Benoit Benjamin has taken part in 807 contests during his pro basketball career and recorded 21,911 mins in those matchups. Benjamin was named a starter in 614 contests, and in those games he averages 11.4 points per outing and has 9,223 points in all. He racks up 15.2 pts per 36 mins, as well as collecting 10.0 boards and earning 1.8 dimes in his pro basketball career. By knocking down 3,588 baskets of his 7,224 tries, Benjamin has tallied a 49.7% shooting percentage. By burying 1 out of 21 baskets from beyond the perimeter, he has recorded a three-point shooting percentage of 4.8%. By knocking down 3,587 out of 7,203 2pt shot attempts, he has recorded an average of 49.8%. Benjamin has knocked down 2,046 out of 2,837 tries at the foul line, which had him sitting at a rate of 72.1%. With an effective FG% of 49.7%, he has additionally accumulated 2,292 fouls and 1,847 turnovers. Having pulled down 4,604 defensive rebounds and 1,459 on the offensive end of the court, Benjamin has tallied 6,063 total rebounds so far in his career. He has a total of 522 steals, as well as 1,581 blocks and 1,070 dimes. In relation to per game stats, Benjamin holds an average of 1.3 assists and 7.5 boards.
The NBA has seen a myriad of talented players grace its courts over the decades, each leaving their own unique mark on the game. Among them is Benoit Benjamin, a player whose career in the NBA spanned over a decade and saw him play for numerous teams, each stint adding a different layer to his professional journey. In this article, we will delve into the NBA career of Benoit Benjamin, examining his stats, the teams he played for, and his impact on the league.
Early Life and Entry into the NBA
Benoit Benjamin was born on November 22, 1964, in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up with a passion for basketball, which led him to play college basketball at Creighton University. His impressive performances there caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he soon found himself on the radar of several teams.
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In 1985, Benoit Benjamin declared for the NBA Draft and was selected as the third overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. This marked the beginning of his professional basketball career.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Starting Point
Benoit Benjamin’s NBA career began with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played as a center. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, he was a formidable presence on the court. During his time with the Clippers, Benjamin showcased his skills as a strong defensive player, known for his shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess.
In the 1985-1986 season, his rookie year, Benjamin put up decent numbers, averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. These stats highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future contributions to the team.
Benjamin continued to improve during his tenure with the Clippers, peaking in the 1988-1989 season when he averaged a career-high 16.4 points per game. Over the course of his six seasons with the Clippers, he became a key player for the team, amassing impressive stats and earning a reputation as a reliable center.
Journeyman Phase: Multiple Team Transitions
As is often the case in professional sports, player trades and team changes are part of the journey. Benoit Benjamin’s career was no exception, and after his stint with the Clippers, he embarked on a journeyman phase, playing for several NBA teams.
Seattle SuperSonics
In 1991, Benjamin was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. His time with the SuperSonics was relatively short, but he continued to contribute effectively. During the 1991-1992 season, he averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his consistent performance on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey Nets
Following his time with the SuperSonics, Benjamin had brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Jersey Nets. While his stats during these periods were not as remarkable as earlier in his career, he continued to provide valuable minutes off the bench, using his experience to mentor younger players.
Vancouver Grizzlies
In 1995, Benjamin joined the Vancouver Grizzlies, a newly established team at the time. Playing for an expansion team posed unique challenges, but Benjamin’s veteran presence was crucial in helping the team find its footing in the league. He averaged 14.2 points and 8.9 rebounds in the 1995-1996 season, proving his ability to adapt and perform consistently.
Final Years and Retirement
Towards the end of his career, Benoit Benjamin played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and the Philadelphia 76ers. His role primarily shifted to that of a mentor, offering guidance to younger teammates. While his playing time decreased, his influence remained significant.
Benjamin retired from professional basketball in 1999, concluding a diverse and eventful NBA career.
Career Stats and Legacy
Throughout his 15-year NBA career, Benoit Benjamin played for nine different teams. His career stats are a testament to his skills and adaptability, with career averages of 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He was known for his defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding, which made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
While Benoit Benjamin may not have achieved the superstar status of some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the teams he played for were significant. His ability to adapt to different team dynamics and his role as a mentor to younger players added depth to his legacy.
Conclusion
Benoit Benjamin’s NBA career is a fascinating narrative of skill, adaptability, and perseverance. From his early days with the Clippers to his role as a seasoned veteran with various other teams, Benjamin’s journey through the NBA is a testament to his dedication to the sport. His career stats highlight his impact on the court, while his legacy as a mentor off the court remains a notable aspect of his professional life. As we reflect on Benoit Benjamin’s career, it is clear that his contributions to the NBA, both as a player and a mentor, have left an enduring mark on the league.
