Etan Thomas is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on April 1, 1978, in Harlem, New York, and attended Syracuse University, where he played college basketball for the Syracuse Orange.
Thomas was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2000 NBA draft, but he was immediately traded to the Washington Wizards. He played for the Wizards for seven seasons, from 2001 to 2008, and was known for his strong defensive play and rebounding ability. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice issues, and he frequently spoke out on topics such as police brutality and the war in Iraq.
In 2008, Thomas was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played for one season before being waived in 2009. He then signed with the Atlanta Hawks, but he was unable to play due to a heart condition that required surgery. He retired from basketball in 2011.
Throughout his career, Thomas was known for his toughness and physicality on the court. He was a solid defender and rebounder, and he was also capable of scoring when needed. He averaged 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over the course of his career.
Off the court, Thomas was known for his activism and advocacy work. He was a frequent speaker at events and rallies, and he wrote several books on social justice issues. He was also a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and other publications.
In addition to his basketball and advocacy work, Thomas was also a poet. He published several collections of poetry, including "More Than an Athlete" and "Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge." His poetry often dealt with themes of social justice, family, and personal growth.
Overall, Etan Thomas had a successful career in the NBA, but he was perhaps best known for his activism and advocacy work off the court. He used his platform as a professional athlete to speak out on important issues and to inspire others to do the same.
🏀