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Corey Maggette, a recognizable figure in American basketball

The 2000s were exciting years in NBA, the most popular 5×5 basketball national league in the world. Cuttino Mobley and Amar’e Stoudemire were only two of a couple of players from that era that I have introduced to you.  La Lakers and San Antonio were dominating the league in that decade.

Every fan remembers those teams, but also players are in the memory of true basketball fanatics. One of these players is Corey Maggette. This small forward and the shooting guard was very popular back then among spectators with his skills. So let’s dive into his story.

 How did Corey start his professional career?

After showing his potential at an early age, Corey took part in the Draft as a 19-year-old. Maggette was picked by Seattle SuperSonics as the 13th pick in NBA Draft Pool in 1999. Corey was sent right away to Orlando Magic. His rookie season in Florida was solid. Corey Maggette scored 8.4 points and made 3.9 rebounds per game.

This player participated in 77 games during the 1999/2000 season. Hero of our story had excellent performance with 20 points against Detroit Pistons at the beginning of 2000. This shooting guard and small forward was sold to LA Clippers in the summer of 2000.

What happened with Maggette in LA Clippers?

Corey agreed with LA Clippers. Maggette was sent to California together with Keyon Dooling, Derek Strong, and cash. Orlando got the right to choose the first-round pick in Draft Pool in 2006. Corey Maggette received the nickname “Maximus” from his teammates during his tenure with LA Clippers.

This player developed into a reliable player and his improvement was visible to everyone. His skills like jumping and shooting free throws were evident in the eye of the spectators. Hero of our paragraphs took part in Dunk Contest and NBA All-Star weekend in 2001.

What occurred further in his career in Los Angeles?

Maggette had a solid 2004/2005 season in LA Clippers. Corey had the highest number of points, rebounds, assists, and percentage of scored free throws in his career. In the next season, these players contributed to the first victory of the LA Clippers in the previous 13 years.

The team from California defeated Denver Nuggets. They later lost in the semifinal of the Western Conference against the Phoenix Suns with 4-3. In one of these seven games, Maggette had the best performance in” his playoff career”. Corey had 25 points on his account and 100 % percent accuracy from the free-throw line.

Did he stay in Los Angeles for 2006/2007?

There was a rumor that Maggette had a dispute with his coach Mike Dunleavy. Despite that, Corey made an excellent comeback during the season of 2006/2007.  This player had the best performance regarding results in his career against LA Lakers. It happened in April of 2007.

Corey Maggette scored unbelievably 39 points and contributed a lot in a 118-110 victory over the Lakers.  The Clippers were trailing by 17 points but succeeded to recover and eventually won the game. Corey gave up from the final year of his deal with the Clippers and became a free agent at the end of the season 2007/2008.

What was his next station on NBA road?

Maggette agreed with the Golden State Warriors in July of 2008. The general manager of Golden State pointed out that Corey’s attitude and work ethic can motivate his teammate to give their best on the court. Corey Maggette scored 19.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Warriors. The hero of our story played overall 121 games for this NBA team during the two seasons he spent there.

Maggette was sent to Milwaukee Bucks in the summer of 2010. Corey was part of an exchange that included Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric from Milwaukee. Corey made seasons high with 29 points and 11 rebounds in a 116-110 victory against Toronto.

What happened after with Corey Maggette?

Corey was transferred to Charlotte Bobcats on June 23, 2011, in a deal were also team Sacramento took part. Season 2011/2012 was shorter because of the lockout.  Maggette played in 32 games during that season. His 29 points against Orlando Magic on March 12 was his best game during his tenure in Charlotte.

Corey Maggette was included in an exchange in the summer of 2012 between Detroit and Bobcats. He went to Detroit, while Ben Gordon and future first-round pick went in the opposite direction.

What did Corey do in Detroit Pistons?

Maggette had his debut performance for Detroit in November of 2012 due to an injury he suffered in the preseason.  Corey had 9 points and 3 assists on his account in his first game for the Pistons. It was enough to win over Philadelphia with 94-76. This player took part in the next 17 games before things started to go bad for him. His disagreement with coach Lawrence Frank sent him to the bench.

After that season, Corey became a free agent. Maggette signed the deal with San Antonio to participate in their training camp in the summer of 2013. San Antonio later gave up on collaborating with him. Soon after, the hero of our paragraphs announced officially his retirement.

Where did Corey continue his participation in basketball?

Corey decided to try to use his skills in Big3, the most popular national league in a basket on one rim. Maggette became captain of team Power right away. Cuttino Mobley was appointed as co-captain. Other teammates were Jerome Williams, Deshawn Stevenson, and Moochie Noris. Power finished third in Big3 standings with a 4-4 score.

Power lost in the semifinal of a playoff against Three Headed Monsters with 50-46. Power was also defeated against Ghost Ballers with 52-39 in the game for third place. It was a hard year for Maggette because he tore his Achilles during his first game in Fireball’s first season.

What occurred with Maggette in the second season of Fireball?

Maggette returned to the Big3 courts after a hard injury in the first season. Corey had strong motivation to finally show his skills in front of Fireball’s audience. Nancy Liebermann took charge of Power in an attempt to bring them the first title in this competition. Things clicked perfectly between “Lady Magic” and Corey Maggette. Power ended the regular season in first place with a 7-1 score.

Power beat Tri State with 51-49 in the semifinal of Best Four.  In the final, Power pulled out a 51-43 victory over 3’s Company and became a champion. Corey got the MVP award. This player took second place in the season in scored points, second place in made assists, and third place in made rebounds. You can watch full final game here:

Where did Corey play in the third Big3 season?

Maggette stayed in Power for the third season. Corey remained captain of this team.  According to Fireball’s rule, champions from the previous season couldn’t bring new players because they won the title in 2019. Power took the third position in the regular part of the third season with five victories and three losses.

Nancy Liebermann’s squad was defeated in the semifinal of a playoff against Killer 3’s with 50-42. Corey’s team lost against 3 Headed Monsters in the game for third place with 50-42.  It was the last season for Maggette in Big3.

Corey showed over 17 years of his NBA and Big career what he is made off of. His flexibility is something that caught my attention during my writing about him. Maggette was able to handle his ego during his NBA days.

Corey Maggette adapted to the new environment in Big3 where it is more about normal communication between players. His maturity and understanding of the game are fascinating. This player is a role model for young people who want to try to succeed in something, whether that be business or sport.

About the author

Marjan Nikolic

Passionate sports guy, coming from the eastern Europe where best basketball is played (yeah, I know you will not agree!). Dynamic 3x3 basket has special place in my heart.

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