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Steven Hanson Blake (born February 26, 1980) is an American professional basketball coach and former player. After winning the 2002 NCAA Championship with Maryland, Blake was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 38th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. Over his 13-year NBA career, Blake had stints with the Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and three stints with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Key Information

High school career

[edit]

Blake spent his freshman and sophomore year at Miami Killian High School and then transferred to Miami High School, where he played with another future NBA player, Udonis Haslem. Miami won consecutive state championships, but after the Miami New Times exposed the fact that Blake and other players, under head coach Frank Martin (himself later an NCAA Final Four coach), were using fake addresses to enroll in the school, the Stingarees were forced to forfeit their entire 1998 schedule.[1][2][3] After the FHSAA banned him from playing for any public high school in Florida again, Blake attended Oak Hill Academy before enrolling at the University of Maryland.

College career

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After high school, Blake attended the University of Maryland. Blake was the team's starter from the first game of his freshman year and was the first ACC player to compile 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds and 200 steals. He finished his career 5th in NCAA all-time career assists with 972. Widely known for his superb passing ability, Blake helped lead the Terrapins to a Final Four appearance (2001) and the 2002 NCAA championship; less well known for his scoring, Blake did average 11.6 points per game in his senior year.[4] He averaged over six assists per game in each of his four years, including averages of 7.9 and 7.1 in 2002 and 2003, respectively. For his efforts, he was named to a variety of all-ACC teams during his career, including the rookie and defensive squads, capped by a first-team All-ACC spot his senior year. At the start of the 2003–04 basketball season, Blake's uniform number (25) became only the 15th to be retired to the rafters of Maryland's Comcast Center.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

Washington Wizards (2003–2005)

[edit]

Blake was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 38th pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 18.6 minutes per game while playing in 75 games his rookie season with the Wizards. In his second season Blake's playing time decreased to 14.7 minutes and only 44 games played.

Portland Trail Blazers (2005–2006)

[edit]
Blake with the Portland Trail Blazers

In September 2005, Blake (then a restricted free agent with the Wizards) was offered a contract by the Portland Trail Blazers, which the Wizards declined to match. This became the second reunion with former Maryland Terrapin and Washington Wizards backcourt teammate Juan Dixon, who also signed with the Trail Blazers in the 2005 off-season.

In Blake's first season with the Blazers, he became a starter and played a significant role when Sebastian Telfair was injured. Blake's playing time increased from 14.7 minutes and 44 games with only one start in 2004–05 to 26.2 minutes and 68 games with 57 starts in 05–06. Blake reestablished himself as a terrific passer and fundamental point guard claiming third in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio. He also increased his field goal percentage by 11%.

Milwaukee Bucks (2006–2007)

[edit]

In July 2006, Blake was traded (along with Brian Skinner and Ha Seung-Jin) to the Milwaukee Bucks for Jamaal Magloire.[6]

Denver Nuggets (2007)

[edit]

On January 11, 2007, Blake was traded to the Denver Nuggets in return for Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge.[7] Blake started in 40 of the 50 remaining games of the Nuggets' 2006–07 season, and in five playoff games in a 4–1 first-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Second Portland Trail Blazers stint (2007–2010)

[edit]

Blake became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2007, and agreed to a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2007.[8]

The 2008–09 season saw a rise in Blake's numbers. Through his first 38 games, he averaged a career-high 11.7 points per game, while also achieving career highs in free throw percentage and three-point percentage.[9]

On February 22, 2009, Blake tied an NBA record with 14 assists in the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.[10]

Los Angeles Clippers (2010)

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On February 17, 2010, Blake was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers with Travis Outlaw and $1.5 million in cash for Marcus Camby.[11]

Los Angeles Lakers (2010–2014)

[edit]
Blake being guarded by Nick Young of the Washington Wizards

On July 8, 2010, Blake officially signed a four-year $16 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.[12] In his first season for the Lakers, Blake averaged 4 points in 20 minutes per game. He missed games due to chicken pox.[13] In his second season, he averaged 5.2 points in 23.2 minutes per game. He also played 5 of 53 games as a starter. He dealt with a costochondral fracture (fractured cartilage connecting the rib to the sternum). Statistically, he was a disappointment in those first two seasons under coach Phil Jackson's triangle offense and then coach Mike Brown's post-up offense, neither of which catered to his natural read-and-react skills.[13]

In the 2012–13 season, his training camp was spoiled when he punctured his foot stepping on a spike strip in a beach parking lot.[13] In November 2012, Blake was fined $25,000 by the NBA for inappropriate language towards a fan.[14] He started five straight games after a knee injury to starter Steve Nash. However, Blake was sidelined starting in November after suffering an abdominal strain that required surgery.[15][16] He experienced groin problems during his recovery before returning in late January after missing 37 games.[17] He was more comfortable playing under coach Mike D'Antoni, who had replaced Brown early in the season.[13][18] In the playoffs that season, Blake left Game 2 in the first round against San Antonio after injuring his right hamstring and was declared out indefinitely.[19]

Golden State Warriors (2014)

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On February 19, 2014, Blake was traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore.[20]

Third Portland Trail Blazers stint (2014–2015)

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On July 10, 2014, Blake signed with the Portland Trail Blazers to a reported two-year, $4.2 million deal.[21] On February 20, 2015, Blake changed his jersey number from #25 to #5 in a tribute to Jerome Kersey who died two days prior.[22]

On June 19, 2015, Blake exercised his player option with the Trail Blazers for the 2015–16 season.[23]

Detroit Pistons (2015–2016)

[edit]

On June 25, 2015, Blake was traded, along with the draft rights to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to Pat Connaughton.[24] On July 13, 2015, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Quincy Miller.[25]

Blake's final NBA game was played in Game 4 of the 2016 Eastern Conference First Round on April 26, 2016. The Pistons would lose the game 98–100 to the Cleveland Cavaliers with Blake recording 3 points, 2 assists and 1 rebound.

Sydney Kings (2016)

[edit]

On October 22, 2016, Blake signed with the Sydney Kings for the rest of the 2016–17 NBL season.[26] He made his debut for the Kings on October 30, recording 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in an 87–78 win over the Brisbane Bullets.[27] On November 28, he was granted leave by the Kings and returned to the United States indefinitely to address a private family matter.[28] On December 6, Blake announced that he would not be returning to Sydney, effectively ending his stint with the Kings.[29] In nine games for the Kings, he averaged 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Coaching career

[edit]

Portland Trail Blazers (2017–2019)

[edit]

On September 27, 2017, Blake was reported to have joined the Portland Trail Blazers as a coaching intern.[30] For the 2018–19 season, Blake was promoted to an on-court assistant for the Trail Blazers.[31]

Phoenix Suns (2019–2020)

[edit]

On June 26, 2019, Blake was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.[31] On July 18, 2020, Suns head coach Monty Williams announced that Blake was no longer with the team.[32]

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
 *  Led the league

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2003–04 Washington 75 14 18.6 .386 .371 .821 1.6 2.8 .8 .1 5.9
2004–05 Washington 44 1 14.7 .328 .387 .805 1.6 1.6 .3 .0 4.3
2005–06 Portland 68 57 26.2 .438 .413 .791 2.1 4.5 .6 .1 8.2
2006–07 Milwaukee 33 2 17.7 .349 .279 .550 1.4 2.5 .3 .1 3.6
2006–07 Denver 49 40 33.5 .432 .343 .727 2.5 6.6 1.0 .1 8.3
2007–08 Portland 81 78 29.9 .408 .406 .766 2.4 5.1 .7 .0 8.5
2008–09 Portland 69 69 31.7 .428 .427 .840 2.5 5.0 1.0 .1 11.0
2009–10 Portland 51 28 27.4 .403 .377 .750 2.3 4.0 .7 .0 7.6
2009–10 L.A. Clippers 29 10 26.3 .443 .437 .750 2.4 6.1 .7 .1 6.8
2010–11 L.A. Lakers 79 0 20.0 .359 .378 .867 2.0 2.2 .5 .0 4.0
2011–12 L.A. Lakers 53 5 23.3 .377 .335 .778 1.6 3.3 .7 .0 5.2
2012–13 L.A. Lakers 45 13 26.1 .422 .421 .771 2.9 3.8 .8 .1 7.3
2013–14 L.A. Lakers 27 27 33.0 .378 .397 .800 3.8 7.6 1.3 .1 9.5
2013–14 Golden State 28 1 21.7 .375 .342 .625 2.0 3.6 .7 .2 4.4
2014–15 Portland 81 0 18.9 .373 .352 .707 1.7 3.6 .5 .1 4.3
2015–16 Detroit 58 2 17.0 .388 .344 .800 1.5 3.4 .4 .1 4.4
Career 870 347 23.9 .401 .383 .779 2.1 4.0 .7 .1 6.5

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2005 Washington 4 0 4.3 .250 .000 .000 .8 .5 .0 .0 .5
2007 Denver 5 5 36.0 .452 .500 .000 2.4 4.6 .6 .0 7.2
2009 Portland 6 6 38.5 .489 .417 .714 4.0 6.2 .8 .0 9.8
2011 L.A. Lakers 9 0 16.1 .304 .333 .000 1.6 2.2 .6 .0 2.2
2012 L.A. Lakers 12 0 25.5 .419 .419 .714 2.8 2.3 .7 .2 6.3
2013 L.A. Lakers 2 2 37.5 .393 .417 1.000 4.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 14.0
2014 Golden State 6 0 7.5 .333 .300 .000 .7 .3 .0 .0 1.8
2015 Portland 5 0 8.6 .182 .125 1.000 .2 1.6 .0 .2 1.4
2016 Detroit 4 0 10.8 .200 .500 .500 1.0 2.5 .0 .0 1.0
Career 53 13 20.5 .398 .388 .700 2.0 2.5 .5 .1 4.6

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Blake

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from Grokipedia
Steven Hanson Blake (born February 26, 1980) is an American basketball coach and former professional player, best known as a point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) where he played for 13 seasons across 8 teams, appearing in 870 regular-season games with career averages of 6.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.[1] He holds the NBA single-quarter record with 14 assists, set during a game for the Portland Trail Blazers against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 22, 2009.[2] Born in Hollywood, Florida, Blake grew up in nearby Miami Lakes and attended Miami Killian Senior High School, where he was a standout guard.[3] He then played college basketball for the University of Maryland Terrapins from 1999 to 2003, starting all four years and serving as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.[4] As a sophomore in 2001–02, Blake helped lead Maryland to its first NCAA Division I men's basketball championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four after averaging 12.4 points and 7.7 assists per game in the tournament.[4] Over his college career, he became the first player in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history to accumulate at least 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds, and 200 steals, finishing fifth all-time in NCAA assists (922) and earning first-team All-ACC honors as a senior in 2002–03.[3] Blake was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.[4] Blake was selected by the Washington Wizards in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NBA draft after forgoing his senior eligibility.[5] He signed with the Wizards and made an immediate impact as a rookie, appearing in 75 games (14 starts) and averaging 5.9 points and 2.8 assists per game.[1] Over the next season with Washington (2004–05), he helped the team to a playoff appearance while solidifying his role as a reliable backup point guard.[5] Blake's journeyman career saw him play for the Washington Wizards (2003–2005), Portland Trail Blazers (2005–2006; 2007–2010; 2014–2015), Milwaukee Bucks (2006–2007), Denver Nuggets (2007), Los Angeles Clippers (2010), Los Angeles Lakers (2010–2013), Golden State Warriors (2013–2014), and Detroit Pistons (2015–2016).[5] His longest tenures were with the Trail Blazers (five seasons total) and Lakers (three seasons), where he contributed to multiple playoff runs, including the Lakers' 2011 NBA Finals appearance.[1] Known for his court vision and defensive tenacity despite his 6-foot-3 frame, Blake peaked with the Trail Blazers in 2009–10, averaging 10.0 points and 5.0 assists per game in his 38 appearances before a trade to the Clippers.[6] In addition to his assists record, he recorded a career-high of 18 assists in a game and appeared in 53 playoff games, averaging 5.5 points and 2.9 assists.[1] After being waived by the Detroit Pistons in October 2016, Blake announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 36, having also briefly played in Australia for the Sydney Kings during the 2016–17 season.[3] Transitioning to coaching, he began as a player development intern with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017 before serving as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns from 2019 to 2020 under head coach Monty Williams.[7] Blake later worked as an assistant at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, where he coached his son Nicholas, who committed to play for Maryland in 2025.[8] In March 2025, he publicly expressed interest in the University of Maryland head coaching vacancy following Kevin Willard's departure, though the position went to Buzz Williams.[9]

Early career

High school career

Steven Hanson Blake was born on February 26, 1980, in Hollywood, Florida. He began his high school basketball career at Miami Killian High School in Miami, Florida, where he played during his freshman and sophomore years. Blake then transferred to Miami Senior High School for his junior year, becoming a key contributor to the team's success, including helping secure back-to-back state championships, though the titles were later forfeited by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) following an investigation into residency violations. Following his junior season, Blake faced eligibility issues with the Florida High School Athletic Association, which barred him from further competition at public schools in the state, prompting a transfer to the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, for his senior year from 1998 to 1999. At Oak Hill, a renowned national powerhouse, he started at point guard and compiled an overall high school record of 100-4 across his three schools. As a senior, Blake averaged 8.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, serving as a vital leader for the team that finished 31-0 and was crowned the high school national champion by USA Today. His performance earned him honorable mention All-American honors from USA Today and a selection to the 1999 Capital All-Star Classic. Blake's standout play drew recruitment interest from top college programs, leading him to commit to the University of Maryland.

College career

Steve Blake signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Maryland Terrapins under head coach Gary Williams in June 1999. Following a standout high school career at Oak Hill Academy that drew national attention, Blake joined a deep backcourt as a true freshman in the 1999–2000 season. He started 30 of 35 games, averaging 6.9 points and 6.2 assists per game while leading the team in assists, earning honorable mention All-ACC honors and a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team. In his sophomore year (2000–2001), Blake started all 35 games and averaged 6.9 points and 6.9 assists per game, ranking second in the ACC in assists and playing a key role in Maryland's 25–10 overall record and third-place ACC finish. His playmaking ability helped the Terrapins reach the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight, where they fell to eventual champion Duke. Blake's junior season (2001–2002) marked a breakout year, as he started all 36 games, averaging 8.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a nation-leading 7.9 assists per game, setting a Maryland single-season assists record with 286. He was instrumental in Maryland's historic undefeated 13–0 ACC regular-season record—the program's first since 1957–58—and their run to the program's first NCAA Championship, defeating Indiana 64–52 in the final. In the title game at the Georgia Dome, Blake contributed 6 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds in 33 minutes. As a senior in 2002–2003, Blake led the Terrapins in scoring with 11.6 points per game and assists with 7.1, starting all 31 games and averaging a team-high 32.5 minutes on the floor. He earned first-team All-ACC honors, AP Honorable Mention All-American status, and first-team NABC All-District recognition, while ranking among the ACC leaders in assists (second) and steals (fourth). Blake set Maryland's single-season record for minutes played with 1,008 and finished his career with 972 total assists, a school record that still stands and ranks sixth in NCAA history. Over his four seasons, Blake appeared in 138 games with 136 starts, averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game—ranking first in Maryland history for career assists and assists per game. He became the first ACC player to reach 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds, and 200 steals in a career, helping Maryland to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back Final Fours.

Professional playing career

Washington Wizards (2003–2005)

Blake was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, following a standout college career at the University of Maryland.[1][10] During his rookie season in 2003–04, Blake appeared in 75 games (14 starts), averaging 18.6 minutes, 5.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 38.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.[1] He primarily served as a backup point guard behind Gilbert Arenas, contributing to the Wizards' backcourt depth as the team finished with a 25–57 record.[11] Blake's role emphasized his playmaking and shooting skills developed in college, helping him adapt to the NBA's pace under coach Eddie Jordan.[12] In his sophomore season of 2004–05, Blake's playing time decreased due to increased competition and minor injuries, appearing in 44 games with one start and averaging 14.7 minutes, 4.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.[1] He continued to learn Jordan's Princeton-style offense, which focused on ball movement and read-and-react principles, aiding his development as a floor general despite the reduced minutes.[13] The Wizards improved to 45–37, securing their first playoff appearance since 1998, and Blake contributed modestly in the first-round series loss to the Miami Heat, averaging 0.5 points across four games in 4.1 minutes per outing.[14] Following the season, as a restricted free agent, Blake signed a two-year offer sheet with the Portland Trail Blazers worth approximately $2.08 million, which the Wizards declined to match, allowing him to depart the team.[15]

Portland Trail Blazers (2005–2006)

On September 28, 2005, Blake signed a three-year, $4.2 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers as a restricted free agent after the Washington Wizards declined to match Portland's offer sheet.[16] This move brought the 25-year-old point guard to a rebuilding franchise seeking stability at the position following the departure of Damon Stoudamire. In the 2005–2006 season, Blake emerged as a key facilitator under head coach Nate McMillan, transitioning from a limited bench role in Washington to a prominent starter in Portland's motion offense. He appeared in 68 games, starting 57, and averaged 26.2 minutes per game, posting 8.2 points, 4.5 assists (leading the team), and 2.1 rebounds per game.[1] Blake's playmaking was particularly notable, as he ranked third in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio. His three-point shooting also improved markedly to 41.3 percent on 2.7 attempts per game, providing spacing for Portland's young forwards.[1] Despite the Trail Blazers' struggles, finishing 21–61 and missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year, Blake offered consistent leadership at point guard during a transitional period.[17] The roster featured emerging talents like Jarrett Jack, Sebastian Telfair, and Martell Webster, but lacked star power until the 2006 NBA Draft, when Portland selected Brandon Roy sixth overall later that summer. Blake's prior experience as a backup in Washington prepared him for this expanded role, where he helped stabilize the backcourt amid the team's rebuilding efforts.

Milwaukee Bucks (2006–2007)

On July 31, 2006, Blake was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks, along with center Ha Seung-Jin and forward Brian Skinner, in exchange for center Jamaal Magloire.[18] This move brought Blake to Milwaukee as a reserve point guard, where he joined a backcourt led by starter Mo Williams.[19] During his half-season stint with the Bucks under head coach Terry Stotts, Blake appeared in 33 games, making two starts. He averaged 3.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game, while shooting 34.9% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range. Primarily serving as the backup to Williams, Blake provided rotational depth with his playmaking and perimeter shooting, contributing to Stotts' motion-based offensive scheme that emphasized ball movement and spacing.[19] Blake's time in Milwaukee ended on January 11, 2007, when he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guards Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge, plus cash considerations.[20] The Bucks, struggling throughout the campaign, finished the 2006–07 season with a 28–54 record and missed the playoffs, placing fifth in the Central Division.[19]

Denver Nuggets (2007)

On January 11, 2007, the Denver Nuggets acquired point guard Steve Blake from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge, and cash considerations, marking Blake's return to the Western Conference after a brief stint in the East following his previous season with the Portland Trail Blazers.[21] In his role as the primary backup to Allen Iverson while occasionally starting, Blake integrated into George Karl's high-tempo offensive system, which emphasized quick transitions and ball movement to complement the scoring of Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.[22] Over the remainder of the 2006–07 regular season, Blake appeared in 49 games for Denver, starting 40, and averaged 8.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game, shooting 41.0 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point range.[1] Despite dealing with minor injuries, including a hyperextended elbow and a cut requiring stitches in February, Blake maintained consistent production, helping stabilize the point guard position amid the team's injury challenges.[23] His contributions were key during a 45–37 finish that earned the Nuggets the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, where he started all five games against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 7.2 points and 4.6 assists before the series loss.[24] Blake became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and signed with Portland on July 13, 2007.[25]

Portland Trail Blazers (2007–2010)

On July 13, 2007, Blake signed a three-year, $13.43 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers as an unrestricted free agent following his brief stint with the Denver Nuggets.[26] In the 2007–08 season, Blake started 78 of 81 games, averaging 8.5 points and 5.1 assists per game.[1] His contributions helped the Trail Blazers achieve a 41–41 record, securing the eighth seed in the Western Conference and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2000, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Houston Rockets in five games.[27] Blake's role expanded significantly in the 2008–09 season, where he started all 69 games he played and averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking and perimeter shooting abilities.[1] As a key facilitator in the backcourt alongside Brandon Roy, he was instrumental in Portland's 54–28 campaign, which earned them the fourth seed and a first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets in six games before a second-round exit to the Denver Nuggets in six games.[28] During the 2009–10 season, Blake appeared in 80 games (38 starts), averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 assists per game while providing steady support to stars Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge.[1] The Trail Blazers finished 50–32 and earned the sixth seed, but fell in the first round to the Phoenix Suns in six games.[29] Over his three seasons in Portland, Blake was valued for his defensive tenacity and reliable three-point shooting, connecting at a 38.6% clip from beyond the arc during that span, which complemented the team's up-tempo style under coach Nate McMillan.[1] His versatility as a backup and occasional starter contributed to consistent playoff contention for a young roster.

Los Angeles Clippers (2010)

On February 16, 2010, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Steve Blake, along with forward Travis Outlaw and cash considerations, from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for center Marcus Camby.[30] This midseason trade marked the conclusion of Blake's second stint with Portland and brought the veteran point guard to a Clippers team struggling with a 21-34 record at the time. Blake quickly integrated into the Clippers' rotation, appearing in 29 games for the team during the remainder of the 2009–10 season, including 10 starts.[1] He averaged 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and a team-high 6.1 assists per game while playing 26.3 minutes on the floor, providing steady ball-handling and playmaking amid the Clippers' backcourt challenges.[1] One highlight came on April 14, 2010, when Blake recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his all-around capabilities despite the team's overall struggles.[31] The Clippers finished the season with a 29-53 record, missing the playoffs for the 16th consecutive year, and Blake's contributions offered glimpses of veteran stability but could not alter the franchise's trajectory.[32] Following the campaign, Blake became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2010, concluding his brief tenure with the Clippers after just over two months on the roster.[33]

Los Angeles Lakers (2010–2014)

On July 8, 2010, Blake signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining the team after a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier that year.[34] As a backup point guard to incumbent starter Derek Fisher during the 2010–11 season, Blake appeared in 79 regular-season games, averaging 4.0 points and 2.2 assists per game in 20.0 minutes of play.[1] The Lakers finished the season with a 57–25 record and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Miami Heat in five games to claim the franchise's 17th championship; Blake contributed minimally in the postseason, logging just 3.5 minutes per game across nine appearances.[35] The 2011–12 season was shortened to 66 games due to an NBA labor lockout, during which Blake increased his role amid injuries to other guards.[36] He played in 53 games, starting 5, while posting averages of 5.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per contest.[1] The Lakers ended the year with a 41–25 record but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Under new head coach Mike D'Antoni, who replaced Mike Brown in November 2012, Blake solidified his position as a key reserve during the 2012–13 season, appearing in 45 games with 13 starts.[37] He averaged 7.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 26.1 minutes, providing steady ball-handling and perimeter shooting amid a rash of injuries to teammates, including star guard Kobe Bryant, who missed the final 19 games after rupturing his Achilles tendon.[1] Blake stepped up in Bryant's absence, averaging 23.5 points over the final two regular-season games to help secure a playoff spot, though the Lakers fell in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs. In the 2013–14 season, Blake started all 27 games he played before suffering a torn ligament in his right elbow, which sidelined him for over two months. He averaged 9.5 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 33.0 minutes during that stretch, serving as the primary facilitator for a Lakers squad plagued by injuries.[1] The team finished with a franchise-worst 27–55 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.[38] On February 19, 2014, Blake was traded to the Golden State Warriors along with MarShon Brooks in exchange for Kent Bazemore and two future second-round draft picks.[39]

Golden State Warriors (2014)

On February 19, 2014, Blake was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for guards Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks, providing the team with veteran depth at point guard amid injuries to other reserves. Acquired primarily to bolster the backcourt behind starter Stephen Curry, Blake quickly integrated into the rotation under coach Mark Jackson, offering steady ball-handling and perimeter shooting off the bench.[40] In 28 regular-season games with the Warriors—all after the trade—Blake made one start and averaged 4.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game, contributing to a low-turnover presence with a 3.29 assist-to-turnover ratio that ranked among the league's best for his minutes played.[41][42] His efforts helped the Warriors secure a 51–31 record and the sixth seed in the Western Conference.[42] During the playoffs, Blake appeared in six of seven first-round games against the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 1.8 points in 7.5 minutes per game as a deep reserve during the Warriors' 3–4 series loss.[42][43] Following the postseason, Blake's contract expired, and he did not re-sign with Golden State, entering free agency.[44]

Portland Trail Blazers (2014–2015)

On July 10, 2014, Blake signed a two-year contract worth $4.2 million with the Portland Trail Blazers, returning to the franchise for a third stint and bringing familiarity from his prior tenures in 2005–2006 and 2007–2010.[45] During the 2014–2015 season, Blake served as the primary backup point guard behind Damian Lillard, appearing in all 81 regular-season games with no starts while averaging 18.9 minutes per game.[46] He contributed 4.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game, shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range.[46] As a 34-year-old veteran, Blake provided steady leadership and backcourt depth for a contending Trail Blazers squad that finished 51–31 and claimed the Northwest Division title before advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games.[46] His role was particularly valuable amid injuries to other guards, including CJ McCollum, who missed 20 games due to various ailments, allowing Blake to mentor the young backcourt and maintain rotational stability.[47][48]

Detroit Pistons (2015–2016)

On July 13, 2015, the Detroit Pistons acquired point guard Steve Blake from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Quincy Miller, adding veteran depth to their backcourt for the upcoming season.[49] This move brought Blake, then 35 years old, into a reserve role behind starting point guard Reggie Jackson on a roster aiming to end a seven-year playoff drought under head coach Stan Van Gundy. In the 2015–16 regular season, Blake appeared in 58 games for the Pistons with 2 starts, serving primarily as a reliable backup who provided steady ball-handling and perimeter shooting in limited minutes. He averaged 17.0 minutes per game, contributing 4.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 39.0 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.[1] His role emphasized leadership and situational contributions, including occasional stretches where he helped stabilize the offense during blowouts or injury absences, though his usage remained low as the team prioritized its younger core. The Pistons compiled a 44–38 record that season, securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.[50] In the first-round matchup against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit was swept 4–0, with Blake logging 4.3 minutes per game across the series, totaling 1.0 point, 1.0 rebound, and 2.5 assists per outing in a limited veteran presence.[14] Following the conclusion of his Pistons contract, Blake briefly played overseas with the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League during the 2016–17 season before retiring from professional basketball after 13 years in the NBA.

Sydney Kings (2016)

After concluding his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons in the 2015–16 season, Steve Blake signed with the Sydney Kings of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) on October 22, 2016, for the remainder of the 2016–17 season.[51] The 36-year-old veteran joined as the team's third import player, replacing Michael Bryson, and brought extensive experience from 870 NBA regular-season games to mentor the Kings' young backcourt.[52] Blake debuted on October 30 against the Brisbane Bullets, scoring 12 points in a 93–82 win.[53] In nine games with the Kings, Blake averaged 6.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 21.0 minutes per game, starting several early contests before shifting to a bench role amid shooting struggles (30.9% field goal percentage).[54] His stint was cut short when he departed the team on November 29, 2016, granted indefinite leave on compassionate grounds to attend to a sick family member back home.[55] Blake did not return for the season, during which the Kings finished with a 13–15 record, missing the playoffs.[56] This brief overseas experiment represented Blake's final professional playing appearance before his retirement.

Coaching career

Portland Trail Blazers (2017–2019)

After retiring from his playing career, Steve Blake transitioned into coaching by joining the Portland Trail Blazers as a coaching intern on September 27, 2017.[57] This role allowed him to begin learning the coaching ropes with the organization where he had previously played three stints as a point guard from 2005 to 2006, 2007 to 2010, and 2014 to 2015.[58] Blake's familiarity with the team's culture and personnel, including point guard Damian Lillard, facilitated a smooth entry into the staff under head coach Terry Stotts.[7] For the 2018–19 season, Blake was promoted to on-court assistant coach, working directly with the players during practices and games.[59] In this capacity, he contributed to the development of the team's backcourt, including Lillard and CJ McCollum, drawing on his extensive experience as a 13-year NBA veteran point guard.[60] His promotion marked a key step in his coaching progression within the organization. Under Stotts' leadership, the Trail Blazers achieved a 53–29 regular-season record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference, and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated 4–0 by the Golden State Warriors.[61] Blake's prior playing tenures with Portland provided valuable continuity, helping him relate to the current roster and integrate his insights into the team's strategies during this successful playoff run.[62]

Phoenix Suns (2019–2020)

On June 26, 2019, Steve Blake was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns under head coach Monty Williams, marking his first full-time NBA coaching position after serving as an on-court assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers the previous season.[63][64] During the 2019–20 season, Blake contributed to the Suns' coaching staff amid the team's rebuilding efforts, working primarily with the point guard group, including veteran Ricky Rubio and rookies like Ty Jerome, to emphasize ball-handling and transition skills.[65] The Suns compiled a 26–39 record in 65 games before the NBA season was suspended on March 11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting incremental progress in a franchise focused on developing young talent.[66][67] Blake's tenure provided valuable experience in guiding a rebuilding organization, building on his prior assistant role in Portland as a stepping stone to broader NBA coaching responsibilities. On July 18, 2020, the Suns parted ways with Blake and fellow assistant Larry Greer as part of post-season staff adjustments ahead of the league's restart in the Orlando bubble, with Williams crediting them for helping establish team culture during the inaugural year.[68][69]

Later career (2024–present)

Following his departure from the Suns, Blake did not return to NBA coaching. In the 2024–25 season, he served as an assistant coach at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, where he coached his son Nicholas Blake.[8] In March 2025, Blake publicly expressed interest in the head coaching vacancy at the University of Maryland following Kevin Willard's departure; the position was awarded to Buzz Williams on April 1, 2025.[9][70]

Personal life

Family and recent activities

Steve Blake has been married to Kristen Blake since 2007.[71] The couple has three sons: Nicolas (born circa 2007), Jamison, and Zachary.[72][73] The family maintains strong ties to the Maryland area through Blake's alma mater and ongoing basketball connections, while emphasizing their Christian faith and collective involvement in the sport.[73] Following his departure from the Phoenix Suns staff in 2020, Blake has prioritized family life and supported youth basketball development, including hands-on guidance for his sons' athletic pursuits, without returning to professional coaching roles.[74] He served as an assistant coach at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, where he coached his son Nicholas. In March 2025, after Kevin Willard's move to Villanova created a head coaching vacancy at Maryland, Blake publicly expressed interest in the position via social media, stating he would welcome the opportunity to lead the program.[9] The role ultimately went to Buzz Williams, a hire Blake endorsed enthusiastically alongside other Maryland alumni.[75] Blake has been actively involved in his eldest son Nick's high school basketball career at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, where Nick played as a shooting guard. During the 2024–2025 season, Nick averaged 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.6 steals per game over 28 appearances, helping Olympia to an 18–11 record and a berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association regional playoffs.[76] In May 2025, Nick committed to Maryland as a preferred walk-on under new head coach Buzz Williams, continuing the family legacy at the university where his father starred.[77][78] Blake has continued to support Nick's transition to the Maryland Terrapins for the 2025–2026 season.[79]

Honors and legacy

Blake's legacy is marked by his contributions to basketball at both the college and professional levels, as well as his influence on family and youth development. His No. 25 jersey was retired by the University of Maryland at the start of the 2003–04 season, making it the 15th number honored in program history.[80] Blake was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.[4] In the NBA, Blake's professional honors were more limited, reflecting his role as a reliable backup point guard over 13 seasons from 2003 to 2016, during which he appeared in 870 regular-season games without earning All-Star selection.[1] Blake's legacy endures as a quintessential journeyman point guard valued for his court vision, defensive tenacity, and ability to adapt to various roles across ten NBA franchises, amassing over 3,000 career assists.[1] After retirement, he transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers (2017–2019) and the Phoenix Suns (2019–2020), contributing to player development.[81] His influence extends to the next generation through his son, Nicholas Blake, who committed to play basketball at Maryland in May 2025.[78]

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Steve Blake appeared in 870 regular-season games over 13 NBA seasons from 2003 to 2016, averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 39.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.[1] His role primarily as a backup point guard emphasized playmaking and perimeter shooting, with career totals of 5,738 points, 1,873 rebounds, and 3,614 assists.[1] The following table summarizes his per-game regular-season statistics by season:
SeasonTeam(s)GGSMPFG%3P%FT%PPGRPGAPGSPG
2003-04WAS751418.6.386.371.8215.91.62.80.8
2004-05WAS44114.7.328.387.8054.31.61.60.3
2005-06POR685726.2.438.413.7918.22.14.50.6
2006-07MIL/DEN824227.1.411.322.6726.42.15.00.7
2007-08POR817829.9.408.406.7668.52.45.10.7
2008-09POR696931.7.428.427.84011.02.55.01.0
2009-10POR/LAC803827.0.416.395.7507.32.34.80.7
2010-11LAL79020.0.359.378.8674.02.02.20.5
2011-12LAL53523.3.377.335.7785.21.63.30.7
2012-13LAL451326.1.422.421.7717.32.93.80.8
2013-14GSW/LAL552827.2.377.376.7676.92.95.61.0
2014-15POR81018.9.373.352.7074.31.73.60.5
2015-16DET58217.0.388.344.8004.41.53.40.4
Note: Multi-team seasons are combined into single rows with aggregated stats; statistics are per game averages. Data sourced from Basketball-Reference.com.[1] Blake's advanced metrics included a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 10.9 and win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) of 0.066, underscoring his steady reliability in facilitating offense and maintaining efficiency in limited minutes across multiple franchises.[1] Following his NBA tenure, Blake played briefly for the Sydney Kings in Australia's National Basketball League during the 2016–17 season, averaging 5.9 points in 9 games.[53]

Playoffs

Blake appeared in nine NBA playoff appearances with six different teams, totaling 53 games played. His career postseason averages were 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 38.9% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. These figures reflect his role as a dependable backup point guard, focusing on facilitation and perimeter shooting in limited minutes during high-stakes matchups.[1] A key highlight came during the 2009 Western Conference playoffs with the Portland Trail Blazers, where Blake played in 16 games, averaging 22.3 minutes, 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game over the first three rounds, providing crucial spark off the bench in the team's deep run. Another standout moment was his contribution to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2012 Western Conference Semifinals, where he averaged 15.5 points and 4.0 assists in two games before injury.[14] The following table provides a per-series breakdown of Blake's playoff appearances, including key rounds with the listed teams, highlighting his statistical contributions.
SeriesTeamYearGPMPGPPGRPGAPGFG%3P%
First RoundWAS200544.00.50.80.5.200.000
First RoundDEN2007536.07.22.44.6.500.500
First RoundPOR2008631.77.52.33.8.414.400
First RoundPOR2009638.59.84.06.2.500.408
Second RoundPOR2009627.07.82.24.0.458.400
Western Conference FinalsPOR2009420.36.81.02.0.429.333
First RoundPOR2010618.74.71.52.3.368.385
First RoundLAL2011614.84.21.52.0.400.333
Second RoundLAL201136.01.30.71.0.250.000
First RoundLAL2012525.66.82.02.4.455.429
Second RoundLAL201223.00.00.50.5.000.000
First RoundLAL2013237.514.04.02.5.393.417
First RoundGSW201477.51.60.60.3.333.333
First RoundPOR201558.51.40.21.6.222.167
First RoundDET2016410.81.01.02.5.250.500
Note: Statistics are per game averages per series. Data sourced from Basketball-Reference.com. Total GP: 53.[14] Overall, Blake's nine playoff appearances demonstrated his consistency in postseason environments, where he often filled a rotational role to support star players with his court vision and defensive effort.[1]

References

  1. Steve Blake Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  2. https://www.nba.com/blazers/date-history/february-22-2009
  3. Miami Lakes native, Steve Blake retires from NBA
  4. Maryland Athletics 2021 Hall of Fame Spotlight: Steve Blake
  5. Steve Blake Biography - ESPN
  6. Steve Blake Career Stats - NBA - ESPN
  7. Maryland's Steve Blake is a coaching intern for the Portland Trail ...
  8. Nicholas Blake, son of Maryland basketball legend Steve Blake ...
  9. Former Maryland basketball star Steve Blake announces hope of ...
  10. Player bio: Steve Blake :: Men's Basketball - Maryland Athletics
  11. Steve Blake - Aussie Hoopla
  12. Men's Basketball Signs Another Stellar Recruiting Class
  13. Steve Blake College Stats - Sports-Reference.com
  14. 2000-01 Maryland Terrapins Men's Roster and Stats
  15. Maryland Men's Basketball Leaders & Records - Season
  16. [PDF] TERRAPIN GAME NOTES - Amazon S3
  17. Maryland vs. Indiana Box Score (Men), April 1, 2002
  18. 2002-03 Maryland Terrapins Men's Roster and Stats
  19. Maryland's Blake Taken In Second Round Of NBA Draft
  20. Steve Blake (2021) - University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame
  21. Maryland basketball recruiting: Nicholas Blake, son of legend Steve ...
  22. 2003 Draft Central: Washington Wizards - NBA
  23. 2003-04 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats
  24. Banged-Up Wizards Missing Key Pieces - The Washington Post
  25. Don't be deceived by Steve Blake's looks - Orange County Register
  26. Steve Blake Playoffs Game Log | Basketball-Reference.com
  27. Steve Blake Player Profile - ShamSports
  28. 2005-06 Portland Trail Blazers Transactions
  29. 2005-06 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  30. 2006-07 Portland Trail Blazers Transactions
  31. 2006-07 Milwaukee Bucks Roster and Stats
  32. 2006-07 Milwaukee Bucks Transactions - Basketball-Reference.com
  33. 2006-07 Denver Nuggets Transactions | Basketball-Reference.com
  34. 2006-07 Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats
  35. Injuries plague Nuggets stars - St. Louis American
  36. 2006-07 Denver Nuggets Schedule - Basketball-Reference.com
  37. 2007-08 Portland Trail Blazers Transactions
  38. Steve Blake | NBA Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  39. 2007-08 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  40. 2008-09 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  41. 2009-10 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  42. Clippers Acquire Guard Steve Blake and Forward Travis Outlaw ...
  43. Lakers Sign Steve Blake | Los Angeles Lakers - NBA
  44. 2009-10 Los Angeles Clippers Roster and Stats
  45. 2010-2011 Los Angeles Clippers Transaction History - RealGM
  46. 2010-11 Los Angeles Lakers Transactions | Basketball-Reference.com
  47. 2010-11 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  48. 2011-12 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  49. 2012-13 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  50. 2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  51. 2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers Transactions | Basketball-Reference.com
  52. Steve Blake dealt to Golden State - ESPN
  53. 2013-14 Season Review: Steve Blake | Golden State Warriors - NBA
  54. 2013-14 Golden State Warriors Roster and Stats
  55. 2014 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Clippers
  56. Lakers trade Steve Blake to Warriors for MarShon Brooks, Kent ...
  57. https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail-blazers-sign-guard-steve-blake
  58. 2014-15 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  59. Steve Blake 'did what the Trail Blazers needed him to do'
  60. C.J. McCollum Stats: NBA Career Averages by Year
  61. Detroit Pistons Acquire Guard Steve Blake - NBA
  62. 2015-16 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com
  63. NBA veteran and former Lakers guard Steve Blake joins NBL's ...
  64. Sydney Kings sign NBA veteran Steve Blake
  65. Steve Blake International Stats | Basketball-Reference.com
  66. https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl-sydney-kings-coach-admits-high-probability-steve-blake-wont-return-for-remainder-of-season/news-story/99d70487d7398bea9adac8cf122c6d9e
  67. 2016-17 Stats - Sydney Kings - Basketball-Reference.com
  68. Watch: Trail Blazers coaching intern Steve Blake brings 'unique ...
  69. Steve Blake | Guard | Portland Trail Blazers | NBA.com
  70. Phoenix Suns announce complete coaching staff | NBA.com
  71. 'This dude pulls out a windmill … ': Willie Green and Steve Blake can ...
  72. 2018-19 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats
  73. Steve Blake Joins the Trail Blazers Coaching Staff as an Intern
  74. Phoenix Suns Announce Coaching Staff
  75. Monty Williams, Suns announce 2019-20 coaching staff
  76. NBA TV “Work from Home” Clip – Steve Blake - YouTube
  77. How the NBA coronavirus suspension impacts every team in ... - ESPN
  78. 2019-20 Phoenix Suns Schedule | Basketball-Reference.com
  79. Monty Williams addresses Steve Blake and Larry Greer no longer on ...
  80. Report: Phoenix Suns lay off assistants Steve Blake and Larry Greer
  81. Steve Blake, Larry Greer No Longer On Suns' Coaching Staff
  82. Steve Blake, Kristen Blake visit sponsored child in Rwanda
  83. EX-BLAZERS' HOME COURT: PORTLAND
  84. https://www.nba.com/blazers/same-and-different-steve-blake
  85. Steve Blake No Longer on Suns Staff - Blazer's Edge
  86. Greivis Vasquez, Steve Blake React to Maryland CBB Hiring Buzz ...
  87. Nicholas Blake, son of Maryland basketball legend ... - 247 Sports
  88. Olympia boys basketball's Nicholas Blake commits to Maryland
  89. 2002-2003 Atlantic Coast Conference Awards - RealGM
  90. Maryland Basketball legend thinks Terps can win NCAA championship
  91. Steve Blake: Coaching Record, Awards | Basketball-Reference.com
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