Ronny Turiaf Facts for Kids

Men's Basketball

Representing France
FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
Gold	2000 Croatia	U-18 Team
FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
Bronze	2002 Lithuania	U-20 Team

Ronny Turiaf, born on January 13, 1983, is a former professional basketball player from France. He played for 10 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ronny grew up in France and later played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the United States. In his final year at college, he was the top scorer in the West Coast Conference (WCC).

After college, he was chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2005 NBA draft. He also played for other teams like the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Ronny Turiaf won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2012. He was also a part of the French national team. In 2020, he was honored by being added to the French Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ronny Turiaf's Early Life
College Basketball Career
Ronny Turiaf's Professional Journey
Playing for the French National Team
Ronny Turiaf's Personal Life
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See also

Ronny Turiaf's Early Life

Ronny Turiaf was born in Fort-de-France, a city in Martinique. Martinique is a French island in the Caribbean Sea. He spent most of his childhood there. When he was 15, in 1998, his father suggested he move to Paris. There, Ronny attended the National Institute of Physical Education (INSEP). This school is special because it combines tough high school studies with top-level sports training.

In 1999, he joined the French Under-18 national team. He helped his team win a gold medal at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. Future NBA stars like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw were also on that team.

College Basketball Career

In 2001, Ronny Turiaf moved from France to the United States. He accepted an offer to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He played basketball for Gonzaga for four years. For his last three years at Gonzaga, he was named to the First Team All-WCC. This means he was one of the best players in the conference.

In his senior year (2004–05), he was even named the WCC's Player of the Year. He finished his college career as one of Gonzaga's top players. He was fourth all-time in scoring and rebounding for the school. He averaged 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during his college years. In his senior year, he led the WCC with 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Ronny graduated from Gonzaga with degrees in sports management, communication, and French. He was the first person in his family to earn three degrees.

Ronny Turiaf's Professional Journey

Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers

First Season with the Lakers (2005–06)

Turiaf in the Los Angeles Lakers uniform. He played for Lakers from 2006 to 2008.

The Los Angeles Lakers chose Ronny Turiaf as the 37th pick in the 2005 NBA draft. He signed a contract with them. However, a few weeks later, doctors found a heart issue during a physical exam. The Lakers had to cancel his contract because of this serious problem. But they still wanted him to play for them if he recovered. The team even paid for his open-heart surgery, which happened on July 26, 2005. Doctors thought he would need 6 to 12 months to recover.

As part of his recovery, Ronny played nine games for the Continental Basketball Association's Yakama Sun Kings. He recovered much faster than expected. The Lakers re-signed him on January 17, 2006, less than six months after his surgery.

Second Season with the Lakers (2006–07)

On November 1, 2006, in the second game of the season, Ronny Turiaf had an amazing game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors. These were some of his best numbers in his career.

Third Season with the Lakers (2007–08)

Ronny Turiaf played a lot during the 2007–08 NBA season because many Lakers players were injured. He started the season as a forward. He later became the starting center for nine games when Pau Gasol was injured. During these games, Ronny played over 30 minutes per game. He averaged 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. The Lakers made it to the 2008 NBA Finals that year. However, they lost to their rivals, the Boston Celtics.

While with the Lakers, Ronny became very good friends with teammate Kobe Bryant. Kobe was sad when Ronny left the Lakers. He later said Ronny was one of his favorite teammates ever.

Joining the Golden State Warriors

On July 9, 2008, Ronny Turiaf agreed to a four-year contract with the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers had a chance to offer him the same deal, but they decided not to. So, the deal with the Warriors became final on July 18.

Playing for the New York Knicks

Turiaf with the New York Knicks in 2010

On July 9, 2010, Ronny Turiaf was traded to the New York Knicks. This trade also involved other players and a future draft pick.

Time in France with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne

During the 2011 NBA lockout, when NBA games were paused, Ronny signed with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne. This team is in his home country of France.

Moving to the Washington Wizards

On December 10, 2011, Ronny Turiaf was traded to the Washington Wizards.

Winning a Championship with the Miami Heat

On March 15, 2012, Ronny Turiaf was part of a big trade that sent him to the Denver Nuggets. However, the Nuggets soon let him go. On March 21, 2012, Ronny signed with the Miami Heat. Just a few months later, on June 21, 2012, Ronny Turiaf won his first NBA championship with the Heat.

Playing for the Los Angeles Clippers

On July 27, 2012, Ronny Turiaf signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Final Years with the Minnesota Timberwolves

On July 18, 2013, Ronny Turiaf signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played 31 games for them in the 2013–14 season. However, he only played two games in the 2014–15 season. This was because he had hip surgery on December 16, 2014. Three days later, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers then let him go on December 23, 2014.

Ronny Turiaf announced his retirement from basketball on October 24, 2016. He had been dealing with hip pain for a long time.

Playing for the French National Team

Ronny Turiaf also played for the senior French national team. He represented France in several big tournaments. These included the 2003 EuroBasket, the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Ronny Turiaf's Personal Life

Ronny Turiaf is very good with languages. He can speak five different languages. These are French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Antillean Creole. Antillean Creole is his native language from Martinique. He has four younger sisters named Elodie, Florence, Nadia, and Rachelle.

In August 2009, Ronny Turiaf started his "Heart to Heart" Foundation. This foundation helps children who need medical care but do not have health insurance. Its goal is to provide support, including heart check-ups, to people with heart problems. This helps them live healthy and happy lives.

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Ronny Turiaf

Ronny Turiaf facts for kids

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