Nenê facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nenê

Nenê with the Washington Wizards in 2012
Personal information
Born	(1982-09-13) September 13, 1982 (age 42) São Carlos, Brazil
Listed height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2002 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
Selected by the New York Knicks
Pro career	1999–2020
Career history
1999–2002	Vasco da Gama
2002–2012	Denver Nuggets
2012–2016	Washington Wizards
2016–2020	Houston Rockets
Career highlights and awards
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
Career NBA statistics
Points	10,909 (11.3 ppg)
Rebounds	5,828 (6.0 rpg)
Assists	1,719 (1.8 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Brazil FIBA AmeriCup Silver 2001 Neuquén Goodwill Games Bronze 2001 Brisbane

Nenê, whose full name is Maybyner Rodney Hilário, is a former professional basketball player from Brazil. He was born on September 13, 1982. In 2003, he officially changed his name to just Nenê. He played for several teams in the NBA during his career.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Nenê was born in São Carlos, Brazil. His nickname "Nenê" means "baby" in Brazilian Portuguese. He got this name because he was the youngest in his family and among his friends.

Like many kids in Brazil, Nenê first played soccer. He was good at it and was even invited to train with professional clubs. But in the mid-1990s, he started playing basketball. He played for a team called Vasco da Gama from 1999 to 2002. In 2001, he joined the Brazilian national team.

Nenê's Professional Basketball Career

Playing for the Denver Nuggets (2002–2012)

Nenê's great playing in Brazil led him to an NBA tryout camp in Chicago in 2002. The New York Knicks picked him seventh overall in the 2002 NBA draft. However, they quickly traded him to the Denver Nuggets. He was the first Brazilian player ever chosen in the first round of the NBA draft.

Nenê started the 2002–03 season on the bench. But he soon became a starter. He averaged 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He was also one of the best in the NBA at shooting and stealing the ball. Because of his strong first year, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

In his second season, Nenê played and started in 77 games. He continued to play well, averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. He was also one of the top players in the NBA for his shooting accuracy.

Nenê faced some challenges with injuries in his third season. He missed 27 games due to different knee, hip, and hamstring problems. He still played in 55 games that season.

In the 2005–06 season, Nenê had a serious injury. He tore a ligament in his right knee after only three minutes of playing in the first game. This meant he missed almost the entire season.

After recovering, Nenê signed a new contract with the Nuggets in 2006. He returned to play in the 2006–07 season. He averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 64 games.

In the 2007–08 season, Nenê played in only 16 games. He had another injury to his left thumb. Later that season, he took a break from the team for a medical issue. He had surgery and returned to play on March 27, 2008. Fans gave him a standing ovation when he came back.

Despite his injuries, Nenê had one of his best years in 2008–09. He played in 77 games and averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, and blocks. He was also second in the NBA for his shooting percentage. This was the best shooting mark in the Nuggets' team history.

In 2009–10, Nenê played and started in all 82 games. This was the first time in his career he played every game. He averaged 13.8 points and 7.6 rebounds. He also had a career-high in assists.

Nenê dunks the ball while playing for the Denver Nuggets in January 2011.

In 2010–11, Nenê played in 75 games and started all of them. He averaged 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds. He also led the NBA in shooting percentage that season.

In December 2011, Nenê signed another contract with the Nuggets.

Moving to the Washington Wizards (2012–2016)

On March 15, 2012, Nenê was traded to the Washington Wizards. This was part of a big trade involving three teams. He played well for the Wizards, averaging 13.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in his first games with them.

In the 2012–13 season, Nenê averaged 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds. On January 21, 2013, he scored 24 points in a game, which was his season high.

On November 26, 2013, Nenê scored a career-high 30 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He matched that career-high score later that season.

In 2014–15, Nenê dealt with more injuries. However, he still played in 67 games, which was the most in five years. He averaged 11.0 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Nenê missed some games in the 2015–16 season due to a calf injury. On March 14, 2016, he scored 20 points coming off the bench. This helped the Wizards win by a large margin.

Playing for the Houston Rockets (2016–2020)

Nenê watches John Wall of the Washington Wizards attempt a lay-up in 2016

On July 20, 2016, Nenê signed with the Houston Rockets. He played his first game for the Rockets on October 26, 2016. On January 5, 2017, he scored 18 points, helping the Rockets win a close game.

In the playoffs on April 23, 2017, Nenê had a great game. He scored a playoff career-high 28 points and made all 12 of his shots. This helped the Rockets take a big lead in their playoff series. However, on May 8, 2017, Nenê was ruled out for the rest of the playoffs due to a leg injury.

On July 6, 2017, Nenê signed again with the Rockets. He scored a season-high 16 points on December 16, 2017.

Nenê missed the start of the 2018–19 season due to a calf injury. His last NBA game was on May 10, 2019, in the playoffs. He then decided not to continue his contract with the Rockets.

He signed with the Rockets again on September 3, 2019. However, due to a hip injury, Nenê could not play any games in the 2019–20 season. On February 5, 2020, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a big trade involving many players. The next day, the Hawks released him, which ended his professional playing career.

Playing for the Brazilian National Team

Nenê also played for the senior Brazilian national basketball team. He played in several important tournaments, including the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2016 Summer Olympics. He won a silver medal at the 2001 FIBA AmeriCup.

Personal Life

On January 14, 2008, Nenê faced a serious medical challenge. He had surgery and recovered well. After this experience, Nenê, who is a Christian, shared that he felt it helped him grow and prepare to help others. He plans to be involved with church activities in Brazil after retiring from basketball.

Nenê has three sons with his ex-wife Lauren Prothe. He is currently married to Briley Sheppard Hilario.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Nenê with the Brazil men's national basketball team in 2016.

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Nenê para niños

• List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders