Jeff Foster is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Indiana Pacers for his entire career. He was born on January 16, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas, and attended Texas State University. Foster was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft but was traded to the Pacers before the start of the season.
Foster was known for his rebounding and defensive skills and was a key player for the Pacers during his career. He played as a power forward and center and was known for his toughness and work ethic. Foster was also a fan favorite due to his hustle and willingness to do the dirty work on the court.
During his career, Foster played in 764 regular-season games and averaged 4.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. He was also a solid free-throw shooter, with a career average of 68.6%. Foster was a consistent performer for the Pacers, and his rebounding and defense helped the team reach the playoffs in nine of his 13 seasons.
Foster's best season came in 2005-06 when he started 74 games and averaged 6.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He also shot a career-high 73.7% from the free-throw line that season. Foster was a key player for the Pacers during their playoff run that year, averaging 7.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the postseason.
Foster was also known for his durability, as he played in at least 70 games in eight of his 13 seasons. He missed the entire 2008-09 season due to back surgery but returned the following season and played in 71 games.
Foster announced his retirement from the NBA in March 2012, citing chronic back problems as the reason for his decision. He finished his career with 5,936 rebounds, which ranks fifth on the Pacers' all-time list. Foster was also known for his off-court contributions, as he was active in the community and was a two-time recipient of the Pacers' Community Service Award.
In conclusion, Jeff Foster was a solid NBA player who was known for his rebounding, defense, and toughness. He played his entire career for the Indiana Pacers and was a key player for the team during his 13 seasons. Foster's durability and work ethic made him a fan favorite, and his contributions on and off the court will be remembered by Pacers fans for years to come.
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