Walter McCarty is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on February 1, 1974, in Evansville, Indiana, and attended Harrison High School in Evansville. McCarty played college basketball at the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of the Wildcats' 1996 NCAA championship team.
McCarty was selected in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks for two seasons before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 1997. McCarty spent the majority of his NBA career with the Celtics, playing for the team from 1997 to 2005. He was known for his versatility as a player, as he could play both forward positions and was a solid three-point shooter.
During his time with the Celtics, McCarty was part of the team's resurgence in the early 2000s. He played alongside stars like Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002. McCarty was also known for his clutch shooting, as he hit several game-winning shots during his time with the Celtics.
After leaving the Celtics in 2005, McCarty played for several other NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Sacramento Kings. He retired from the NBA in 2006, finishing his career with averages of 5.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Following his playing career, McCarty transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Celtics from 2007 to 2013, and was part of the team's 2008 NBA championship squad. McCarty then spent several years as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville, before being named the head coach at Evansville in 2018.
Off the court, McCarty has been involved in several philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Walter McCarty Basketball Academy, which provides basketball training and mentorship to young players. He has also been involved in various community service projects, including efforts to combat homelessness and hunger.
Overall, Walter McCarty had a successful basketball career, both as a player and a coach. He was a versatile player who played an important role in the Celtics' success in the early 2000s, and has since become a respected coach and mentor in the basketball community.
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