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Introduction
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the NBA is the premier basketball league. Over the years, many talented players from Puerto Rico have made their mark in the NBA. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most successful Puerto Rican NBA players and their contributions to the sport.
Early History of Basketball in Puerto Rico
Basketball was introduced to Puerto Rico in the early 1900s, but it was not until the 1920s and 1930s that it became popular. The first Puerto Rican basketball team was formed in 1930, and the sport grew rapidly in popularity over the next few decades. By the 1960s, Puerto Rico had become a major force in international basketball.
Butch Lee
One of the most successful Puerto Rican NBA players is Butch Lee. Lee was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1956, and he went on to play college basketball at Marquette University. In 1978, Lee led Marquette to the NCAA championship, and he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Lee’s NBA Career
After college, Lee was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft. He played in the NBA for five seasons, with stints on the Hawks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lee’s best season was in 1980-81, when he averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Cavaliers.
Carlos Arroyo
Another successful Puerto Rican NBA player is Carlos Arroyo. Arroyo was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, in 1979, and he went on to play college basketball at Florida International University. Arroyo was not drafted by an NBA team, but he eventually signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2001.
Arroyo’s NBA Career
Arroyo played in the NBA for nine seasons, with stints on the Raptors, the Denver Nuggets, the Utah Jazz, the Detroit Pistons, the Orlando Magic, and the Miami Heat. Arroyo’s best season was in 2003-04, when he averaged 12.6 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Jazz.
J.J. Barea
J.J. Barea is another successful Puerto Rican NBA player. Barea was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in 1984, and he went on to play college basketball at Northeastern University. Barea was not drafted by an NBA team, but he eventually signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2006.
Barea’s NBA Career
Barea has played in the NBA for 16 seasons, with stints on the Mavericks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Puerto Rico national team. Barea was a key member of the Mavericks’ 2011 championship team and was named the NBA Finals MVP. Barea’s best season was in 2010-11, when he averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Mavericks.
Rick Pitino
Rick Pitino is not a player, but he is a successful Puerto Rican basketball coach. Pitino was born in New York City in 1952, but he has Puerto Rican heritage. Pitino has coached several NBA teams, including the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pitino’s Coaching Career
Pitino has also had a successful college coaching career, with stints at Providence College, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Louisville. Pitino has won two NCAA championships and has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Puerto Rican NBA players have made significant contributions to the sport of basketball. Butch Lee, Carlos Arroyo, J.J. Barea, and Rick Pitino are just a few of the many talented Puerto Rican basketball players and coaches. Their success in the NBA has helped to inspire a new generation of Puerto Rican basketball players and fans.
