Ron Mercer facts for kids

Ronald Eugene Mercer (born May 18, 1976) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. After playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky, Mercer joined the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for several teams before ending his career with the New Jersey Nets in 2005.

Ron Mercer's Basketball Journey

Early Life and High School Career

Ron Mercer grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a talented basketball player from a young age. While attending Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, Tennessee, he was recognized as the best high school player in the state. He won the "Mr. Basketball" award for Tennessee twice.

Later, Mercer moved to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. This school is known for its strong basketball program. Experts like Bob Gibbons considered him the top high school player in the country for the class of 1995.

College Success at Kentucky

Ron Mercer had a very successful time playing college basketball for the University of Kentucky. He was named an All-American, which means he was one of the best college players in the nation. He also earned honors in the Southeastern Conference.

In his first year at Kentucky, Mercer helped his team win a national championship in 1996. This was a major achievement for him and his team.

Joining the NBA

Starting with the Boston Celtics

In 1997, Ron Mercer was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. This was a big moment for him. He was excited to rejoin his former college teammate, Antoine Walker, and his college coach, Rick Pitino, who had also become the coach for the Celtics.

Before the draft, Coach Pitino had said things that made it seem like Mercer might not be picked very high. Some people thought this was a clever trick to make other teams less interested in Mercer. This way, the Celtics would have a better chance to draft him. It seems their plan worked!

Time with Denver and Orlando

After playing two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Mercer was part of a trade in 1999. He moved to the Denver Nuggets along with two other players. He played 37 games for the Nuggets during the 1999–2000 season.

Later that same season, Mercer was traded again. He joined the Orlando Magic and played 31 games for them.

Playing for the Chicago Bulls

After his time with the Magic, Mercer signed with the Chicago Bulls as a free agent. This happened before the next season began. In his first year with the Bulls, he played very well. He averaged 19.7 points per game, which was the highest scoring average of his entire career. He was the second-highest scorer on the team that season.

Moving to the Indiana Pacers

Even though Mercer was scoring well, averaging 16.8 points per game in the 2001–02 season, he was traded again. This time, he went to the Indiana Pacers in the middle of the season. He was traded along with Brad Miller, Ron Artest, and Kevin Ollie.

With the Pacers, Mercer mostly played as a reserve player, meaning he came off the bench. His playing time and performance changed during his year and a half with the team.

Short Stint with the San Antonio Spurs

Before the 2003–04 season, Mercer was traded to the San Antonio Spurs. This trade involved three teams. He played 39 games for the Spurs before he was released from the team.

Final Team: New Jersey Nets

In 2004, Ron Mercer signed with his seventh and final NBA team, the New Jersey Nets. He played for them during the 2004–05 season. On August 15, 2005, before the next season started, the Nets decided to release him. This decision was made to help the team manage their finances under new league rules.

See also

In Spanish: Ron Mercer para niños