Nick Van Exel has compiled 28,969 mins and has taken the court in 880 games so far in his NBA career. Exel has accounted for 12,658 pts so far in his career, is averaging 14.4 PPG and got the starting nod in 670 games. He dishes out 7.2 dimes, collects 3.2 boards and scores 15.7 per 36 minutes. Sitting with a shooting % of 40.5%, Exel has converted 4,636 shots out of 11,458 tries. Having taken 4,278 attempts beyond the arc during his NBA career, he has accrued a 3PT rate of 35.7% by making 1,528 of those shots. He has accounted for a 43.3% 2pt shooting percentage of by making 3,108 out of his 7,180 shot attempts. Exel has earned a 79.4% clip from the foul line by making 1,858 of his 2,341 shot attempts. With an effective field goal rate of 47.1%, he has additionally had a total of 1,850 turnovers and committed 1,380 personal fouls. He has earned 2,545 total boards during his NBA career by way of 2,170 defensive and 375 of the offensive variety. When it comes to helping on baskets, Exel has compiled 5,777 assists, as well as adding 726 steals and 92 blocks. He has an average of 2.9 boards in addition to 0.0 dimes per game.
Nick Van Exel was a dynamic and charismatic point guard who captivated fans with his impressive skills and on-court flair. Over his 13-year NBA career, Van Exel played for several teams and left a lasting impression on the league. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Nick Van Exel’s NBA journey, his basketball stats, and his impact on the game.
Early Life and College Career
Before making his mark in the NBA, Nick Van Exel honed his skills in college. He played for two years at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas before transferring to the University of Cincinnati. At Cincinnati, Van Exel showcased his talent, leading the team to the NCAA Final Four in 1992. His exceptional play caught the attention of NBA scouts, setting the stage for his professional career.
Entering the NBA
Draft and Rookie Season
Nick Van Exel entered the NBA in 1993 when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the 37th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. Despite being a second-round pick, Van Exel quickly proved himself to be a valuable player. In his rookie season, he averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
![Nick Van Exel (Basketball Card) 1993-94 Topps Stadium Club - [Base] #281](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eg3N7IWhL._SL160_.jpg)
Becoming a Key Player for the Lakers
During his time with the Lakers, Van Exel became a fan favorite due to his fearless attitude and clutch performances. Known for his ability to hit big shots in crucial moments, he earned the nickname “Nick the Quick.” Van Exel played five seasons with the Lakers, where he consistently delivered solid performances and helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances.
Career Stats and Highlights
Overall NBA Career
Nick Van Exel played a total of 13 seasons in the NBA, spending time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Portland Trail Blazers. Over his career, he averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Van Exel’s impressive stats and unique playing style made him a standout player in the league.
Notable Achievements
- NBA All-Star (1998): Van Exel was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 1998, highlighting his status as one of the league’s top point guards.
- Career High Points: His career-high performance came on January 26, 2001, when he scored 44 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons.
- Playoff Success: Van Exel was known for elevating his game during the playoffs. In 2003, while with the Dallas Mavericks, he played a crucial role in the team’s run to the Western Conference Finals.
Impact on the Game
Playing Style
Nick Van Exel was known for his quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to score from anywhere on the court. His fearless approach and clutch shooting made him a player opponents dreaded facing in close games. Van Exel’s playing style inspired many young players, and his influence can still be seen in today’s NBA guards.
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Leadership and Mentoring
Throughout his career, Van Exel was recognized for his leadership qualities. As a veteran player, he took on a mentoring role for younger teammates, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them improve. His leadership both on and off the court earned him respect from players and coaches alike.
Post-NBA Career
After retiring from professional basketball in 2006, Nick Van Exel transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach in the NBA Development League before moving on to various NBA teams. Van Exel’s dedication to the game and his ability to connect with players have made him a valuable asset in coaching roles.
Legacy
Nick Van Exel’s NBA career is remembered for his electrifying playing style, impressive stats, and leadership. He made a significant impact on every team he played for and left a lasting legacy in the league. As a coach, Van Exel continues to contribute to the game and inspire the next generation of basketball players.
Conclusion
Nick Van Exel’s journey through the NBA was marked by determination, skill, and a passion for the game. From his early days in college basketball to his successful NBA career and coaching roles, Van Exel has had a profound impact on the sport. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
