Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Kevin Alvin Willis is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his longevity in the NBA and his significant contributions as a power forward and center. Below is an overview of his personal background and professional career:
- Full Name: Kevin Alvin Willis
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: September 6, 1962
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Height: 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)
- Weight: 245 pounds (111 kg)
- Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (224cm)
- Shoe Size: 19 (US)
- Jersey Numbers: 42, 41, 43, 45
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- High School: Pershing High School, Detroit, Michigan
- Colleges:
- Jackson College (1980–1981)
- Michigan State University (1981–1984)
- NBA Draft: 1984, 1st round, 11th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks
- Teams Played For:
- Atlanta Hawks (1984–1994, 2004–2005)
- Miami Heat (1994–1996)
- Golden State Warriors (1996)
- Houston Rockets (1996–1998, 2001–2002)
- Toronto Raptors (1998–2001)
- Denver Nuggets (2001)
- San Antonio Spurs (2002–2004)
- Dallas Mavericks (2007)
- Championship Rings: 1 (San Antonio Spurs, 2003)
- Children: Information not publicly available
- Siblings: Information not publicly available
Career Highlights:
- NBA All-Star (1992): Selected for the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1992.
- NBA Champion (2003): Won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
- Longevity: Played 21 seasons in the NBA, sharing the second position for most seasons played with Robert Parish, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.
- Career Totals: Accumulated over 17,000 points and 11,000 rebounds, making him one of fifteen players in NBA history to achieve such numbers.
Personal Background:
Born in Los Angeles, California, Willis moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Pershing High School. He began his collegiate basketball career at Jackson College before transferring to Michigan State University, where he majored in fashion and textiles. After being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1984, Willis became known for his durability and consistent performance on the court.
Throughout his extensive NBA career, Kevin Willis was celebrated for his rebounding skills, defensive presence, and ability to contribute offensively. His dedication to the game and ability to maintain a high level of play over two decades have left a lasting legacy in professional basketball.