Christian Laettner

Christian Laettner, a retired professional basketball player, spent 13 years playing in the NBA. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest college basketball players ever, playing for Duke University from 1989-1992. He holds NCAA Tournament records for the most points scored, most free throws made, most free throw attempts and most games played. He was drafted third overall in the 1992 NBA draft behind Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Christian Donald Laettner
2. Born: August 17, 1969
3. Birthplace: Angola, New York
4. Nickname: Late
5. Height: 245 lbs.
6. Weight: 6 ft. 11 in.
7. Position: Center
8. High School: Nichols School in Buffalo, New York
9. College: Duke University
10. Draft year: 1992
11. Spouse: Lisa
12. Only college player on the original "Dream Team" that won the Olympic Gold medal in 1992

Career

Laettner was drafted third overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1992 NBA Draft. He spent 13 years in the NBA as a member of the Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks, the Detroit Pistons, the Dallas Mavericks, the Washington Wizards, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat. In 1992-1993, he was voted to the All-Rookie First Team and was an All-Star reserve in 1996-1997. He sat out most of the 1998-1999 season due to a torn achilles tendon and in the 2003-2004 season he was suspended for five games without pay for drug violations. His last season in the NBA was with the Miami Heat in 2004-2005.

Career Highlights

Laettner's #32 jersey was retired in 1993 by Duke University, where he averaged 16.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and is the all-time three-point shooting percentage leader with 48.5 percent. He is one of only four players to play in four consecutive Final Fours and the only one to start in all four games. Laettner also holds the record for playing in the most tournament games – 23. He was the only college player on the original “Dream Team,” for which he won a Gold medal in the 1992 Olympic games.

Timeline

• Duke Blue Devils 1989-1992
• Minnesota Timberwolves 1992-1996
• Atlanta Hawks 1996-1998
• Detroit Pistons 1999-2000
• Dallas Mavericks 2000-2001
• Washington Wizards 2001-2004
• Miami Heat 2004-2005

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