Tim Thomas (basketball) facts for kids
Thomas with the Chicago Bulls in 2009
|
|
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 26, 1977 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| High school | Paterson Catholic (Paterson, New Jersey) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Villanova (1996–1997) |
| NBA Draft | 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall |
| Selected by the New Jersey Nets | |
| Pro career | 1997–2010 |
| Coaching career | 2023–present |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1997–1999 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1999–2004 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2004–2005 | New York Knicks |
| 2005–2006 | Chicago Bulls |
| 2006 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2006–2008 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2008–2009 | New York Knicks |
| 2009 | Chicago Bulls |
| 2009–2010 | Dallas Mavericks |
| As coach: | |
| 2023–present | Paramus Catholic HS |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 9,454 (11.5 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 3,379 (4.1 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,272 (1.5 apg) |
Timothy "Tim" Mark Thomas (born February 26, 1977) is an American basketball coach and former professional player. He was a top player in high school in Paterson, New Jersey. Thomas played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats. He joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1997. Tim played for many teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks. Today, he coaches the boys' basketball team at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.
Tim Thomas's Early Career
High School Basketball Star
Tim Thomas was a tall player at 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) with a great shooting touch. People thought he would be an NBA star even when he was in high school. In his senior year at Paterson Catholic High School, he averaged 25.3 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. He was chosen for the McDonald's All-American team.
Tim was ranked as the second-best high school player in the country. Only Kobe Bryant was ranked higher. Tim and Kobe played together in the 1996 McDonald's All-American game. They also played in the All-Star Magic Johnson Roundball Classic and dominated in AAU games. Tim thought about going straight to the NBA from high school. But he decided to go to Villanova University just before the deadline.
College Days at Villanova
Tim Thomas made a big impact in his one year of college basketball at Villanova University. He joined a strong team with future NBA players like Alvin Williams and Malik Allen. Tim helped the Wildcats win the Big East regular season title. He was named to the All-Big East team and won the Big East Rookie of the Year award. He averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds per game. Villanova played in the 1997 NCAA tournament. They lost in the second round to California.
Tim Thomas in the NBA
After his first year at Villanova, Tim was picked seventh overall in the 1997 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. He was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. This trade was for another player, Keith Van Horn.
Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers
Tim had a good first year, averaging 11 points per game. He was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team. In one of his best games, he scored 27 points against the Nets in February 1998. However, the 76ers were not happy when Tim had a "sophomore slump" (a drop in performance in his second year). In 1999, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Time with the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks liked Tim's talent and how he could play different positions. They hoped he would become a star. In May 1999, he scored 12 points in a playoff game against the Indiana Pacers. On March 2, 2000, he scored 26 points against the Knicks.
During the 2000–01 season, Tim averaged his highest points per game, 13.4. In January 2001, he scored a career-high 39 points against Portland. He made eight three-pointers in the second half of that game. In the playoffs that year, Tim scored 18 points in a win against Tracy McGrady and the Orlando Magic. The Bucks played against Allen Iverson and the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a close series, but the Bucks lost.
After his strong playoff performance, Tim signed a new contract with the Bucks. It was worth about $66 million over six years. His teammate Ray Allen once said, "If he wanted to, Tim Thomas could be the best player in the league."
Moving to the New York Knicks
In February 2004, Tim Thomas was traded to the New York Knicks. This was a big three-team trade. During the playoffs, Tim got injured in a game against the Nets. This injury kept him out for the rest of the playoffs. This incident started a long disagreement with Nets player Kenyon Martin.
Joining the Chicago Bulls
Before the 2005–06 season, Tim was traded to the Chicago Bulls. He played only three games for Chicago because of ankle and back injuries. He was later released from the team.
A Fresh Start with the Phoenix Suns
On March 1, 2006, Tim signed with the Phoenix Suns. He made his debut two days later, scoring 20 points. Playing with NBA MVP Steve Nash, Tim's career got a new boost.
In the playoffs, Tim was very important for the Suns. He started games because All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire was injured. In the first round against the Lakers, Tim scored 22 points and had 15 rebounds in Game 1. In Game 6, he made a three-pointer to tie the game at the end of regular time. He also made another important three-pointer in overtime to help the Suns win. The Suns won the series after being down 3–1.
In the next round against the Clippers, Tim was praised for his defense. The Suns won that series in seven games too. In the Western Conference Finals, Phoenix lost to the Dallas Mavericks. Tim wanted to stay with the Suns, but they had salary cap issues.
Playing for the Los Angeles Clippers
On July 13, 2006, Tim signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He often started games when other players like Elton Brand were injured. Tim also dealt with his own injuries during this time.
Back with the New York Knicks
In November 2008, Tim Thomas was traded back to the New York Knicks. He was reunited with Mike D'Antoni, who had been his coach in Phoenix.
Second Time with the Chicago Bulls
In February 2009, Tim was traded to the Bulls again. This second time in Chicago was better. He helped the young team with his experience. The Bulls made a late push to get into the playoffs. They pushed the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, to a full seven-game series. In July 2009, the Bulls bought out Tim's contract.
Final Stop: Dallas Mavericks
On July 28, 2009, the Dallas Mavericks signed Tim Thomas. In early 2010, he left the team temporarily to care for his wife, who was ill. In August 2010, Tim agreed to another one-year deal with the Mavericks. However, in September, he told the team he would not play so he could continue caring for his wife.
Coaching Career
On March 30, 2023, Tim Thomas became the head coach for the boys' basketball team at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.
See also
In Spanish: Tim Thomas para niños
