an NBA championship in 1979.
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Lonnie's Early Basketball Journey
Lonnie Shelton played college basketball at Oregon State University. He was a talented player even before joining the pros. In 1975, a team called the Memphis Sounds from the American Basketball Association (ABA) picked him. But Lonnie decided to stay in college to keep improving his skills.
The next year, in 1976, he was chosen by the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA draft. This was his big step into professional basketball.
Playing in the NBA: A Champion's Story
Lonnie Shelton started his NBA career with the New York Knicks. He played there for two seasons. In 1978, he moved to the Seattle SuperSonics. This move happened as part of a trade involving another player, Marvin Webster.
His first year with the SuperSonics, in 1979, was amazing. Lonnie was the team's starting power forward. He helped the SuperSonics win the NBA Finals, becoming an NBA champion! He even set a team record by making 13 shots in a row in one game.
Lonnie was a very important player for Seattle. In 1982, he was chosen to play in the NBA All-Star Game. He was also named to the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team that year, showing how good he was at stopping other teams from scoring. He played five seasons with the SuperSonics. After that, he finished his career playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons.
Lonnie's Family Life
Lonnie Shelton had a family of athletes! Several of his sons also became sports stars. His son, L. J., played offensive tackle in the NFL. Another son, Tim Shelton, played basketball for San Diego State. Titus Shelton played basketball for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. And Marlon played basketball for the Washington Huskies.
Lonnie also had many grandchildren.
His Passing
Lonnie Shelton passed away on July 8, 2018, when he was 62 years old. He died in Westminster, California, due to health problems that started after a heart attack in May 2018.
See also
In Spanish: Lonnie Shelton para niños
