Chris Kaman

Verified Timeline

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 first-round win in 2003. He earned 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. He played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2003–2011), New Orleans Hornets (2011–2012), Dallas Mavericks (2012–2013), Los Angeles Lakers (2013–2014), and Portland Trail Blazers (2014–2016). He was named an NBA All-Star in 2010. Kaman also played for the German national basketball team in qualifying for the 2008 Olympics and at EuroBasket 2011.

In Their Own Story

The arena hums with the low buzz of anticipation as Chris Kaman steps onto the hardwood at the New Orleans Arena. The lights reflect off his polished sneakers as he jogs to the center circle, his massive frame moving with surprising grace. He receives the pass near the elbow, turns, and delivers a soft hook shot that swishes through the net without touching the rim. The crowd erupts, not just for the points, but for the sheer joy radiating from the giant who calls this city home.

Reader's Guide

Kaman was a 7-foot center known for his rebounding and shot-blocking. He improved his scoring and rebounding averages each season from his rookie year through 2007–08, when he averaged 15.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. He signed a five-year, $52.5 million contract with the Clippers in October 2006. After being traded to the New Orleans Hornets in 2011, he was briefly deactivated while the team sought a trade, but returned and finished the season with them. He signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks in 2012. He later played for the Lakers and Trail Blazers, where he served as a backup and veteran leader. His final NBA game was Game 4 of the 2016 Western Conference First Round on April 25, 2016.

Did You Know?

• Kaman was the only Clipper to play all 82 games in his rookie season.
• He became only the second rookie in Clippers franchise history to play all 82 games in his rookie season (after Michael Brooks in 1980–81).
• During the 2006 playoffs, opposing player Reggie Evans yanked Kaman's testicles and was fined $10,000.
• Kaman acquired German citizenship in July 2008 to play for the German national team, though he did not speak German at the time.
• He is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany.