Jawann Oldham was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for several teams during his career. He was born on June 4, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended high school at Marshall High School in Chicago. Oldham then went on to play college basketball at Seattle University, where he was a standout player.
Oldham was selected in the second round of the 1980 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. He played for the Bulls for three seasons, from 1980 to 1983, and was known for his defensive skills and shot-blocking ability. In his first season with the Bulls, Oldham played in 81 games and averaged 4.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He continued to improve in his second season, averaging 5.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
In 1983, Oldham was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for two seasons. He was a key player for the Knicks, providing solid defense and rebounding off the bench. In his first season with the Knicks, Oldham played in 79 games and averaged 4.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He continued to be a valuable player for the Knicks in his second season, averaging 4.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
After his time with the Knicks, Oldham played for several other NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Seattle SuperSonics. He played his final season in the NBA in 1991, finishing his career with averages of 4.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Oldham was known for his defensive skills and shot-blocking ability throughout his career. He was a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, in 1982 and 1983, and led the NBA in blocks per game in the 1982-83 season. Oldham was also a member of the gold medal-winning United States men's basketball team at the 1979 Pan American Games.
After retiring from basketball, Oldham went on to work as a motivational speaker and basketball coach. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Jawann Oldham Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth.
In conclusion, Jawann Oldham was a talented basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was known for his defensive skills and shot-blocking ability, and was a valuable player for several teams throughout his career. Oldham's contributions to the game of basketball have been recognized through his selection to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and his leadership in blocks per game.
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