Walter Davis is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 15 seasons. He was born on September 9, 1954, in Pineville, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college basketball for the Tar Heels.
Davis was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the fifth overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top shooting guards, earning NBA All-Rookie Team honors in his first season. He was known for his smooth shooting stroke and his ability to score from anywhere on the court.
Over the course of his career, Davis played for the Suns, the Denver Nuggets, and the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1979 and 1980. He also won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Davis was a prolific scorer throughout his career, averaging 18.9 points per game over 15 seasons. He was particularly effective from mid-range, where he could use his size and shooting touch to create space and knock down shots. He was also a solid rebounder and passer, averaging 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for his career.
Despite his individual success, Davis was never able to win an NBA championship. He came close in 1990, when he helped lead the Blazers to the NBA Finals, but they were ultimately defeated by the Detroit Pistons. Davis retired from the NBA in 1992, finishing his career with 19,521 points, 6,616 rebounds, and 2,609 assists.
After retiring from basketball, Davis remained involved in the sport as a coach and broadcaster. He served as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies, and he also worked as a color commentator for the Suns' television broadcasts. In 2012, he was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Overall, Walter Davis was one of the most talented and versatile players of his era. He was a consistent scorer and a reliable performer on both ends of the court, and he helped pave the way for the modern shooting guard position with his smooth shooting stroke and all-around game.
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