Boykins Could Close Out Career In Milwaukee
Needing veteran help at the point, Milwaukee has decided to rely on NBA’s shortest dribbler: Earl Boykins. After an NBA-comeback stint with Washington, Boykins returns to Milwaukee for a one-year, $1.3 million venture with the resurging Bucks.
Known as the second-smallest player in NBA history, the 5'5" Boykins has already played with a handful of NBA teams since he came to the league as an undrafted player in 1999. However, being undrafted never stopped Boykins from becoming one of the most reliable role players in the league.
Outstanding high school and college career
Boykins started his early career in Slavic Village in Cleveland. He attended Cleveland Central Catholic High School and played for the school’s basketball team. After finishing high school, he entered Eastern Michigan University where he played college basketball for four years. He won several awards and much recognition during his stay in Eastern Michigan. He ranked second in scoring in the NCAA Men’s Division 1 basketball championship where he averaged 26.8 points per game. He also made 624 assists during his stay in the university.
Early pro career and a home in Denver
As an undrafted player, Boykins took several years to find a team that suited his playing style. He was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, and L.A Clippers, but he never had the chance to contribute immensely due to limited playing time. Finally in 2003, Boykins found his home with the Denver Nuggets. Under George Karl’s free-flowing offence, Boykins effectively used his speed and agility to become the team’s primary scorer off the bench.
His stellar performance with the Nuggets came on November 11, 2004, when he scored a career-high 32 points against the Detroit Pistons. He was the shortest player in the NBA to score more than 30 points. Boykins averaged in double figures in all four seasons with the Nuggets before he was shipped to Milwaukee for point guard Steve Blake before the midseason trade deadline in 2007.
Milwaukee stint, a return to Europe, and comeback trail with the Wizards
Boykins accepted his mile high break-up with a series of big games for the Bucks, where he recorded the most starts in his career (19). Boykins finished the season, averaging 14 points, 4.5 assists, 2 boards while shooting 419 percent from the arc. However, in spite of a career-high season, Boykins did not receive any reasonable offers, forcing him to take a lucrative one-year deal in Europe.
He signed a contract with Virtus Bologna of the Italian league. His one-year contract with the team was worth $3.5 million, making him the highest paid player in the Italian league at that time. In December of 2008, GM Claudio Sabatini of Virtus decided to cut him, but Boykins announced a few days later that he was coming back to play for the same team again.
After his contract with the Italian team, he decided to return to the NBA. In November last year, he was signed by the Washington Wizards. It was a coincidence (and perhaps a blessing in disguise) that guards Javaris Crittenton and Gilbert Arenas were both suspended because of a gun possession incident at that time.
Boykins: No Shortage of Skills
Because of his stature, Boykins often plays the outside game. He is a sniper from both the field and beyond the arc. He runs the court quickly with or without the ball on fast breaks and in set play. He is not much of a defensive player but he can steal the ball occasionally.
Boykins will back up last year’s rookie sensation Brandon Jennings in the back court rotation. His leadership and experience in clutch situations will also be vital for the Bucks, as they look to contend in a highly competitive eastern conference.
Boykins may be considered to be one of the most underrated players in the league. He may be small but he can help the Bucks big time next season. The determined underdogs never stay underdogs for long.
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