Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s the detailed information on Theo Ratliff:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Theophalus Curtis Ratliff
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on April 17, 1973
  • Hometown: Demopolis, Alabama, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
  • Weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (223 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 18 (US)
  • Number: 42, 50, 72 (varied across teams)
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: Demopolis High School in Demopolis, Alabama
  • College: University of Wyoming
  • NBA Draft: 1995 NBA Draft, 1st round, 18th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons
  • Teams Played For:
    • Detroit Pistons (1995–1997)
    • Philadelphia 76ers (1997–2001)
    • Atlanta Hawks (2001–2004)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (2004–2006)
    • Boston Celtics (2006–2007)
    • Minnesota Timberwolves (2007–2008)
    • Detroit Pistons (2008)
    • Philadelphia 76ers (2008–2009)
    • San Antonio Spurs (2009)
    • Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2010)
    • Los Angeles Lakers (2010–2011)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Theo Ratliff has several children but specific details are not widely publicized.
  • Siblings: Not widely publicized

Player Archetype / Play Style

Theo Ratliff’s player archetype was that of a defensive-specialist center built to anchor the paint, protect the rim, and swing possessions without needing many touches. At 6-foot-10 and 235 pounds, with long reach, sharp anticipation, and uncommon mobility for a big man, he filled the defensive role of a back-line eraser and weak-side shot blocker, which matches a career that included two All-Defensive Second Team selections and three seasons leading the league in blocks. Offensively, his job was much simpler: set screens, dive, finish around the basket, and collect second-chance points rather than operate as a post hub or floor-spacing scorer. In broad terms, Ratliff played a low-usage, high-impact brand of basketball, with his value rooted in timing, length, and rim deterrence far more than offensive polish. (Sports Forecaster)

Sources:

NBA.com — Theo Ratliff | Center | Philadelphia 76ers | NBA.com
ESPN — Theo Ratliff Biography – ESPN (AU)
Sports Forecaster — Theo Ratliff Stats, Profile, Bio, Analysis and More | Retired | Sports Forecaster
NBA.com — NBA players who led in blocks in multiple seasons
Blazer’s Edge — Forgotten Trail Blazers: Theo Ratliff