Desmond Mason is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on October 11, 1977, in Waxahachie, Texas, and attended Oklahoma State University, where he played college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Mason was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the 2000 NBA draft, and he played for the team for three seasons. He was known for his athleticism and his ability to dunk, and he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2001. In his first season with the SuperSonics, he averaged 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, and he improved his numbers in his second season, averaging 14.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
After three seasons with the SuperSonics, Mason was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a solid contributor for the Bucks, averaging 14.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his first season with the team. He also set a career-high in scoring with 17.2 points per game in the 2003-04 season.
Mason played for the New Orleans Hornets for one season before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly the SuperSonics) in 2008. He played for the Thunder for one season before retiring from the NBA in 2010.
Throughout his career, Mason was known for his high-flying dunks and his ability to score in transition. He was also a solid defender and rebounder, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2001.
After retiring from the NBA, Mason pursued a career in art and became a successful artist. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the creation of the Desmond Mason Children's Foundation, which provides support for children in need.
In summary, Desmond Mason was a talented and athletic basketball player who played in the NBA for nine seasons. He was known for his ability to dunk and his scoring ability, and he was a solid defender and rebounder. After retiring from the NBA, he pursued a career in art and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts.
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