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Maurice Taylor
Maurice Taylor on the bench in 2006.jpg
Taylor with the New York Knicks in 2006
No. 23, 2, 24
Power forward / center
Personal information
Born (1976-10-30) October 30, 1976 (age 48)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
High school Henry Ford (Detroit, Michigan)
Listed height 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight 265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
College Michigan (1994–1997)
NBA Draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
Pro career 1997–2011
Career history
1997–2000 Los Angeles Clippers
2000–2005 Houston Rockets
2005–2006 New York Knicks
2006–2007 Sacramento Kings
2009 Olimpia Milano
2009–2010 Shanxi Zhongyu
2010 Benetton Treviso
Career highlights and awards
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1998)
  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1995)
  • Third-team Parade All-American (1994)

Maurice De Shawn Taylor (born October 30, 1976) is a former professional basketball player from America. He played as a power forward and center. Maurice grew up in Detroit. He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines.

In the 1997 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers chose him as the 14th overall pick. Taylor played in the NBA from 1997 to 2007. He played for the Clippers, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings. Later, from 2009 to 2011, he played basketball in Italy and China.

College Basketball Journey

Maurice Taylor went to the University of Michigan for college. He was a strong player from Henry Ford High School in Detroit. He became well-known during the 1994 Maui Invitational. He played alongside another new student, Maceo Baston.

Freshman Year Success

In his first year (1994–1995), Taylor was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He scored about 12.4 points and grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game. He also played in the NCAA Tournament.

Sophomore Season and Challenges

As a sophomore, he improved his game, averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds. He was chosen for the 2nd Team All-Big Ten. During this year, Taylor was involved in a traffic accident. This accident caused his teammate, Robert Traylor, to break his arm.

Returning for the NIT Championship

After thinking about joining the NBA early, Taylor decided to stay at Michigan. He helped his team win the 1997 NIT Championship. In that season, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Professional Basketball Career

Playing in the NBA

In 1997, the Los Angeles Clippers picked Maurice Taylor 14th overall in the NBA draft. In 2000, he told the Clippers he wanted to leave and become a free agent. He hoped to sign with the Orlando Magic to play with Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady.

However, Orlando did not offer him a contract. So, he signed with the Houston Rockets instead. In 2005, he was traded to the New York Knicks. Then, in 2006, he joined the Sacramento Kings. He was released from the Kings on January 23, 2007.

Playing Overseas in Europe

After his time in the NBA, Maurice Taylor played basketball in Europe. In January 2009, he joined Olimpia Milano, an Italian team that plays in the Euroleague. He had not played professionally since January 2007 before joining this team.

In February 2011, he signed with Enel Brindisi for the rest of that season. However, he and the club agreed to end his contract early in April 2011.

About Maurice Taylor

Maurice Taylor has Italian family roots through his mother.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Maurice Taylor para niños

  • List of people banned or suspended by the NBA
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