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Greg Kite
Greg Kite
from Wikipedia

Gregory Fuller Kite (born August 5, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player. Kite was a member of two NBA Championship teams with the Boston Celtics in 1984 and 1986. Kite played eleven NBA seasons.

Key Information

Early life

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Kite was the youngest of four siblings with a brother and two sisters. He first played team basketball when he was 10 years old at the Southwest YMCA in Houston, while also playing other sports. He attended Pershing Junior High, where he played basketball in grades seven through nine.[1]

Kite attended Madison High School in Houston, Texas, under Coach Paul Benton. Kite was 6′10” by the time he was 15, and had given up other sports.[2]

Basketball Weekly ranked Madison as high as 5th in the nation in 1979 and 1st in Texas. With a record of 39–0, Madison lost in the state semifinals to Lufkin High School from Lufkin, Texas. Kite averaged 18 points and 15 rebounds as a senior.[1][3]

Kite was selected to play in the 1979 McDonald's All-American Game, alongside players such as Sam Bowie, Antoine Carr, Quintin Dailey, Sidney Green, Clark Kellogg, Sidney Lowe, John Paxson, Ralph Sampson, Byron Scott, Steve Stipanovich, Isiah Thomas, Dereck Whittenburg, Dominique Wilkins and James Worthy.[4][5]

College career

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Kite was recruited by Duke, Kentucky and UCLA among others. Family connections led to him attending Brigham Young University, where he played for coach Frank Arnold.[6][1]

Kite was a sophomore on the 1980–1981 BYU team that finished 25–7 under Coach Frank Arnold. Playing alongside future Celtic teammates Danny Ainge and Fred Roberts, Kite averaged 8.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists as the Cougars defeated Princeton, UCLA and Notre Dame in the 1981 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament, before losing to Ralph Sampson and Virginia in the East Regional Final. Kite had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win over UCLA.[7][8]

Kite averaged 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 112 games over his four-year college career.[9]

Professional career

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Kite was selected 21st overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1983 NBA draft. Said Kite about the draft: "That summer the Celtics traded Rick Robey to the Phoenix Suns for Dennis Johnson and a first-round pick. What that did was open up a spot for a backup center. Red Auerbach really wanted to pick Roy Hinson from Rutgers. Hinson was a heck of a player who ended up having some knee problems later on, and Roy had really long arms like Kevin McHale. He could reach four or five inches higher than I could, even though he was only 6′-9”. So Red really wanted him and hoped he would last until the Celtics could pick, but Roy was selected by Cleveland. I was the alternative."[1]

As a Celtic, he won two championship rings in 1984 and 1986, serving as a reserve center behind Hall of Famers Robert Parish, Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale.[10]

On June 7, 1987 in game three of the 1987 NBA Finals, with Robert Parish in foul trouble and Bill Walton ailing, Kite was called upon by Coach KC Jones to match up against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for 22 minutes. He responded with defense that tired Jabbar, and blocked a shot by Magic Johnson. Kite had zero points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and five fouls in his 22 minutes and his play helped the Celtics to a 109–103 victory.[11][12]

"Kite didn't score a point?" Laker Coach Pat Riley asked after the game. "It looked like he had 100."[12]

After the game, Larry Bird said, "I've seen Greg play real well at times. He's got limited offensive ability, but he is a banger and he is probably our hardest worker. He kept Kareem off balance and got a lot of rebounds. His work ethic finally paid off. He stayed with his game and did a real good job."[12]

Kite played five seasons with Boston, until he was waived on February 1, 1988.[13]

“My time in Boston was incredible, unique. I played with Larry, Kevin, Dennis Johnson. I loved New England, made a lot of friends there. It was a great time, great era." Kite recalled. "We went into the 87–88 season and Bird, McHale were getting pretty banged up. They brought in Artis Gilmore and put me on injured reserve, even though I wasn’t injured. You can always have a bad back.”[14]

Kite then played for the Los Angeles Clippers and five other NBA teams, including 12 games with the Charlotte Hornets in that team's inaugural season of 1988–89.

“When I went to the Celtics I wanted to play, but there were four Hall of Famers there. I stuck around after practice to work on my game and there were other veterans on the team who would do that, too." Kite said. “When I left the Celtics, yes, I was able to play more, but when you go from a championship team to a team like the Clippers, who were one of the worst teams back then, you can develop some bad habits. You didn’t see anyone sticking around after practice there.”[14]

With the Sacramento Kings on January 6, 1990, Kite made the only 3-pointer of his career against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kite shot 1 of 6 from three for his career.[15] "I led the league in three-point shooting one year. I was 1-for-1 shooting threes for the Sacramento Kings. So I quit while I was ahead." Kite said of his three.[1]

Kite played for the Orlando Magic between 1990 and 1994. In his first season with the team, he started all 82 games at center and led the Magic with 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots per game, both career highs. He served as backup to Shaquille O'Neal in his final two seasons in Orlando.[16] Kite finished the 1992–93 season playing with the Rapid City Thrillers of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He was brought back to Orlando on a veterans' minimum contract. Kite finished his NBA career with the Knicks and Pacers in 1995.[17]

Kite played 680 games in eleven NBA seasons, starting 225 of them. He averaged 2.5 points, 2.3 fouls and 3.8 rebounds in 14 minutes per game. Kite played for the Boston Celtics (1983–1988), Los Angeles Clippers (1988–1989), Charlotte Hornets (1989), Sacramento Kings (1989–1990), Orlando Magic (1990–1994), New York Knicks (1995) and the Indiana Pacers (1995).[17]

“With my skills and ability, I was a backup,” Kite said. “I played 12 years and played until I was 35. I wanted it to last longer. It would’ve been great to play my whole career in Boston.”[14]

Post-playing career

[edit]

Currently residing in Central Florida, Kite is commissioner of the Florida Basketball Association, while also working as a financial adviser.[18][19]

In 1997, Kite served as an interim assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Brigham Young University.[20]

Personal life

[edit]

Kite and his wife Jennifer have 10 adopted children.[14]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1983–84 Boston 35 1 5.6 .455 .313 1.8 .2 .0 .1 1.9
1984–85 Boston 55 4 7.7 .375 .688 1.6 .3 .1 .2 1.6
1985–86 Boston 64 2 7.3 .374 .000 .385 2.0 .3 .0 .4 1.3
1986–87 Boston 74 1 10.1 .427 .000 .382 2.3 .4 .2 .6 1.7
1987–88 Boston 13 0 6.6 .391 .167 1.8 .2 .2 .6 1.5
1987–88 L. A. Clippers 40 19 24.4 .456 .000 .534 6.0 1.1 .4 1.3 5.1
1988–89 L. A. Clippers 58 12 12.6 .405 .452 3.3 .5 .4 .8 1.9
1988–89 Charlotte 12 12 17.8 .533 .600 4.4 .6 .3 .7 3.2
1989–90 Sacramento 71 47 21.3 .432 1.000 .500 5.3 1.1 .4 .7 3.2
1990–91 Orlando 82* 82* 27.1 .491 .512 7.2 .7 .3 1.0 4.8
1991–92 Orlando 72 44 20.5 .437 .000 .588 5.6 .6 .4 .8 3.2
1992–93 Orlando 64 1 10.0 .452 .000 .542 3.0 .2 .2 .2 1.4
1993–94 Orlando 29 0 10.7 .371 .364 2.4 .1 .1 .4 1.2
1994–95 New York 2 0 8.0 .000 2.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
1994–95 Indiana 9 0 6.8 .214 .200 2.0 .1 .0 .0 .9
Career 680 225 14.8 .438 .167 .486 3.8 .5 .2 .6 2.5

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1984 Boston 11 3.5 .125 .833 .8 .3 .0 .1 .6
1985 Boston 9 0 7.0 .417 .500 1.8 .3 .1 .0 1.2
1986 Boston 13 0 6.0 .700 .571 1.5 .2 .2 .3 1.4
1987 Boston 20 1 8.6 .350 .429 2.3 .4 .1 .4 .9
1995 Indiana 8 0 3.3 .333 1.000 .9 .0 .1 .0 .5
Career 61 1 6.2 .396 .625 1.6 .3 .1 .2 .9

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gregory Fuller Kite (born August 5, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player who played as a in the () for 12 seasons from 1983 to 1995. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Kite was known for his role as a defensive specialist and rebounder, averaging 2.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game across 680 regular-season appearances. A native of , , he attended James Madison High School, where he earned McDonald's All-American honors in 1979, before playing college basketball at () for four seasons. Selected 21st overall in the first round of the by the , Kite contributed to the team's success as a during their runs, winning NBA titles in 1984 and 1986 alongside stars like and Kevin McHale. Throughout his career, Kite suited up for seven NBA franchises, including stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (1987–89), Charlotte Hornets (1988–89), Sacramento Kings (1989–90), Orlando Magic (1990–94), New York Knicks (1994–95), and Indiana Pacers (1994–95), often providing frontcourt depth and rebounding off the bench. His most productive season came in 1990–91 with the Orlando Magic, where he started all 82 games and posted career highs of 4.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while also achieving personal bests of 16 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks in individual games. After retiring, Kite has remained involved in basketball through the National Basketball Retired Players Association, occasional media appearances reflecting on his championship experiences, and was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and High School

Gregory Fuller Kite was born on August 5, 1961, in , , as the youngest of four children to parents who had relocated to the city in 1952 shortly after their marriage. He grew up with one older brother and two sisters in a supportive environment that encouraged athletic pursuits, including , which his brother also played at a competitive level. Kite first organized his passion for basketball at age 10, joining a team at the Southwest YMCA in Houston, where he began developing fundamental skills that would define his career. From there, he advanced through junior high basketball at Pershing Junior High before enrolling at High School in Houston, where he played under coach Paul Benton. As a senior in 1979, Kite averaged 17.7 points per game, earning first-team All-State honors in while leading Madison to a strong season. His standout performance as a 6-foot-11 center positioned him among the nation's elite prospects, culminating in selection as a second-team All-American and participation in the prestigious 1979 alongside future NBA stars like and . In 2025, Kite was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025. This recognition paved the way for his recruitment to .

College Career

Greg Kite enrolled at (BYU) in 1979 and played for the Cougars men's basketball team through the 1982–83 season. As a 6-foot-11 center from , , he joined a program building momentum in the under head coach Frank Arnold. His high school achievements as a Parade All-American at James Madison High School had positioned him as a prized recruit for BYU. Over his four-year college career, Kite appeared in 112 games, averaging 6.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 50.4 percent from the free-throw line. He contributed significantly on the glass and in the paint, helping anchor the team's frontcourt alongside teammates like and . Kite's defensive presence was notable, as he tallied 208 career blocks, a BYU program record that still stands as of 2025. Kite's most prominent season came in 1980–81, when he averaged 8.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 32 games. That year, BYU finished with a 25–7 overall record (12–4 in conference play), earning a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region. The Cougars advanced to the East Regional Final () after victories over Princeton (65–56) and Notre Dame (79–61), before falling to top-seeded (74–60) in . As a key big man in Arnold's system, which emphasized balanced scoring and rebounding, Kite provided essential interior support during BYU's deepest tournament run at the time.

Professional Basketball Career

Boston Celtics Era

Greg Kite was selected by the as the 21st overall pick in the first round of the , marking his entry into professional basketball after a standout college career at . As a during the 1983–84 season, Kite served primarily as a to , appearing in 35 regular-season games and averaging 1.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in limited minutes, while contributing to the team's defensive rotations. Kite's tenure with the Celtics included pivotal roles in their championship successes, winning NBA titles in both 1984 and 1986. In the against the , he played in 11 playoff games, logging an average of 3.5 minutes per game to provide frontcourt depth and rebounding support during the seven-game series victory. Similarly, in the , also against the Lakers, Kite appeared in 13 games, averaging 6.0 minutes per contest and helping maintain defensive intensity in the Celtics' six-game triumph. From 1983 to 1988, Kite remained with for five seasons, establishing himself as a reliable reserve known for his defensive tenacity and rebounding prowess alongside stars like and Kevin McHale. His presence bolstered the Celtics' frontcourt depth during their contending years in the mid-1980s, allowing the team to sustain pressure on opponents through physical play and interior protection, even as his scoring remained modest.

Later NBA Seasons

Following his time with the , where he contributed to two NBA championships, Greg Kite's career shifted toward greater mobility across multiple teams, transitioning from a reliable to occasional starter and eventually a depth player. In February 1988, the Clippers claimed Kite off waivers from the Celtics, allowing him to finish the 1987–88 season with in 40 games, including 19 starts, providing frontcourt depth during a rebuilding phase. He remained with the Clippers for the entire 1988–89 season before being waived in March 1989, marking the beginning of a phase that saw him suit up for six additional franchises over the next seven years. Kite signed as a with the expansion Charlotte Hornets on March 29, 1989, appearing in 12 games—all starts—for the remainder of their inaugural 1988–89 , offering presence to a young roster adjusting to the league. Later that offseason, he joined the , where he played a more prominent role during the 1989–90 , starting 47 of 71 games as a steady alongside emerging talents, though the team struggled with a 25–57 record. This stint highlighted his adaptability but also foreshadowed diminishing starting opportunities as younger big men entered the league. In 1990, Kite signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent, spending four seasons there as a veteran center who anchored the team's early development. He started all 82 games in the 1990–91 season, providing rebounding and leadership for the expansion franchise's first playoff-qualifying year, then shifted to a part-time starting role with 44 starts in 72 games during 1991–92. By 1992–93 and 1993–94, his minutes declined sharply amid the arrival of rookie stars like Shaquille O'Neal, limiting him to one start across 93 games as a bench contributor focused on mentoring and situational defense; he suffered an Achilles injury in January 1994, which sidelined him for the remainder of the 1993-94 season, and was waived by Orlando in November 1994. This period exemplified his evolution into a utility player, prioritizing team stability over individual production. Kite's NBA tenure concluded with brief stops in 1994–95, first with the , where he signed on January 3 for added bulk at center but appeared in only two games under coach . He then joined the on March 24, playing nine games in a reserve capacity to bolster their playoff push, though the team fell in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After this, Kite played his final professional season in the Continental Basketball Association with the during 1995–96, retiring at age 35 following the conclusion of his last NBA campaign in 1994–95, having suited up for seven teams in total and adapted from starter to end-of-bench role amid increasing competition from athletic big men.

NBA Career Statistics

Greg Kite appeared in 680 regular-season games across 12 NBA seasons from 1983 to 1995, starting 225 of them. He averaged 14.8 minutes per game, , 3.8 rebounds per game, 0.5 assists per game, and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting .438 from the field. The following table summarizes his regular-season statistics on a per-game basis, including shooting percentages for field goals (FG%) and free throws (FT%).
SeasonTeamGGSMPFG%FT%TRBASTBLKPTS
1983-843515.6.455.3131.80.20.11.9
1984-855547.7.375.6881.60.30.21.6
1985-866427.3.374.3852.00.30.41.3
1986-8774110.1.427.3822.30.40.61.7
1987-882TM531920.1.449.5065.00.91.14.2
1988-892TM702413.5.430.4883.50.50.82.1
1989-90SAC714721.3.432.5005.31.10.73.2
1990-91ORL828227.1.491.5127.20.71.04.8
1991-92ORL724420.5.437.5885.60.60.83.2
1992-93ORL64110.0.452.5423.00.20.21.4
1993-94ORL29010.7.371.3642.40.10.41.2
1994-952TM1107.0.176.2002.00.10.00.7
Career68022514.8.438.4993.80.50.62.5
Kite's advanced metrics, such as (PER), varied by season but peaked at 7.7 during his 1991-92 campaign with the , reflecting his role as a defensive specialist and rebounder. In the , Kite played 61 games over five postseason appearances, averaging 6.2 minutes per game, 0.9 , and 1.6 rebounds per game. He contributed to the ' championship runs, appearing in the 1984 and . The following table details his playoff statistics on a per-game basis.
SeasonTeamGGSMPFG%FT%TRBASTBLKPTSNotes
1983-841103.5.125.8330.80.30.10.6NBA Finals appearance
1984-85907.0.417.5001.80.30.01.2
1985-861306.0.700.5711.50.20.31.4NBA Finals appearance
1986-872018.6.350.4292.30.40.40.9
1994-95IND803.3.3331.0000.90.00.00.5
Career6116.2.411.6671.60.30.20.9

Post-Playing Career

Basketball Involvement

After retiring from his playing career, Greg Kite briefly returned to at , his where he had starred as a center from 1979 to 1983. In January 1997, he was hired as an interim assistant coach for the BYU men's team, joining Tony Ingle and fellow assistant Russ Zaugg during a transitional period for the program. Kite has maintained a strong commitment to youth basketball development in Central Florida, where he has resided since the early 1990s. He has operated annual Greg Kite Basketball Camps since the mid-1980s, providing instruction and fundamentals training to young players across the region, including a notable camp held at Polk Community College in 2000. These efforts extended post-retirement, focusing on skill-building for aspiring athletes without delving into professional leagues. He is also a member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), through which he remains engaged with the basketball community. In 2025, Kite was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, recognizing his high school achievements at James Madison High School. In a prominent administrative role, Kite was appointed commissioner of the Florida Basketball Association (FBA), a semi-professional league, where he oversees operations, player growth, and community engagement from the organization's headquarters in . Under his leadership, the FBA has expanded its reach, including the establishment of the Jr. FBA youth programs for elementary through high school levels, emphasizing teamwork, character development, and pathways to higher competition. This involvement has positioned Kite as a key figure in fostering local talent in , blending his NBA experience with efforts to nurture the next generation.

Financial and Business Ventures

After retiring from the NBA in 1995, Greg Kite entered the financial advising field in the mid-2000s, capitalizing on the real estate boom in where he connected with a group to launch his career as an investment advisor. This transition allowed him to apply lessons from his professional experience to , emphasizing sustainable financial strategies over short-term gains. In his current role as a Senior Wealth Advisor at Polley Wealth Management, Kite serves as a holistic , tailoring plans for retirees seeking secure income streams, young families focused on debt reduction and savings, and professional athletes navigating high-earning phases. Through his associated Championship Wealth initiative, he promotes personalized strategies including tax-free growth, , and legacy planning, drawing on over 20 years of experience as a certified Indexed Universal Life (IUL) professional. Kite's approach integrates foundational, intellectual, and financial wealth principles to foster long-term balance and purpose for his clients. Kite has also engaged in real estate development as a key business venture post-retirement, including serving as Managing Partner of the office for Realty Executives of in 2015, to support his family's needs. He additionally holds positions such as and of The Gift of Learning Foundation, blending his finance expertise with community-oriented real estate initiatives. In promoting , particularly for athletes, Kite advises on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, recommending that young recipients save 50-80% of earnings to mitigate risks associated with sudden wealth at age 18 or older. A core element of Kite's advocacy is the power of , which he illustrates using the to demonstrate how investments double over time, describing it as the "eighth wonder of the world" per Albert Einstein's attribution. He stresses avoiding common pitfalls like accumulation and student loans through emergency funds and the , urging clients to prioritize and steady saving. Reflecting on NBA peers, Kite highlights frequent financial challenges such as , multiple child support obligations from relationships with various partners, and overspending on luxuries like excessive vehicles or jewelry, which often lead to instability without proper planning.

Personal Life

Family

Greg Kite has been married to his wife, Jennifer (commonly known as Jenny), for over 40 years. The couple, who reside in , began their family through during Kite's NBA career and continued expanding it afterward. Kite and Jennifer have adopted 10 children, creating a large and close-knit family structure. The involved welcoming children into their home over time, with the family now including four sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and 21 grandchildren, reflecting strong intergenerational bonds and ongoing family gatherings. Family dynamics emphasize support and shared experiences, as the Kites have navigated the challenges and joys of raising an adopted household with a focus on unity and opportunity for each child. Following his NBA retirement, Kite has prioritized family as the core of his life, describing it as a source of "true wealth" alongside faith and meaningful experiences, which has shaped his post-playing decisions and daily routines. This commitment underscores their dedication to fostering a nurturing environment where family remains paramount.

Beliefs and Interests

Greg Kite's faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has served as a central guiding principle throughout his life and career transitions, influencing his decisions and providing a foundation for personal resilience. As an active member, he has emphasized how this , alongside , contributes to his sense of "true wealth" and purpose. Kite views "true wealth" not in terms of material success or accumulated riches, but through the lens of family, meaningful experiences, friendships, and spiritual fulfillment, often noting that "there’s no luggage racks on hearses—you can’t take that stuff with you." He advocates for financial as a practical extension of this philosophy, promoting strategies like avoiding debt, building emergency funds, and harnessing to sustain long-term security without overemphasizing monetary gains. A key interest of Kite's lies in athlete welfare, particularly educating current and former players on post-career pitfalls such as financial mismanagement, which he attributes to sudden wealth, lack of preparation, and trusting unreliable advisors—issues that contribute to high rates and instability after retirement. He stresses the importance of for young athletes navigating NIL deals, recommending they save 50-80% of earnings to avoid common traps. His adoption of ten children with his wife reflects an extension of these family-centered values, prioritizing nurturing opportunities for growth.

References

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