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Steven Hunter
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Steven Deon Hunter (born October 31, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player. He is listed as a center. He most recently played for Dinamo Sassari.
Key Information
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High school and college career
[edit]Hunter played basketball at Proviso East High School,[1] which has produced other NBA players such as Sherell Ford, Michael Finley, Jim Brewer, Doc Rivers, Dee Brown, Donnie Boyce, Reggie Jordan, Shannon Brown, Sterling Brown, and Jevon Carter. Hunter then played two years at DePaul University in Chicago, before declaring himself eligible for the 2001 NBA draft.[1]
Professional career
[edit]As a rookie, Hunter set a then-career high points total with 17 points on December 5, 2001, in a 102–74 win over the Chicago Bulls.[2]
In 2002 during training camp with the Magic he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and missed 49 games of the 2002–2003 NBA season.[3]
On April 24, 2005, then on the Phoenix Suns, Hunter scored a postseason career high 16 points, alongside grabbing 5 rebounds, in a 114–103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.[4] Hunter and the Suns would ultimately make it to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Spurs.
In the 2005 offseason, he signed with the 76ers as a free agent. They traded him to the New Orleans Hornets on February 1, 2006, in exchange for two second-round draft picks in 2006 and 2007. On February 10, Philadelphia president Billy King announced that the Hornets rescinded the deal.
On September 10, 2007, Hunter was traded with Bobby Jones by the 76ers to the Denver Nuggets for Reggie Evans and the draft rights to Ricky Sanchez.[5]
On August 7, 2009, the Nuggets traded Hunter and a lottery-protected 2010 first-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future second-round pick.[6]
Hunter's final NBA game was played on February 6, 2010, in a 102–109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he recorded 2 points and 1 rebound in 5 minutes of play.
In October 2011 he signed with Dinamo Sassari in Italy.[7]
In 2013, Hunter became a community liaison for the NBA and the Phoenix Suns throughout the community in Arizona.[1]
NBA career statistics
[edit]| 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 |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–02 | Orlando | 53 | 21 | 9.7 | .456 | .000 | .585 | 1.8 | .1 | .1 | .8 | 3.6 |
| 2002–03 | Orlando | 33 | 5 | 13.5 | .544 | .000 | .409 | 2.8 | .2 | .3 | 1.1 | 3.9 |
| 2003–04 | Orlando | 59 | 23 | 13.4 | .529 | .000 | .333 | 2.9 | .2 | .1 | 1.2 | 3.2 |
| 2004–05 | Phoenix | 76 | 3 | 13.8 | .614 | .000 | .479 | 3.0 | .2 | .1 | 1.3 | 4.6 |
| 2005–06 | Philadelphia | 69 | 35 | 19.0 | .601 | .000 | .514 | 3.9 | .2 | .2 | 1.1 | 6.1 |
| 2006–07 | Philadelphia | 70 | 41 | 22.9 | .577 | .000 | .490 | 4.8 | .4 | .2 | 1.1 | 6.4 |
| 2007–08 | Denver | 19 | 2 | 6.3 | .536 | .000 | .450 | 1.5 | .0 | .0 | .3 | 2.1 |
| 2009–10 | Memphis | 21 | 0 | 7.5 | .395 | .000 | .528 | 2.0 | .0 | .0 | .5 | 2.5 |
| Career | 400 | 130 | 15.0 | .560 | .000 | .485 | 3.2 | .2 | .1 | 1.1 | 4.5 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Orlando | 7 | 0 | 5.7 | .300 | .000 | .000 | .4 | .1 | .0 | .4 | .9 |
| 2005 | Phoenix | 15 | 0 | 14.2 | .558 | .000 | .600 | 2.5 | .2 | .1 | 1.2 | 4.0 |
| 2008 | Denver | 2 | 0 | 2.5 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 1.0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 |
| Career | 24 | 0 | 10.8 | .500 | .000 | .522 | 1.8 | .2 | .0 | .9 | 2.8 | |
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b c "Former Sun Steven Hunter motivates others". The Fountain Hills Times. May 27, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Box Score, December 5, 2001". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
- ^ Writer, Jerry Brewer, Sentinel Staff (August 27, 2002). "MAGIC'S HUNTER TEARS ACL". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns Box Score, April 24, 2005". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
- ^ Nuggets send Evans to Philadelphia for Hunter, Jones; Sixers also sign free agent Booth[permanent dead link], published September 10, 2007
- ^ "Grizzlies acquire first round Draft Pick from Nuggets". NBA.com. August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
- ^ "Sportsglory | Product Guides for Athletes & Sports Records". Sportsglory. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
Steven Hunter
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Steven Hunter was born on October 31, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. He developed his basketball skills at Proviso East High School in nearby Maywood.[1]High school career
Steven Hunter attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he developed into a standout center during his high school basketball career.[1] Standing at 7 feet tall, he showcased his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, contributing to the Pirates' competitive play in the West Suburban Conference.[10] As a senior in the class of 1999, Hunter earned All-State honors, recognizing his dominance on both ends of the court.[11] He was ranked as the No. 36 overall recruit in his class and among the top 50 national prospects, drawing attention from college programs for his length, agility, and potential as an NBA-caliber big man.[1][12] One of his standout performances came in December 1998, when he scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked seven shots in a victory over then-ranked No. 10 Thornridge High School.[10] These achievements helped solidify Proviso East's reputation as a pipeline for professional talent, with Hunter becoming one of several alumni to reach the NBA.[12]College career
Steven Hunter, a highly touted recruit ranked 36th in the 1999 class by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index, committed to DePaul University after a standout high school career at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois.[3] As a 7-foot center known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Hunter joined the Blue Demons in the Conference USA.[13] In his freshman season of 1999–2000, Hunter appeared in all 33 games, starting 26, and averaged 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 57.9% from the field.[3] His defensive presence helped DePaul achieve a 20–11 record, marking the program's first 20-win season in eight years and earning an NCAA Tournament berth as a 9th seed, where they lost in the first round to St. John's.[14] Hunter ranked fourth in the Conference USA in total blocks with 56, contributing to the team's improved interior defense.[3] As a sophomore in 2000–01, Hunter started 27 of 30 games, boosting his production to 11.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a team-high 2.4 blocks per game on 59.2% field goal shooting.[3] Despite his individual growth, DePaul struggled with a 12–18 record, hampered by inconsistencies in team play.[14] Hunter ranked third in the conference in blocks (72 total) and fourth in two-point field goal percentage.[3] Following the season, Hunter declared for the 2001 NBA Draft after consultations with coach Pat Kennedy and his family, citing financial needs and his lifelong dream of professional basketball.[14] He trained with Michael Jordan's trainer, Tim Grover, to enhance his draft stock, ultimately becoming a first-round pick.[14]| Season | Games (Starts) | Minutes/Game | Points/Game | Rebounds/Game | Blocks/Game | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–00 | 33 (26) | 22.5 | 8.5 | 3.9 | 1.7 | .579 |
| 2000–01 | 30 (27) | 26.9 | 11.4 | 5.6 | 2.4 | .592 |
| Career | 63 (53) | 24.6 | 9.9 | 4.7 | 2.0 | .586 |
Professional playing career
NBA career
Steven Hunter was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft, coming out of DePaul University.[1] As a 7-foot center known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Hunter spent his first three seasons (2001–2004) with the Magic, primarily as a backup to starters like Mike Miller and Tracy McGrady. In 145 games with Orlando, he averaged 3.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a rim protector in limited minutes.[1] His rookie season in 2001–02 saw him appear in 53 games, averaging 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds. He suffered an ACL tear in November 2002, limiting him to 33 games in 2002–03. In August 2004, Hunter signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent, joining a fast-paced offense under coach Mike D'Antoni.[1] During the 2004–05 season, his only full year with Phoenix, Hunter thrived as a backup center, averaging 4.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and a career-high 1.3 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game across 76 appearances. His field goal percentage reached 61.4%, and he played a key role in the Suns' run to the Western Conference Finals, using his mobility to set screens for Steve Nash and finish lobs in transition.[15] Hunter's athleticism fit the Suns' up-tempo style, helping establish their innovative, run-and-gun identity that emphasized quick big men over traditional post players.[15] After being waived by Phoenix in the 2005 offseason, Hunter signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent two seasons (2005–2007) as a rotation player behind Samuel Dalembert.[16] In 2005–06, his most productive season with Philadelphia, he averaged 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 69 games. In 2006–07, he averaged 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 15.4 minutes over 70 games, including a career-high 15 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs on January 21, 2007.[17] Hunter's defensive presence was evident in a six-block performance against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 16, 2006, highlighting his length and timing as a shot-blocker.[17] He appeared in three playoff series during this period: the 2003 first round with Orlando (seven games, 2.1 points, 2.6 rebounds); the 2005 playoffs with Phoenix (15 games across three series, 3.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.7 blocks); and the 2008 first round with Denver (two games, 0 points, 1.0 rebound).[1] Hunter was traded to the Denver Nuggets on September 10, 2007, with Bobby Jones for Reggie Evans and draft rights to Ricky Sanchez, providing frontcourt depth behind Nene and Marcus Camby.[1] In 2007–08, he appeared in 19 games averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.6 minutes, contributing to the team's consistent playoff contention with his energy off the bench; he missed the entire 2008–09 season due to a foot injury.[1] In August 2009, the Nuggets traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies along with a protected future first-round pick, in exchange for a second-round pick.[18] Hunter played sparingly in his final NBA season (2009–10) with Memphis, appearing in 21 games for 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.0 minutes, before being waived in March 2010.[5] Across his eight-season NBA career spanning 400 games with five teams, Hunter maintained career averages of 4.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in 13.7 minutes, establishing himself as a reliable backup center valued for his defensive versatility rather than offensive output.[1] His peak scoring night was 20 points, achieved multiple times, including against the Boston Celtics on April 11, 2007.[17]International career
After concluding his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009, Steven Hunter signed with Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari of Italy's Lega Basket Serie A in October 2011.[19] He joined the team mid-season on December 26, 2011, for the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign, providing frontcourt depth as a center.[19] In his brief stint with Sassari, Hunter appeared in six regular-season games, averaging 19.8 minutes per contest. He contributed 7.0 points, 5.5 rebounds (including 1.8 offensive boards), 0.8 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game, while shooting 47.6% from the field.[20] His role emphasized rebounding and rim protection, though turnovers averaged 2.5 per game in limited action. Sassari finished the season in ninth place in the league standings, qualifying for the playoffs, but Hunter did not feature in postseason play.[21] This marked Hunter's only professional experience outside North America, as he retired from playing basketball following the 2012 season.[22]Post-retirement activities
Community involvement
Following his professional basketball retirement around 2012, Steven Hunter has focused on community advocacy, particularly supporting families affected by disabilities and youth development in underserved areas. His efforts are deeply personal, inspired by his son Blaise's autism diagnosis at age three, which prompted Hunter and his wife Erika to seek resources from organizations like the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC).[7] They co-founded the Steven Hunter Youth Foundation around 2018 to provide practical aid, such as shoes and communication devices, to special needs students and their families.[7][23] Hunter hosts the annual "Fathers United for Kids with Autism" event, bringing together dads and children for bonding activities and support networking, with a planned golf fundraiser in 2025.[24] The foundation also organizes fundraisers, including a golf tournament, to sustain these initiatives. Announced in 2023 and beginning in 2024, he serves as the inaugural Community Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, leveraging his platform to raise awareness and drive resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and related disabilities. Through this role, Hunter commits to advocacy and community outreach in the Phoenix area, where he resides, including a 2024 adaptive basketball clinic at Footprint Center.[25][26][27] Additionally, Hunter promotes youth empowerment through sports and education via the Steven Hunter Youth Foundation's Life Skills and Basketball Academy. Launched around 2014, the program offers camps for children in grades 3-8, combining basketball training with life lessons on discipline and resilience, often held in his hometown communities like Bellwood and Maywood, Illinois. In partnership with Woz U Education, the academy distributes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) kits to schools, enhancing technology access for underprivileged students; one such collaboration provided resources to Maywood School District 89 as part of a $5 million initiative.[28] These efforts reflect Hunter's transition to roles like community liaison for the Phoenix Suns and NBA, emphasizing mentorship and holistic development.[29]Youth development
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Steven Hunter established the Steven Hunter Life Skills & Basketball Academy to mentor young athletes, combining basketball training with essential life skills development for children aged 5 to 18.[30] The academy's programs, including private training sessions, camps, and club basketball under Hunter's Elite, emphasize building confidence, leadership, and decision-making abilities to prepare participants for success beyond sports.[30] Launched around 2014, the initiative draws on Hunter's decade-long NBA experience to deliver tailored coaching by instructors with over 25 years of combined expertise, fostering both athletic proficiency and personal growth.[31][32] In 2018, Hunter expanded his efforts with holiday camps in Illinois, such as the event at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Bellwood, which attracted about 120 participants in grades 3-8 and integrated STEAM education through a partnership with Woz U Education to enhance holistic youth development.[28] These sessions focused on instilling good habits and ethical decision-making alongside hoop skills, targeting underserved communities in areas like Proviso Township.[28] Complementing the academy, Hunter co-founded the Steven Hunter Youth Foundation around 2018 with his wife Erika, inspired by their son Blaise's autism diagnosis, to support at-risk and special needs youth through sports, mentoring, and resource provision.[33][7] The nonprofit, based in Queen Creek, Arizona, aims to cultivate character, accountability, and educational opportunities, offering adaptive basketball clinics, annual events like "Father's United for Kids with Autism," and direct aid such as communication devices and school supplies to families facing resource shortages.[9][7] By 2021, the foundation had organized fundraisers, including golf tournaments, to sustain its mission of empowering underserved youth toward respectful and successful adulthoods.[7]Career statistics and records
Regular season
Steven Hunter's NBA regular season career spanned eight seasons from 2001 to 2010, during which he appeared in 400 games, primarily as a backup center and power forward known for his shot-blocking ability.[1] Across these games, he accumulated 5,993 minutes, scoring 1,817 points while grabbing 1,264 rebounds and recording 422 blocks, establishing him as a defensive specialist who provided rim protection off the bench.[1] His per-game averages reflected a role player contribution: 4.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 15.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 56.0% on 2.9 attempts.[1] Hunter's efficiency inside the paint was notable, as he shot 60.5% from the free-throw line and rarely attempted three-pointers, aligning with his post-oriented style.[1]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-02 | ORL | 53 | 9.7 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 0.8 | .456 |
| 2002-03 | ORL | 33 | 13.5 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 1.1 | .544 |
| 2003-04 | ORL | 59 | 13.4 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 1.2 | .529 |
| 2004-05 | PHO | 76 | 13.8 | 4.6 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 1.3 | .614 |
| 2005-06 | PHI | 69 | 19.0 | 6.1 | 3.9 | 0.2 | 1.1 | .601 |
| 2006-07 | PHI | 70 | 22.9 | 6.4 | 4.8 | 0.4 | 1.1 | .577 |
| 2007-08 | DEN | 19 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.3 | .536 |
| 2009-10 | MEM | 21 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | .395 |
| Career | 400 | 15.0 | 4.5 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 1.1 | .560 |
Playoffs
Hunter appeared in the NBA playoffs three times during his career, totaling 24 games with limited but impactful contributions, particularly in shot-blocking. His playoff debut came with the Orlando Magic in 2003, where he played a minor role off the bench. In the first round against the Detroit Pistons, Hunter averaged 0.9 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in 5.7 minutes per game across seven games, shooting 30.0% from the field.[1] His most significant playoff run occurred in 2005 with the Phoenix Suns, who advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Hunter provided valuable depth as a rim protector, appearing in all 15 playoff games and averaging 4.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and a team-high 1.2 blocks in 14.2 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 55.8%. In the first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, which the Suns swept 4-0, Hunter averaged 3.0 points and 1.3 blocks per game. The Suns fell to the San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals (4-1) and to the Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals (4-2), with Hunter's defensive presence aiding Phoenix's fast-paced style under coach Mike D'Antoni.[1] Hunter's final playoff appearance was brief, in 2008 with the Denver Nuggets during the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers. He played just two games, totaling 5 minutes with no points or blocks, averaging 1.0 rebound. The Nuggets lost the series 4-2. Overall, across his playoff career, Hunter averaged 2.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 9.7 minutes per game, underscoring his role as a situational big man focused on interior defense rather than scoring.[1]Playoff per game averages
| Season | Team | G | MP | FG% | FT% | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | ORL | 7 | 5.7 | .300 | .000 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| 2004-05 | PHX | 15 | 14.2 | .558 | .600 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 0.1 |
| 2007-08 | DEN | 2 | 2.5 | .000 | - | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Career | - | 24 | 9.7 | .514 | .571 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 |
Playoff totals
| Season | Team | G | MP | FG | FGA | FT | FTA | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | ORL | 7 | 40 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2004-05 | PHX | 15 | 213 | 34 | 61 | 3 | 5 | 60 | 38 | 3 | 18 | 2 |
| 2007-08 | DEN | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 24 | 258 | 37 | 72 | 3 | 7 | 66 | 43 | 4 | 21 | 2 |