Samaki Ijuma Walker was born on February 25,1976 and is an American retired professional basketball power forward and center.
22 Facts About Samaki Walker
2.
Samaki Walker continued to play for the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Indiana Pacers.
3.
Samaki Walker was born in Columbus, Ohio, the youngest of seven children.
4.
Samaki Walker attended Eastmoor High School and Whitehall-Yearling High School.
5.
Denny Crum recruited Samaki Walker to attend the University of Louisville, where he enjoyed two successful seasons playing for the Cardinals.
6.
Samaki Walker recorded the first triple double in school history, with 14 points, 10 boards and 11 blocks in a win over their rival the Kentucky Wildcats.
7.
Samaki Walker decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility and enter the 1996 NBA Draft.
8.
That season, new coach Don Nelson began drastically changing the makeup of the team, and Samaki Walker was actually the longest-tenured Maverick while still a rookie.
9.
Samaki Walker opted for a smaller deal to play in San Antonio rather than re-sign with Dallas, as he wanted to play under the tutelage of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
10.
Samaki Walker played two years with the team as a reserve.
11.
Samaki Walker started in 63 of 69 games, averaging 6.7 points per game and 7.0 rebounds for the season, and stepped in at Center for superstar Shaquille O'Neal when injured.
12.
Samaki Walker recorded a season high 18 points to go with 10 rebounds in a Christmas Day win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
13.
On February 19,2002, Samaki Walker entered the injured list because of a hyperextended elbow.
14.
Samaki Walker's shot influenced the NBA's decision to institute instant replay for review the following season.
15.
Samaki Walker became a free agent after the season, and the Lakers opted to sign Karl Malone and draft Brian Cook, effectively ending his run in Los Angeles.
16.
Samaki Walker signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat in 2003.
17.
Samaki Walker dealt with numerous injuries both years and only played 47 games over the two seasons.
18.
In January 2006, Samaki Walker played in four games with the Russian Professional Basketball League team UNICS Kazan, averaging 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
19.
Samaki Walker later played with the Korean Basketball League's Seoul SK Knights.
20.
In January 2010, Samaki Walker was released from Korean Basketball League's Seoul SK Knights after averaging 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds.
21.
Samaki Walker won a second Syrian League Championship with the team that season, and retired shortly after.
22.
Samaki Walker has three children, sons Dibaji and Jabari, and daughter Sakima.