Lance Blanks is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for six seasons. He was born on September 9, 1966, in Austin, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns.
Blanks was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1990 NBA draft. He played for the Pistons for two seasons before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1992. He played for the Timberwolves for one season before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 1993.
Blanks played for the Warriors for two seasons before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995. He played for the Cavaliers for one season before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1996. He played for the Spurs for one season before retiring from professional basketball in 1997.
During his six-year NBA career, Blanks played in a total of 255 games, averaging 4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He was known for his defensive skills and his ability to shoot the three-point shot.
After retiring from professional basketball, Blanks worked as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns.
In 2010, Blanks was hired as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns. He held this position for three years before being fired in 2013. During his tenure as general manager, the Suns made the playoffs once and had a record of 98-132.
Blanks is currently working as a television analyst for the Longhorn Network, which is owned by the University of Texas at Austin. He also works as a motivational speaker and a consultant for various sports organizations.
In addition to his basketball career, Blanks is known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved with several charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Special Olympics. He has also established the Lance Blanks Foundation, which provides scholarships and other forms of support to underprivileged youth.
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