Craig Claxton

Craig Claxton is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for nine seasons. He won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. After his playing career, Claxton transitioned into coaching and is currently the head coach of the Hofstra Pride men's basketball team.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Craig Elliott "Speedy" Claxton was born on May 8, 1978, in Hempstead, New York, United States of America. He stands 180 cm tall and his weight was listed at 75 kg. Claxton played as a point guard and he shot right-handed.

His parents are from Antigua and Barbuda. His brother and his sister also played basketball in college. Claxton has two daughters.

High School and College Career

Claxton attended Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, New York. He then played college basketball for Hofstra University from 1996 to 2000.

In 1998 and 2000, he was named the American East Player of the Year. In 2000, he also won the Haggerty Award. Later, Hofstra would retire jersey number 10 in his honor.

Professional Career

Claxton was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 20th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. In 2002, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he won an NBA championship as Tony Parker's backup.

In 2003, Claxton signed with the Golden State Warriors. Claxton later played for the New Orleans Hornets and Atlanta Hawks before retiring in 2009 due to recurring knee injuries.

Over his NBA career, Claxton averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring, Claxton joined the Golden State Warriors as a scout. In 2013, he returned to his alma mater Hofstra as an assistant coach. On April 7, 2021, Claxton was named the head coach of the Hofstra Pride men's basketball team.

In 2023, he was named the CAA Coach of the Year.

Career Highlights

As a player:

• 2003 - NBA champion
• 2000 - Haggerty Award
• 2000 - America East tournament MVP
• 1998, 2000 - 2× America East Player of the Year

• No. 10 retired by Hofstra Pride

As a coach:

• 2023 - CAA regular-season champion
• 2023 - CAA Coach of the Year

Career NBA statistics:

• Points: 3,096 (9.3 ppg)
• Assists: 1,441 (4.3 apg)
• Steals: 503 (1.5 spg)

Team History

As a coach:

• 2021–present - Hofstra
• 2013–2021 - Hofstra (assistant)