Michael Finley

Michael Finley is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. In 2007, he became an NBA Champion while he played with the San Antonio Spurs. He is also a two-time NBA All-Star.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Michael Howard Finley was born on March 6, 1973, in Maywood, Illinois. He stands 201 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 98 kg. He started playing basketball as a young kid and was a fan of Michael Jordan growing up. He attended the same high school as Doc Rivers who is the head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.

High School and College Career

He attended Proviso East High School in his hometown. Later, he played college basketball with the University of Wisconsin from 1991 to 1995. While there, he was named the 1993 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

Finley was also named to the First-team All-Big Ten in 1993 and again in 1995. The Wisconsin Badgers later retired his jersey number.

Professional Career

In 1995, he joined the NBA and was selected 21st overall in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. In his first year, he was named to the 1996 NBA All-Rookie First Team. Finley played for the team from 1995 to 1996.

In 1996, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks and he played for the team through to 2005. In that time, he was named an NBA All-Star in 2000 and again in 2001. In 2004, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs and he played with the team from 2005 to 2010.

In 2007, while with the Spurs, he became an NBA Champion. In 2010, he played for the Boston Celtics before he retired from the NBA.

Career Highlights

• 2007 - NBA champion
• 2000, 2001 - NBA All-Star
• 1996 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
• 1993, 1995 - First-team All-Big Ten
• 1993 - USA Basketball Male Athlete

of the Year

• No. 24 jersey retired by Wisconsin

Badgers