Dickey Simpkins

Three-time NBA champion and current Fox Sports commentator.

LuBara Dixon "Dickey" Simpkins (born April 6, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player best known for his tenure with the Chicago Bulls in the late 1990s. He is currently a commentator for Fox Sports.

Quick Facts

Born: 6 April 1972
Birthplace: Fort Washington, Maryland, U.S.
High school: Friendly (Fort Washington, Maryland)
College: Providence (1990–1994)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 21
Drafted by: Chicago Bulls
Career position: Power forward; center

Lore & Background

Simpkins was born in Fort Washington, Maryland, and starred at Friendly High School. He played college basketball at Providence College, averaging 9.8 points per game and earning two Big East All-Tournament selections. He helped the Friars win the conference title in 1994 and was inducted into the college's athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. Selected by the Bulls with the 21st pick in the 1994 NBA draft, he saw limited action early in his career.

He earned NBA Championship rings in 1997 and 1998, but was not on the active roster for the 1996 playoffs. After being traded to the Golden State Warriors and then waived, the Bulls reclaimed him. He played in the playoffs for the first time in 1998, earning his third championship ring. Following the 1998–99 lockout, he became a part-time starter, averaging career highs of 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in the 1999 season.

After the Bulls renounced his rights in 2000, he played in Greece, then briefly for the Atlanta Hawks, and later in various countries including Russia, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Spain, Philippines, Lebanon, and Germany. He also played for the Alaska Aces in the PBA. Post-playing, he worked as a college basketball analyst for ESPN, founded Next Level Performance Inc., and is a national motivational speaker. He currently serves as a color commentator for Big East games on Fox Sports 1. He also scouted for the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards.

Reader's Guide

Simpkins played for the Chicago Bulls (1994–1997, 1997–2000), Golden State Warriors (1997), and Atlanta Hawks (2001–2002). He won NBA championships in 1997 and 1998. His career averages: 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists in 327 regular-season games. In 13 playoff games (all in 1998), he averaged 1.2 points and 1.0 rebound.