Shavlik Randolph is a former American professional basketball player who played as a power forward and center. He was born on November 24, 1983, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Randolph attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, where he was a standout basketball player. He was named North Carolina's Mr. Basketball in 2002 and was also a McDonald's All-American.
After high school, Randolph committed to play college basketball at Duke University. He played for the Blue Devils from 2002 to 2005, where he was a key contributor to the team's success. Randolph was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, as well as his high basketball IQ. He was named to the All-ACC Third Team in 2005.
After his college career, Randolph declared for the NBA draft in 2005. He was selected in the second round, 44th overall, by the Philadelphia 76ers. Randolph played sparingly in his rookie season, appearing in only 12 games. He was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2006, where he played for two seasons. Randolph's best season in the NBA came in 2007-08, where he averaged 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Randolph then played for several teams in the NBA and overseas. He played for the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, and the Phoenix Suns, among others. He also played in China and Puerto Rico. Randolph's career was marked by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness.
Despite his injury struggles, Randolph was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He was a respected teammate and a positive influence in the locker room. Randolph was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his hometown of Raleigh. He established the Shavlik Randolph Foundation, which provides support to underprivileged children in the area.
Randolph retired from professional basketball in 2019. He finished his career with averages of 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in the NBA. While his career may not have been as successful as some of his peers, Randolph was a talented player who made a positive impact both on and off the court.
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