Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Brian Lee Cardinal is a retired American professional basketball player known for his versatility and tenacity on the court.
- Full Name: Brian Lee Cardinal
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: May 2, 1977
- Hometown: Tolono, Illinois
- Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm)
- Weight: 245 pounds (111 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches
- Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
- Jersey Number: 35
- Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
- High School: Unity High School, Tolono, Illinois
- College: Purdue University (1996–2000)
- Played under coach Gene Keady.
- Known for his hustle and leadership, earning the nickname “The Custodian.”
- NBA Draft: Selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2nd round (44th overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft.
- Teams Played For:
- Detroit Pistons (2000–2002)
- Washington Wizards (2002–2003)
- Golden State Warriors (2003–2004)
- Memphis Grizzlies (2004–2008)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (2008–2010)
- Dallas Mavericks (2010–2012)
- Career Highlights:
- NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
- Recorded a career-high 32 points in a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 11, 2004.
- Known for his hustle plays, earning nicknames like “The Custodian” and “The Janitor.”
- Family:
- Father: Rod Cardinal, served as the head basketball trainer at the University of Illinois from 1973 to 2003.
- Siblings: Two – Troy Cardinal and Lisa Cardinal.
- Children: Information not publicly available.
Brian Cardinal’s NBA career spanned over a decade, during which he was celebrated for his work ethic, versatility, and team-first mentality. His contributions were pivotal in the Dallas Mavericks’ championship run in 2011.