Earl Cureton is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. He was born on September 3, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Finney High School in Detroit. Cureton played college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he was a standout player.
Cureton was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 1979 NBA draft. He played for the 76ers for two seasons before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1981. Cureton played for the Pistons for four seasons and was a key player on the team that won the NBA championship in 1989. He was known for his rebounding and defensive skills and was a valuable role player for the Pistons.
After leaving the Pistons, Cureton played for several other NBA teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, and Indiana Pacers. He was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. Cureton was also a fan favorite and was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor.
Cureton retired from the NBA in 1997 and went on to work as a coach and broadcaster. He served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons from 2000 to 2003 and was a color commentator for the Pistons' television broadcasts from 2003 to 2006. Cureton also worked as a basketball analyst for Fox Sports Detroit.
Throughout his career, Cureton was known for his hard work, dedication, and professionalism. He was a respected player and teammate and was admired for his leadership and positive attitude. Cureton's contributions to the NBA and the Detroit Pistons have been recognized by the team, which retired his number 44 jersey in 2004.
In conclusion, Earl Cureton was a talented and versatile basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was a key player on the Detroit Pistons team that won the NBA championship in 1989 and was known for his rebounding and defensive skills. Cureton's contributions to the NBA and the Detroit Pistons have been recognized by the team, which retired his number 44 jersey in 2004.
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