Mark McNamara


Mark Robert McNamara, was an American professional basketball player who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1982 NBA draft.
A 6'11" power forward-center from the University of California, Berkeley, McNamara played in eight NBA seasons from 1982 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991. He played for the 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Kansas City Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic.

NBA career

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, he spent his rookie season with the team. Playing alongside Moses Malone, McNamara averaged 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game across 36 games, and earned his only NBA championship with the 76ers.
McNamara's best statistical year as a professional came during the 1983–84 season as a member of the Spurs, appearing in 70 games and averaging 5.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg.
In his NBA career, McNamara played in 278 games and scored a total of 980 points.

Post-NBA

McNamara was an assistant coach of the boys' basketball team at Haines High School in Haines, Alaska and led the team to two state titles. McNamara helped with basketball camps around Alaska.

Death

McNamara died on April 27, 2020 at age 60. He reportedly died of heart failure, culminating from years of cardiac issues.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Film

McNamara worked as a stand-in for Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca on the set of Return of the Jedi.