Rashard Lewis, born on August 8, 1979 in Pineville, Louisiana, is a former professional basketball player who achieved great success during his time in the NBA. Standing at 6'10", Lewis played as a forward and was known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
Lewis was selected as the 32nd overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1998 NBA Draft, straight out of Alief Elsik High School in Houston, Texas. This made him one of the few players at the time to jump straight from high school to the NBA. His talent and potential were evident from the start, and he quickly established himself as a key player for the Supersonics.
During his first 8 seasons with the Supersonics, Lewis made a name for himself as a dynamic scorer and a versatile forward who could shoot from outside and drive to the basket. He earned two All-Star selections during his time with the team and became a fan favorite for his exciting style of play.
In July 2007, Lewis signed a lucrative 6-year, $118 million contract with the Orlando Magic. While this deal made him one of the highest-paid players in the league at the time, it also drew criticism from many fans and pundits who felt that the contract was excessive. Despite the controversy surrounding his contract, Lewis continued to deliver solid performances for the Magic and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 2009.
During his time with the Magic, Lewis formed a strong partnership with center Dwight Howard, and the two players became key pillars of the team's success. Together, they helped the Magic reach the 2009 NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Magic ultimately fell short in the Finals, Lewis's contributions to the team were undeniable.
Off the court, Lewis is a devoted husband and father. He married Giovanni Fortes in 2011, and the couple has three children named Grayson, Gianna, and Rashard Jr. Lewis is known for his commitment to his family and his involvement in various charitable initiatives.
After retiring from professional basketball, Lewis has remained active in the basketball community, coaching and mentoring young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps. His experience and success in the NBA have made him a respected figure in the sport, and he continues to inspire the next generation of basketball talent.
Overall, Rashard Lewis's career in the NBA is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. He overcame obstacles and challenges to become one of the league's top players, earning accolades and recognition for his skills on the court. As a player and a person, Lewis has left a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and will always be remembered as a true legend of the game.