Craig Hodges is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability and was a two-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls in 1991 and 1992.
Hodges began his basketball career at Long Beach State University, where he played for four years and set several school records. He was then drafted by the San Diego Clippers in the third round of the 1982 NBA draft but was waived before the start of the season.
Hodges then played for several teams in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before finally making his NBA debut with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1986. He played for the Bucks for two seasons before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1988.
It was with the Chicago Bulls, however, that Hodges had his most successful years. He joined the team in 1988 and quickly became known for his three-point shooting ability. In the 1990-91 season, he set an NBA record by making 19 consecutive three-point shots in the All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest, which he won for the second year in a row.
Hodges played a key role in the Bulls' back-to-back championship wins in 1991 and 1992. In the 1991 NBA Finals, he set a record for most three-pointers made in a single game with five. He also played in the 1993 NBA Finals with the Bulls, but they were defeated by the Phoenix Suns.
After leaving the Bulls in 1992, Hodges played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring from the NBA in 1996. He finished his career with a career average of 8.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Since retiring from basketball, Hodges has become an outspoken activist for social justice and has been involved in various community initiatives. He has also been critical of the NBA's lack of support for players who speak out on political and social issues.
In 2017, Hodges published a book titled "Long Shot: The Triumphs and Struggles of an NBA Freedom Fighter," in which he discusses his basketball career and his activism. He has also been involved in coaching and has worked with several NBA teams as a shooting coach.
Overall, Craig Hodges was a talented basketball player who was known for his three-point shooting ability. He played for several NBA teams over the course of his career, but it was with the Chicago Bulls that he had his most successful years. Since retiring from basketball, he has become an activist for social justice and has been involved in various community initiatives.
🏀