Chris Gatling was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA for over a decade. He was born on September 3, 1967, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and attended the University of Pittsburgh. Gatling was selected in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Gatling played for several teams during his career, including the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was known for his versatility as a power forward and center, and his ability to score and rebound.
One of Gatling's most successful seasons was in 1996-1997, when he played for the Miami Heat. He averaged 19.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Star team. He also helped lead the Heat to the playoffs that season.
Gatling was known for his unique shooting style, which involved him releasing the ball from behind his head. He was also known for his high-energy play and his ability to finish around the rim.
Despite his success on the court, Gatling faced several off-court issues during his career. He was arrested multiple times for various offenses, including drug possession and domestic violence. These incidents led to suspensions and fines from the NBA.
Gatling retired from the NBA in 2002, after playing for 11 seasons. He finished his career with averages of 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He also played in 700 games and started in 295 of them.
After retiring from basketball, Gatling faced more legal issues. In 2014, he was arrested for fraud and sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. He was released in 2017.
Overall, Chris Gatling had a successful career in the NBA, but his off-court issues overshadowed his accomplishments on the court. Despite this, he remains a memorable player for his unique style of play and his high-energy performances.
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