Chris Kaman

Lore & Background

Kaman attended Tri-unity Christian School in Wyoming, Michigan, leading his high school varsity to the state Class D quarterfinals in 2000. He played three seasons at Central Michigan University, leading them to a Mid-American Conference Championship and an NCAA tournament appearance in 2003. He garnered Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America honors before declaring for the 2003 NBA draft. Kaman claims he decided to enter the NBA draft a year early so he could fund a chicken farm in his home state of Michigan.

Reader's Guide

Kaman played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2003 to 2011. In his rookie year, he averaged 6.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.89 blocks and 22.5 minutes in 82 games played (61 starts). He was the only Clipper to play all 82 games. Kaman became only the second rookie in franchise history (Michael Brooks, 1980–81) to play in all 82 games in his rookie season. He finished the season ranked second among all rookies in blocked shots per game, third in field goal percentage, and fourth in rebounds per game, earning the starting center position on the NBA Rookie All-Star Team. He helped the Clippers to their first playoff series victory in 2006. Kaman was named an NBA All-Star in 2010. He was traded to the New Orleans Hornets on December 14, 2011. He signed with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2012, then with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 12, 2013, and with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2014. His final NBA game was Game 4 of the 2016 Western Conference First Round on April 25, 2016.

Did You Know?

• Kaman is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, acquiring German citizenship in July 2008 to play for the German national team.
• Kaman's wife, Emilie VilleMonte, gave birth to their son Barrett Christopher Kaman on December 27, 2014.
• Kaman belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.