Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Stacey Augmon was an elite defensive NBA swingman whose long wingspan, transition scoring, and perimeter versatility made him a valuable starter for the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and several playoff contenders throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Nicknamed “Plastic Man,” Augmon excelled as a lockdown wing defender, athletic slasher, and complementary offensive option capable of impacting games without needing high scoring totals.

Here is the detailed information about Stacey Augmon, a former NBA player and coach:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Stacey Orlando Augmon
  • Nickname: “Plastic Man” (for his defensive versatility and athleticism)
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on August 1, 1968
  • Hometown: Pasadena, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm)
  • Weight: 213 pounds (97 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 2, 20, 32, and 1
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • High School: John Muir High School in Pasadena, California
  • College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) (1987–1991)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 1st round (9th overall pick) in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Teams Played For:
    • Atlanta Hawks (1991–1996)
    • Detroit Pistons (1996–1997)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (1997–2001)
    • Charlotte Hornets (2001–2004)
    • New Orleans Hornets (2004–2006)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available
  • Coaching Career: Served as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets, UNLV, and the Milwaukee Bucks

Player Archetype / Play Style

Stacey Augmon’s player archetype was that of a rangy defensive wing who could moonlight as a slasher and connective forward, bringing elite disruption, open-floor speed, and multipositional value more than polished half-court shot creation. Nicknamed “Plastic Man,” the 6-foot-8, 205-pound left-hander built his reputation as a lockdown defender, using length, agility, and timing to hound perimeter scorers, jump passing lanes, and cover across the wing without needing plays called for him. Offensively, he was at his best as a cutter, transition finisher, opportunistic scorer, and secondary ball-mover rather than a primary initiator, with his athleticism and versatility helping him fill gaps instead of dominating possessions. The overall play style was energetic, unselfish, and defense-first: a player who could change the game with stops, activity, and movement while giving teams a long, flexible wing presence on both ends. (Basketball Reference)

Scouting Report

What stood out about Stacey Augmon was how much offense he created without ever being the focal point. He had an instinct for appearing in the right place at the right time, slipping behind defenders who turned their heads, filling the wing in transition, or cutting from the weak side just as the help defender stepped toward the ball. His handle was functional enough to attack an open lane, but he rarely complicated possessions with unnecessary dribbling. Catch, read, go. That was usually the sequence. To me, his game was built on recognizing advantages that someone else created and exploiting them before the defense could recover. Defensively, though, that’s where he separated himself. He covered ground with long, effortless strides, chased shooters through multiple screens without giving up much space, and had a knack for timing contests from awkward angles that made jumpers feel far more crowded than they looked. He wasn’t simply reacting to the ball either. He anticipated skip passes, slid into help before the drive fully developed, and rotated back out under control instead of selling out for steals. The trade-off was that his offensive assertiveness could disappear for stretches. Against defenders who sat off him and clogged driving lanes, he wasn’t naturally inclined to take difficult jumpers or force creation off the dribble, which sometimes left him blending into the background when a team needed additional scoring. Even so, it’s easy to overlook how valuable his cutting became because it punished defenses that overhelped on stars and kept the weak side occupied without demanding extra touches. That’s why his ideal fit is next to high-usage creators who constantly collapse the defense, allowing Augmon to defend the toughest perimeter assignment, ignite transition opportunities and capitalize on the spaces others generate. His overall profile brings shades of Tayshaun Prince because of the rangy defensive coverage and understated offensive game, while there are flashes of Bruce Bowen in the discipline and willingness to embrace complementary responsibilities, although Augmon offered considerably more off-the-dribble athleticism when attacking open space.

Player Insights

Stacey Augmon played an important role in shaping the Atlanta Hawks’ identity in the 1990s, giving the team athleticism, defensive versatility, and steady wing play. While Steve Smith brought strong value of his own, Augmon stood out for his mobility and ability to cover ground on both ends of the floor. Atlanta appeared to value that skill set more consistently than any of his later teams, as his playing time declined after leaving the Hawks. Based on how he performed in Atlanta, he looked like a dependable rotation player who could be trusted with meaningful minutes and help stabilize a lineup with reliable defense, energy, and composure. 9/14/2024

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Stacey Augmon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Sports Illustrated — UNLV Basketball Mount Rushmore: Top Runnin’ Rebels Of All Time
UNLV Rebels — Stacey Augmon (2002) – UNLV Athletics Hall Of Fame