Younger generations desperately need examples of using talents in a productive manner. One of those examples plays in Big3 league. He is Rashard Lewis. That first and last name is also very recognizable and respected in NBA.
This player wants to influence children and return them all favors provided to him earlier. His commitment to giving support to the parents of those children is very significant. I will roll out the biography of Rashard in the next paragraphs. You don’t have to worry if it’s going to be exciting.
How did Rashard Lewis start in professional basketball?
Lewis was recruited by Florida State, Kansas, and Houston, but refused to play there. Rashard was chosen by Seattle in Draft Pool in 1998 with the 32nd overall pick. Our hero had career-high 50 points in 2003 which helped SuperSonics to win against Los Angeles Clippers.
He is a recorder in Seattle by several scored three-point shots. His 918 three-pointers are the best result in this team’s history. Rashard Lewis participated in All-Star Game in 2005 during his time in Seattle. This player spent nine seasons in SuperSonics but didn’t manage to win the NBA trophy.
Where did he continue his career?
Rashard signed the contract with Orlando Magic in the summer of 2002. Lewis was transferred from his usual position of small forward to power forward in the first season. Rashard Lewis was the Magic’s best scorer in the playoff and made personal best in categories: points, rebounds, and assists.
Season 2008/2009 was particularly good for him because he scored one of the biggest shots of his career in the final of the Eastern Conference against Cleveland. He brought the win to his team, but eventually they lost the big final against Los Angeles Lakers.
What happened controversially during his time in Orlando?
Lewis tested positive for an increased testosterone level and ended up suspended for 10 games in the summer of 2009. The test was held during the final game of the 2008/ 2009 season. It is usually used for reducing tiredness. That was a banned substance, but Rashard was not aware of that.
All coaching staff gave him support and believed it was an innocent mistake by much appreciated player. He admitted his error and took full responsibility for the whole situation. His suspension was 10 season regular games for which he didn’t receive pay.
What was his next station in NBA?
Rashard Lewis was exchanged for Gilbert Arenas in the summer of 2010. Rashard went to Washington Wizards and Gilbert finished in Orlando Magic. Lewis played in the capital of the USA for two years. This player had on his account 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
He was traded to New Orleans in 2012 after average performances in Washington. His transfer was in exchange for Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor. New Orleans agreed with buyout conditions and waived him, so he entered free agency. Hero of those paragraphs needed to find a new club that summer to be able to play competitive basketball.
What did Rashard Lewis decide after that?
The deal between Rashard Lewis and Miami Heat was signed in the summer of 2012. The two-year contract joined him with Ray Allen one more time. Ray Allen and his new teammate played together in Seattle. Rashard was a very valuable asset to Miami and he was praised by his coach Eric Spoelstra for his efforts in defense.
Lewis was gradually improving his performances in Florida and won a place in the first line-up. This player gave a huge contribution to the final of the Eastern Conference. Miami went to win the title for the second time in a row.
What was the next step on Rashard’s NBA road?
Lewis made a deal with Dallas Mavericks on July 14, 2014. Unfortunately, the contract was voided only a couple of days later due to a failing physical. It was revealed that the player his knee demanded surgery. Mavericks had a lot of expectations from him after a successful time in Miami, but the collaboration ended soon.
The need for medical intervention stopped the partnership that could have been lucrative. Rashard Lewis didn’t play the whole 2014/2015 season due to a knee injury. His retirement came spontaneously and he will be remembered as one of the biggest players of his era in the NBA.
How did Lewis start his Big3 career?
Big3 was a big idea and project of Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017. It is supposed to gather ex-NBA players and big talents together in a game on one basket. Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams have been officially announced as a member of the newly formed team Three Headed Monsters in Big3. They played together in Orlando Magic from 2009 to 2011.
Lewis was the first laureate of the first-ever Big3 MVP Award in the first season in 2017. His team lost the final game to Trilogy, but Rashard’s influence on Three-Headed Monster’s performances was evident.
What happened with Lewis in the second season of Big3?
Three Headed Monsters brought Salim Stoudamire as their only signing in the summer of 2018. This team finished the regular part of the season with the same score as in the previous season – 7 wins and 1 loss. Rashard stood up as a leader of this club and continued very solid performing.
His playing in a power forward position with a good shot from long distance was a very interesting segment in his performances. He didn’t get any individual accolades at the end of the second season, but Three Headed Monsters showed consistency and won third place.
Where did Rashard Lewis play in the third season of Fireball?
Rashard Lewis established himself as captain of Three Headed Monsters and he was the coach’s right hand. They finished the season with a 4-4 score and went to a playoff. It was a poorer performance by the team regarding results.
Three new players in the squad caused modification of the style of play and the need for time for adapting new players. His team took third place one more time, but it was clear that players like Rashard wanted trophies. His potential and work ethic didn’t allow him to get pleased with second or third place.
How did the fourth season in Big3 turn out for Lewis?
Kevin Murphy and Mamadou N’Diaye strengthened 3 Headed Monsters in the draft pool 2021. They drastically improved from the previous season and the score at the end regular season was 6-2. Three Headed Monsters were defeated again in the final against Trilogy and Rashard was powerless one more time.
Details prevailed in that game. It was a devastating loss for him and crushed his ambitions that he can become the captain of the best team in the league. Lewis had to be content with a silver medal around his neck.
His athleticism and dedication to small details are catching the eye of the basketball spectator. Not so many players have been so consistent throughout their whole career. Rashard wants to use his money from his salary to make sure that kids can go with their parents to the Big3 games. He is paying for the ticket for the child.
What else should we expect from such a gentle and cool profile of personality? Lewis is constantly improving the image of the Big3 league. The hero of those paragraphs is having a strong interpersonal bond with supporters. It should be an example for everyone and it’s a valuable life lesson.
[…] Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams knew each other’s virtues and flaws on the court and based on that they picked players from the draft in 2017. Gary Payton as a coach, Rashard as captain, and Jason as co-captain had three rounds of draft pool to choose players from. The first pick was Kwame Brown, the second was Eddie Basden, and the third was Mahmoud Abdul – Rauf. […]
[…] Rashard Lewis is a famous former NBA player who wore the jerseys of Orlando, Washington, Miami, and Seattle. Lewis had a captain role in the fifth Big3’s edition. […]