Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Dennis Awtrey, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Dennis Wade Awtrey
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on February 22, 1948
  • Hometown: Hollywood, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
  • Weight: 235 pounds (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 17 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 23, 25, 31, 18, and 50
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: Blackford High School in San Jose, California
  • College: Santa Clara University (1966–1970)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 3rd round (39th overall pick) in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Teams Played For:
    • Philadelphia 76ers (1970–1972)
    • Chicago Bulls (1972–1974)
    • Phoenix Suns (1974–1978)
    • Boston Celtics (1978)
    • Seattle SuperSonics (1978–1981)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (1981–1982)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Dennis Awtrey’s player archetype was that of a rugged, old-school defensive center, a 6-foot-10, 235-pound big whose value came from size, strength, rebounding, screens, and physical interior play more than refined scoring skill. Defensively, he filled the role of a bruising paint anchor who battled opposing centers, protected space with positioning, and brought a hard-nosed edge to the middle. Offensively, his role was limited and practical: finish close to the basket, keep the ball moving, set sturdy picks, and do the interior work that helped more skilled scorers operate around him. His overall play style was tough, blue-collar, and highly physical, fitting the mold of a dependable rotational center who gave teams grit, frontcourt resistance, and a willingness to do the dirty work. (Basketball Reference)

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Dennis Awtrey Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Legends of Basketball — Dennis Awtrey
Santa Clara University Athletics — Dennis Awtrey ’70
NBA.com — Dennis Awtrey | Center | Phoenix Suns