Greg Buckner is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on September 16, 1976, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and attended Clemson University, where he played college basketball.
Buckner began his professional career in 1998 when he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the NBA draft. He played for the Mavericks for three seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001. Buckner played for the 76ers for one season before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2002.
Buckner played for the Nuggets for two seasons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2004. He played for the Grizzlies for two seasons before being traded back to the Mavericks in 2006. Buckner played for the Mavericks for two seasons before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2008. He played for the Timberwolves for one season before being waived in 2009.
Throughout his career, Buckner was known for his defensive skills. He was a versatile player who could guard multiple positions and was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player. Buckner was also a solid rebounder and could contribute offensively when needed.
Buckner's best season statistically was in 2003-2004 when he played for the Grizzlies. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
After his playing career, Buckner transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2013 to 2016 before being hired as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016. Buckner was with the Timberwolves for two seasons before being let go in 2018.
In addition to his coaching career, Buckner has also been involved in various charitable endeavors. He founded the Greg Buckner Foundation, which aims to provide educational and athletic opportunities for underprivileged youth in his hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Overall, Greg Buckner had a successful career in the NBA as a defensive specialist. He played for several teams throughout his career and was known for his versatility and toughness on the court. After his playing career, Buckner transitioned into coaching and has been involved in various charitable endeavors.
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