Marcus Camby
Encyclopedia
Marcus D. Camby is an American
professional basketball
player, who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers
of the NBA
. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year
during the 2006–07 NBA season, leading the league in blocked shots
per game. Camby is also a two-time member of the NBA all-defensive team.
, began his high school career at Conard High School
in West Hartford
. He transferred to Hartford Public High School
where he finished his high school education. In his senior season, Camby averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks and 8 assists, en route to a 27-0 record and state title. He was named Gatorade
's Connecticut Player of the Year.
. He is second all-time in total blocked shots (336) at UMass and the fourth-ever college player to have at least 300 total career blocked shots. He had an NCAA freshman record 105 total rejections during his first year at UMass, and was named the Atlantic 10's Freshman of the Year. Camby was named to the A-10's First Team during his sophomore season in 1994-95, as the Minutemen reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament
.
Camby won the John R. Wooden Award
and the Naismith College Player of the Year Award
during the 1995–96 season. He led UMass to numerous #1 rankings and the 1996 NCAA
Final Four
. In the NCAA tournament, Camby set a tourney record of 43 total blocked shots in 11 games. On April 29, 1996, Camby announced that he would forgo his senior year at UMass and enter the NBA Draft
.
UMass' visit to the Final Four was later officially nullified by the NCAA because Camby had been found to have accepted $28,000 from two sports agents. As part of the penalty, the school was forced to return their $151,617 in revenue from the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Camby later reimbursed the school for the amount lost. According to a 1997 Sports Illustrated article, the agents, John Lounsbury and Wesley Spears of Connecticut, had hoped that Camby would hire them to represent him when he became a professional. The article reported that Camby had also received "jewelry, rental cars and prostitutes" from the agents.
Camby was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame on September 10, 2010. Though some criticized the school for inducting a student-athlete who caused their Final Four achievement to be vacated, others saw it as a positive recognition of one of the school's best ever athletes.
by the Toronto Raptors
. In the 1996-97 season, he made the NBA All-Rookie First Team, averaging 14.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. The next year, Camby led the league in blocked shots with 3.7 per game.
in exchange for longtime popular Knick Charles Oakley
; a trade that Knicks fans would heavily criticize initially, but later praise as he would help the Knicks become the first #8th seed to make it to the NBA Finals
during the 1998–99 NBA season.
, in exchange for Antonio McDyess
.
Camby has led the NBA in blocked shots for several seasons; however, frequent injuries have limited the impact of his career in the NBA. The 2005–06 season with the Nuggets was one of his most successful, as he had 12.0 rebounds per game, 9.6 defensive rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per game. He also averaged 12.8 points per game and led the league in blocks per game (3.3), while helping Denver earn a playoff berth by winning the Northwest Division
.
On December 16, 2006, Camby was involved in the infamous Knicks–Nuggets brawl. He was one of 10 players ejected from the game, but received no suspension.
Camby won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
for the 2006–07 season. The honor was the first of Camby's career. He received the actual award from NBA commissioner David Stern
during a pregame ceremony at the Nuggets first home 2006–07 playoff game, which was against the San Antonio Spurs
on April 28, 2007. During the 2006–07 season, Camby averaged 3.3 blocks per game (first in the league), 11.7 rebounds per game (fifth in the league), 9.3 defensive rebounds per game (second in the league) and 1.24 steals per game (second among centers).
, Camby posted a triple-double, with 10 points (which included a three-pointer), 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. The triple-double was Camby's third of his career and the first since April 19, 1998, against the Philadelphia 76ers
. On January 14, 2008, in a Nuggets' road loss against the Charlotte Bobcats
, Camby had a statistically impressive and rare game of 20 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks. He became only the fourth player since 1990 to have at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks in one game. On January 17, 2008, in a Nuggets' home win against the Utah Jazz
, Camby became just the third player since blocked shots became an official NBA stat in 1973–74 with at least 24 rebounds and 11 blocks in a game. On January 25, 2008, in a Nuggets home win against the New Jersey Nets
, Camby blocked 4 shots—and in the process—recorded his 1,000th blocked shot as a member of the Nuggets. On March 16, 2008, in an historic 168–116 home win in regulation over the Seattle SuperSonics
(the 168 points were the most points scored in franchise history - fourth most in NBA history - for a non-overtime game), Camby recorded his second triple-double of the 2007–08 NBA season when he had 13 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. The triple-double was accomplished in a NBA record-tying 27 minutes.
. In exchange, the Clippers gave Denver the option to swap second-round draft picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. In the first part of the 2008–09 NBA season, he started at power forward
, with Chris Kaman
remaining as the starting center. Then, an injury that occurred to Kaman and the arrival of forward Zach Randolph
brought Camby back to the starting center position. Camby said that he was unhappy that he was traded from the Nuggets, essentially being made the scapegoat for their lack of post-season success.
On December 17, 2008, Camby pulled down a career-high 27 rebounds in a 109–115 overtime loss against the Chicago Bulls
. He also had 19 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks.
On February 16, 2010, Camby was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
for Steve Blake
, Travis Outlaw
, and cash.
and Joel Przybilla
, Camby helped the team secure a playoff berth as the Western Conference's six seed. On April 12, 2010 in a game in Portland against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Camby had a monstrous game leading the Blazers in scoring with 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. This performance sent the Rose Garden crowd into a hysteria and they began to chant "Marcus Camby" during the final minutes of the game. On April 20th, 2010 Marcus Camby signed a two year contract extension to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers
.
Camby wore No. 21 (his UMass and Toronto Raptors number) during his first season in Portland, as Martell Webster
still wore No. 23 at the time of the trade. Upon Webster's departure Camby re-acquired his familiar jersey No. 23.
| style="text-align:left;"| 1996–97
| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto
| 63 || 38 || 30.1 || .482 || .143 || .693 || 6.3 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 2.1 || 14.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1997–98
| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto
| 63 || 58 || 31.8 || .412 || .000 || .611 || 7.4 || 1.8 || 1.1 || 3.7 || 12.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1998–99
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 46 || 0 || 20.5 || .521 || .000 || .553 || 5.5 || .3 || .6 || 1.6 || 7.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1999–00
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 59 || 11 || 26.2 || .480 || .500 || .670 || 7.8 || .8 || .7 || 2.0 || 10.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2000–01
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 63 || 63 || 33.8 || .524 || .125 || .667 || 11.5 || .8 || 1.0 || 2.2 || 12.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2001–02
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 29 || 29 || 34.7 || .448 || .000 || .626 || 11.1 || 1.1 || 1.2 || 1.7 || 11.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2002–03
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 29 || 9 || 21.2 || .410 || .400 || .660 || 7.2 || 1.6 || .7 || 1.4 || 7.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2003–04
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 72 || 72 || 30.0 || .477 || .000 || .721 || 10.1 || 1.8 || 1.2 || 2.6 || 8.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004–05
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 66 || 66 || 30.5 || .465 || .000 || .723 || 10.0 || 2.3 || .9 || 3.0 || 10.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005–06
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 56 || 54 || 33.2 || .465 || .091 || .712 || 11.9 || 2.1 || 1.4 || 3.3 || 12.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006–07
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 70 || 70 || 33.8 || .473 || .000 || .729 || 11.7 || 3.2 || 1.2 || 3.3 || 11.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007–08
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 79 || 79 || 34.9 || .450 || .300 || .708 || 13.1 || 3.3 || 1.1 || 3.6 || 9.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Clippers
| 62 || 55 || 31.0 || .512 || .250 || .725 || 11.1 || 2.0 || .8 || 2.1 || 10.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Clippers
| 51 || 51 || 31.3 || .466 || .333 || .659 || 12.1 || 3.0 || 1.4 || 1.9 || 7.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 23 || 23 || 31.2 || .497 || .000 || .581 || 11.1 || 1.5 || 1.1 || 2.0 || 7.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 59 || 51 || 26.1 || .398 || .000 || .614 || 10.3 || 2.1 || .7 || 1.6 || 4.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 890 || 729 || 30.4 || .468 || .193 || .678 || 10.0 || 1.9 || 1.0 || 2.5 || 10.0
| style="text-align:left;"| 1998–99
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 20 || 3 || 25.5 || .566 || .000 || .616 || 7.7 || .3 || 1.2 || 1.9 || 10.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1999–00
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 16 || 0 || 24.1 || .337 || .000 || .613 || 7.0 || .4 || .5 || 1.4 || 4.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2000–01
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 4 || 4 || 35.3 || .385 || .000 || .385 || 8.0 || 1.8 || .5 || 2.2 || 6.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2003–04
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 38.8 || .491 || .500 || .571 || 11.4 || 2.4 || .8 || 1.4 || 12.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004–05
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 36.8 || .415 || .000 || .630 || 11.2 || 1.8 || .6 || 3.2 || 10.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005–06
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 35.0 || .419 || .000 || .556 || 11.0 || 2.2 || .8 || 2.8 || 11.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006–07
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 36.8 || .378 || .000 || .667 || 14.8 || 2.0 || .8 || 3.2 || 7.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007–08
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 4 || 4 || 31.0 || .238 || 1.000 || .333 || 13.3 || 3.0 || 1.0 || 3.0 || 3.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 6 || 29.7 || .421 || .000 || .500 || 10.0 || 2.3 || .7 || 1.2 || 5.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 6 || 27.8 || .455 || 1.000 || .000 || 9.7 || 1.3 || .7 || 1.5 || 3.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 76 || 43 || 29.5 || .442 || .429 || .578 || 9.3 || 1.3 || .8 || 2.0 || 7.7
, implemented during the 2005–2006 season, saying that "I don't see it happening unless every NBA player is given a stipend to buy clothes." He was highly criticized for that quote, in large part because he was scheduled to make $7.5 million that season.
In 1996, Camby established the Cambyland Foundation, a non-profit organization. Cambyland partners with school and community organizations to provide opportunities for young people.
possession in South Windsor
, Connecticut after police stopped him for a driving offense. On July 1, 1997, he agreed to a plea deal that required him to complete 16 hours of community service, in exchange for dismissal of the drug charge. Charges against Camby were dropped after he fulfilled the community service.
On April 23, 2001, Camby's mother and two sisters were taken hostage in their own home by Hartford resident Troy Crooms. Crooms, who was charged with kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, burglary and possession of a weapon, held the women at knife-point over an eight-hour long stand-off with police. Crooms pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault, second-degree burglary and violating probation. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Camby was arrested by police in Pearland
, Texas on Monday, September 19, 2011 and charged with marijuana possession. The charges were later dropped.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player, who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
of the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1982–83 NBA season, to the top defensive player of the regular season...
during the 2006–07 NBA season, leading the league in blocked shots
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
per game. Camby is also a two-time member of the NBA all-defensive team.
High school
Camby, a native of ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, began his high school career at Conard High School
Conard High School
Conard High School is a public high school in West Hartford, Connecticut. It opened in 1957, and was named after Frederick Underwood Conard, president of Niles-Bement-Pond Company and chairman of the local Board of Education when plans for the school were approved...
in West Hartford
West Hartford, Connecticut
West Hartford is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The town was incorporated in 1854. Prior to that date, the town was a parish of Hartford....
. He transferred to Hartford Public High School
Hartford Public High School
Hartford Public High School was founded in 1638. It is the second-oldest public secondary school in the United States , second to the Boston Latin School. It is a part of the Hartford Public Schools district.-History:...
where he finished his high school education. In his senior season, Camby averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks and 8 assists, en route to a 27-0 record and state title. He was named Gatorade
Gatorade
Gatorade is a brand of sports-themed food and beverage products, built around its signature product: a line of sports drinks. Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, distributed in over 80 countries...
's Connecticut Player of the Year.
College career
Camby played three seasons for the UMass MinutemenUMass Minutemen basketball
The UMass Minutemen basketball team, also known as the Massachusetts Minutemen, represents the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, in NCAA Division I men's competition...
. He is second all-time in total blocked shots (336) at UMass and the fourth-ever college player to have at least 300 total career blocked shots. He had an NCAA freshman record 105 total rejections during his first year at UMass, and was named the Atlantic 10's Freshman of the Year. Camby was named to the A-10's First Team during his sophomore season in 1994-95, as the Minutemen reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament
1995 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 1995 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 16, 1995, and ended with the championship game on April 3 at the Kingdome in Seattle,...
.
Camby won the John R. Wooden Award
John R. Wooden Award
The John R. Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college basketball players. The program consists of the men's and women's Player of the Year awards, the Legends of Coaching award and recognizes the All–America Teams.The awards, given by the Los...
and the Naismith College Player of the Year Award
Naismith College Player of the Year
The Naismith College Player of the Year is an annual basketball award given by the Atlanta Tipoff Club to the top men's and women's collegiate basketball players. It is named in honor of the inventor of basketball , Dr. James Naismith....
during the 1995–96 season. He led UMass to numerous #1 rankings and the 1996 NCAA
1996 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 1996 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 14, 1996, and ended with the championship game on April 1 at Continental Airlines Arena in...
Final Four
Final four
Final Four isa sports term that is commonly applied to the last four teams remaining in a playoff tournament, most notably NCAA Division I college basketball tournaments. The term usually refers to the four teams who compete in the two games of a single-elimination tournament's semi-final round...
. In the NCAA tournament, Camby set a tourney record of 43 total blocked shots in 11 games. On April 29, 1996, Camby announced that he would forgo his senior year at UMass and enter the NBA Draft
NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
.
UMass' visit to the Final Four was later officially nullified by the NCAA because Camby had been found to have accepted $28,000 from two sports agents. As part of the penalty, the school was forced to return their $151,617 in revenue from the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Camby later reimbursed the school for the amount lost. According to a 1997 Sports Illustrated article, the agents, John Lounsbury and Wesley Spears of Connecticut, had hoped that Camby would hire them to represent him when he became a professional. The article reported that Camby had also received "jewelry, rental cars and prostitutes" from the agents.
Camby was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame on September 10, 2010. Though some criticized the school for inducting a student-athlete who caused their Final Four achievement to be vacated, others saw it as a positive recognition of one of the school's best ever athletes.
Toronto Raptors
Camby was selected second overall in the first round of the well-regarded 1996 NBA Draft1996 NBA Draft
The 1996 NBA Draft was the 50th draft in the National Basketball Association . It was held on June 26, 1996 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The draft was broadcast in the United States on the Turner Network Television...
by the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
. In the 1996-97 season, he made the NBA All-Rookie First Team, averaging 14.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. The next year, Camby led the league in blocked shots with 3.7 per game.
New York Knicks
He played for the Raptors from 1996–1998, before being traded to the New York KnicksNew York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in exchange for longtime popular Knick Charles Oakley
Charles Oakley
Charles Oakley is a retired American professional basketball player and is currently an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association...
; a trade that Knicks fans would heavily criticize initially, but later praise as he would help the Knicks become the first #8th seed to make it to the NBA Finals
1999 NBA Finals
The 1999 NBA Finals was the championship round of the shortened 1998–99 NBA season or the 1999 season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home court advantage...
during the 1998–99 NBA season.
Denver Nuggets
Camby played for the Knicks from 1998–2002, before being traded to the Denver NuggetsDenver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
, in exchange for Antonio McDyess
Antonio McDyess
Antonio Keithflen McDyess is an American professional basketball player. McDyess is listed at 6'9" , 245 lb. and is a power forward/center. In 2009 he signed a 3-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs....
.
Camby has led the NBA in blocked shots for several seasons; however, frequent injuries have limited the impact of his career in the NBA. The 2005–06 season with the Nuggets was one of his most successful, as he had 12.0 rebounds per game, 9.6 defensive rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per game. He also averaged 12.8 points per game and led the league in blocks per game (3.3), while helping Denver earn a playoff berth by winning the Northwest Division
Northwest Division (NBA)
The Northwest Division is one of the three divisions in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association . The division consists of five teams, the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah JazzThe division was...
.
On December 16, 2006, Camby was involved in the infamous Knicks–Nuggets brawl. He was one of 10 players ejected from the game, but received no suspension.
Camby won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1982–83 NBA season, to the top defensive player of the regular season...
for the 2006–07 season. The honor was the first of Camby's career. He received the actual award from NBA commissioner David Stern
David Stern
David Joel Stern is the commissioner of the National Basketball Association. He started with the Association in 1966 as an outside counsel, joined the NBA in 1978 as General Counsel, and became the league's Executive Vice President in 1980. He became Commissioner in 1984 succeeding Larry O'Brien...
during a pregame ceremony at the Nuggets first home 2006–07 playoff game, which was against the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
on April 28, 2007. During the 2006–07 season, Camby averaged 3.3 blocks per game (first in the league), 11.7 rebounds per game (fifth in the league), 9.3 defensive rebounds per game (second in the league) and 1.24 steals per game (second among centers).
2007–2008 season
During the 2007–08 NBA season, Camby continued to make his mark as one of the best defensive players and centers in the game. He finished the season averaging 13.1 rebounds per game (second in the league), 18.1 rebounds per 48 minutes (first in the league), 10.2 defensive rebounds per game (second in the league), 14.1 defensive rebounds per 48 minutes (first in the league), 3.61 blocks per game (first in the league), 4.96 blocks per 48 minutes (first in the league), 285 total blocks (first in the league), 1.06 steals per game (third among centers) and 3.3 assists per game (second among centers). On December 26, 2007, in a Nuggets' home win against the Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, Camby posted a triple-double, with 10 points (which included a three-pointer), 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. The triple-double was Camby's third of his career and the first since April 19, 1998, against the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
. On January 14, 2008, in a Nuggets' road loss against the Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
, Camby had a statistically impressive and rare game of 20 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks. He became only the fourth player since 1990 to have at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks in one game. On January 17, 2008, in a Nuggets' home win against the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Camby became just the third player since blocked shots became an official NBA stat in 1973–74 with at least 24 rebounds and 11 blocks in a game. On January 25, 2008, in a Nuggets home win against the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Camby blocked 4 shots—and in the process—recorded his 1,000th blocked shot as a member of the Nuggets. On March 16, 2008, in an historic 168–116 home win in regulation over the Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
(the 168 points were the most points scored in franchise history - fourth most in NBA history - for a non-overtime game), Camby recorded his second triple-double of the 2007–08 NBA season when he had 13 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. The triple-double was accomplished in a NBA record-tying 27 minutes.
Los Angeles Clippers
On July 15, 2008, Camby was traded from the Nuggets to the Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. In exchange, the Clippers gave Denver the option to swap second-round draft picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. In the first part of the 2008–09 NBA season, he started at power forward
Power forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
, with Chris Kaman
Chris Kaman
Christopher Zane Kaman is an American-German basketball player for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. Kaman stands 7'0" and weighs 265 pounds...
remaining as the starting center. Then, an injury that occurred to Kaman and the arrival of forward Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph
Zachary Randolph , nicknamed Z-Bo, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA...
brought Camby back to the starting center position. Camby said that he was unhappy that he was traded from the Nuggets, essentially being made the scapegoat for their lack of post-season success.
"I thought I had done everything possible that I could do with that team, and just tried to go about things the right way. I just thought the way they went about it was classless; they didn't let me know anything. That's a thing of the past right now, that's something I put behind me and I'm looking forward to embarking on this journey."
On December 17, 2008, Camby pulled down a career-high 27 rebounds in a 109–115 overtime loss against the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. He also had 19 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks.
On February 16, 2010, Camby was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
for Steve Blake
Steve Blake
Steven Hanson "Steve" Blake is an American professional basketball point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Previously, he played for the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers.-High school:Blake spent his freshman and sophomore year...
, Travis Outlaw
Travis Outlaw
Travis Marquez Outlaw is an American professional basketball player currently with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA.-NBA career:...
, and cash.
Portland Trail Blazers
Marcus Camby played in 23 games for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2009 - 2010 season. With the Blazers riddled with injuries to their centers Greg OdenGreg Oden
Gregory Wayne Oden, Jr. is an American basketball player at the center position. Oden is a member of the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA....
and Joel Przybilla
Joel Przybilla
Joel Przybilla is an American professional basketball player. A 7'1" center, he last played for the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA.- High school career :...
, Camby helped the team secure a playoff berth as the Western Conference's six seed. On April 12, 2010 in a game in Portland against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena....
Camby had a monstrous game leading the Blazers in scoring with 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. This performance sent the Rose Garden crowd into a hysteria and they began to chant "Marcus Camby" during the final minutes of the game. On April 20th, 2010 Marcus Camby signed a two year contract extension to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
.
Camby wore No. 21 (his UMass and Toronto Raptors number) during his first season in Portland, as Martell Webster
Martell Webster
Martell Webster is an American professional basketball player currently a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA. The 6' 7" , 235 lbs small forward–shooting guard was nicknamed "The Definition" as a play on his surname , given to him by a personal friend...
still wore No. 23 at the time of the trade. Upon Webster's departure Camby re-acquired his familiar jersey No. 23.
Regular season
|-| style="text-align:left;"| 1996–97
| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
| 63 || 38 || 30.1 || .482 || .143 || .693 || 6.3 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 2.1 || 14.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1997–98
| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto
| 63 || 58 || 31.8 || .412 || .000 || .611 || 7.4 || 1.8 || 1.1 || 3.7 || 12.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1998–99
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 46 || 0 || 20.5 || .521 || .000 || .553 || 5.5 || .3 || .6 || 1.6 || 7.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1999–00
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 59 || 11 || 26.2 || .480 || .500 || .670 || 7.8 || .8 || .7 || 2.0 || 10.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2000–01
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 63 || 63 || 33.8 || .524 || .125 || .667 || 11.5 || .8 || 1.0 || 2.2 || 12.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2001–02
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 29 || 29 || 34.7 || .448 || .000 || .626 || 11.1 || 1.1 || 1.2 || 1.7 || 11.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2002–03
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
| 29 || 9 || 21.2 || .410 || .400 || .660 || 7.2 || 1.6 || .7 || 1.4 || 7.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2003–04
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 72 || 72 || 30.0 || .477 || .000 || .721 || 10.1 || 1.8 || 1.2 || 2.6 || 8.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004–05
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 66 || 66 || 30.5 || .465 || .000 || .723 || 10.0 || 2.3 || .9 || 3.0 || 10.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005–06
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 56 || 54 || 33.2 || .465 || .091 || .712 || 11.9 || 2.1 || 1.4 || 3.3 || 12.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006–07
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 70 || 70 || 33.8 || .473 || .000 || .729 || 11.7 || 3.2 || 1.2 || 3.3 || 11.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007–08
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 79 || 79 || 34.9 || .450 || .300 || .708 || 13.1 || 3.3 || 1.1 || 3.6 || 9.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 62 || 55 || 31.0 || .512 || .250 || .725 || 11.1 || 2.0 || .8 || 2.1 || 10.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Clippers
| 51 || 51 || 31.3 || .466 || .333 || .659 || 12.1 || 3.0 || 1.4 || 1.9 || 7.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 23 || 23 || 31.2 || .497 || .000 || .581 || 11.1 || 1.5 || 1.1 || 2.0 || 7.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 59 || 51 || 26.1 || .398 || .000 || .614 || 10.3 || 2.1 || .7 || 1.6 || 4.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 890 || 729 || 30.4 || .468 || .193 || .678 || 10.0 || 1.9 || 1.0 || 2.5 || 10.0
Playoffs
|-| style="text-align:left;"| 1998–99
1999 NBA Playoffs
The 1999 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks four games to one...
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 20 || 3 || 25.5 || .566 || .000 || .616 || 7.7 || .3 || 1.2 || 1.9 || 10.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 1999–00
2000 NBA Playoffs
The 2000 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1999–2000 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers win their first championship in twelve years by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers...
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 16 || 0 || 24.1 || .337 || .000 || .613 || 7.0 || .4 || .5 || 1.4 || 4.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2000–01
2001 NBA Playoffs
The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000–01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers winning their second consecutive championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers...
| style="text-align:left;"| New York
| 4 || 4 || 35.3 || .385 || .000 || .385 || 8.0 || 1.8 || .5 || 2.2 || 6.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2003–04
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
| 5 || 5 || 38.8 || .491 || .500 || .571 || 11.4 || 2.4 || .8 || 1.4 || 12.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004–05
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 36.8 || .415 || .000 || .630 || 11.2 || 1.8 || .6 || 3.2 || 10.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 35.0 || .419 || .000 || .556 || 11.0 || 2.2 || .8 || 2.8 || 11.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006–07
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 5 || 5 || 36.8 || .378 || .000 || .667 || 14.8 || 2.0 || .8 || 3.2 || 7.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| style="text-align:left;"| Denver
| 4 || 4 || 31.0 || .238 || 1.000 || .333 || 13.3 || 3.0 || 1.0 || 3.0 || 3.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 6 || 6 || 29.7 || .421 || .000 || .500 || 10.0 || 2.3 || .7 || 1.2 || 5.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11
2011 NBA Playoffs
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2010–11 season. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on...
| style="text-align:left;"| Portland
| 6 || 6 || 27.8 || .455 || 1.000 || .000 || 9.7 || 1.3 || .7 || 1.5 || 3.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Career
| style="text-align:left;"|
| 76 || 43 || 29.5 || .442 || .429 || .578 || 9.3 || 1.3 || .8 || 2.0 || 7.7
Criticism
Camby received attention in 2005 for making comments regarding the NBA's dress codeNBA dress code
On October 17, 2005, National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern implemented a mandatory dress code for all NBA and NBA Development League players...
, implemented during the 2005–2006 season, saying that "I don't see it happening unless every NBA player is given a stipend to buy clothes." He was highly criticized for that quote, in large part because he was scheduled to make $7.5 million that season.
Awards and honors
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year AwardNBA Defensive Player of the Year AwardThe National Basketball Association's Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1982–83 NBA season, to the top defensive player of the regular season...
(2006–07) - NBA All-Defensive First Team (2006–07, 2007–08)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2004–05, 2005–06)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996–97)
- John R. Wooden AwardJohn R. Wooden AwardThe John R. Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college basketball players. The program consists of the men's and women's Player of the Year awards, the Legends of Coaching award and recognizes the All–America Teams.The awards, given by the Los...
(1995–96) - Naismith College Player of the Year AwardNaismith College Player of the YearThe Naismith College Player of the Year is an annual basketball award given by the Atlanta Tipoff Club to the top men's and women's collegiate basketball players. It is named in honor of the inventor of basketball , Dr. James Naismith....
(1995–96) - Oscar Robertson TrophyOscar Robertson TrophyThe Oscar Robertson Trophy is given out annually to outstanding men's college basketball players by the United States Basketball Writers Association . The trophy is considered to be the oldest of its kind and has been given out since 1959...
(1995–96) - The Sporting NewsThe Sporting NewsSporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
College Player of the Year - Associated PressAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
First-Team All-American (1995–96) - UPI First-Team All-American (1995–96)
- Basketball Weekly First-Team All-American (1995–96)
- NCAA East Regional Most Outstanding Player (1995–96)
- All-Atlantic 10 First Team (1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96)
- Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year (1993–94)
- New Haven Register All-State Team (1992–1993)
Charitable
Camby tutored South Hadley students while at UMass, and has been active in charities throughout his career. He was active with several Denver-area charities as a Nugget. As a pro he has also toured Africa with Basketball Without Borders.In 1996, Camby established the Cambyland Foundation, a non-profit organization. Cambyland partners with school and community organizations to provide opportunities for young people.
Legal
On June 14, 1997, Camby was arrested on charges of marijuanaCannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
possession in South Windsor
South Windsor, Connecticut
-History:In 1659, Thomas Burnham purchased the tract of land now covered by the towns of South Windsor and East Hartford from Tantinomo, chief sachem of the Podunk Indians. Burnham lived on the land and later willed it to his nine children...
, Connecticut after police stopped him for a driving offense. On July 1, 1997, he agreed to a plea deal that required him to complete 16 hours of community service, in exchange for dismissal of the drug charge. Charges against Camby were dropped after he fulfilled the community service.
On April 23, 2001, Camby's mother and two sisters were taken hostage in their own home by Hartford resident Troy Crooms. Crooms, who was charged with kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, burglary and possession of a weapon, held the women at knife-point over an eight-hour long stand-off with police. Crooms pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault, second-degree burglary and violating probation. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Camby was arrested by police in Pearland
Pearland, Texas
Pearland , is a city located along the Gulf Coast region in the US state of Texas within the metropolitan area and is in the counties of Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Harris. As of the census of 2000, the city's population was 37,640. As of 2008, Pearland is estimated to have a population of 90,700...
, Texas on Monday, September 19, 2011 and charged with marijuana possession. The charges were later dropped.
See also
- List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders
- List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders
- List of National Basketball Association players with 10 or more blocks in a game
- Toronto Raptors accomplishments and records