Willie Reed facts for kids

Willie Reed Jr. (born May 16, 1990) is an American professional basketball player. He plays as a center for the Cocodrilos de Caracas team in the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto (SPB). Before becoming a pro, he played college basketball for Saint Louis University.

College Career

Willie Reed played basketball for Saint Louis University for two seasons, from 2008 to 2010. During his time there, he faced some challenges with the university's rules. He was suspended during one semester and later had to leave the university because he did not meet the requirements to continue as a student.

In April 2011, Reed decided to enter the NBA draft. This meant he chose to become a professional player instead of finishing his last two years of college basketball.

Professional Basketball Journey

Starting in the D-League and NBA

Willie Reed was not chosen in the 2011 NBA draft, but he didn't give up. He signed a deal with a team in Spain in August 2011, but he left before the season began.

In 2012, he joined the Springfield Armor in the NBA D-League (now called the G-League). He played very well, averaging 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His strong performance earned him an Honorable Mention All-Development League Team award. In April 2013, he briefly signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

He continued to play in the D-League for the Springfield Armor in the 2013–14 season. He also had short stints with the Sacramento Kings and their D-League team, the Reno Bighorns.

Moving Through Teams and Leagues

In 2014, Reed joined the Indiana Pacers for the NBA Summer League. He then signed with the Brooklyn Nets but was later waived. He played one game for Hapoel Eilat BC in Israel before returning to the D-League.

He played for the Grand Rapids Drive and was even named to the Futures All-Star team for the 2015 NBA Development League All-Star Game. Later, he was traded to the Iowa Energy. After his D-League season, he played for Metros de Santiago in the Dominican Republic.

NBA Experience with the Nets and Heat

In July 2015, Reed joined the Miami Heat for the Summer League. However, he then signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He had to miss some time due to a thumb injury. Willie made his official NBA debut on December 4, 2015, playing against the New York Knicks. He scored a season-high 12 points in a game against the Utah Jazz in January 2016.

In July 2016, Reed signed with the Miami Heat. He had a great season with the Heat, showing his skills. On January 3, 2017, he achieved career highs of 22 points and 18 rebounds in a game against the Phoenix Suns. Just three days later, he scored 22 points again against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Later NBA and International Play

In August 2017, Reed signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. In January 2018, he was part of a trade that sent him to the Detroit Pistons. He was later suspended by the NBA for six games for personal reasons. After this, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls but was immediately released.

In October 2018, Willie Reed was the first player picked in the 2018 NBA G League draft by the Salt Lake City Stars. He played well, averaging 20.1 points and 11.2 rebounds, but his season ended early due to a shoulder injury.

He then played for Olympiacos B.C. in Greece in 2019, an important team in the EuroLeague. He returned to the Salt Lake City Stars in January 2020.

Recent Career Highlights

In September 2020, Reed signed with KK Budućnost in Montenegro. He was recognized for his excellent play by being named to the All-EuroCup First Team in 2021. He also helped his team win the Montenegrin League championship in 2021 and the Montenegrin Cup in both 2021 and 2022.

In January 2024, Reed signed with the Tainan TSG GhostHawks in Taiwan, but his contract ended soon after due to health reasons. As of March 2025, Willie Reed plays for the Cocodrilos de Caracas in Venezuela.

See also

In Spanish: Willie Reed para niños

• List of people banned or suspended by the NBA