Michael Redd


Michael Wesley Redd is an American former professional basketball player. He was drafted 43rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2000 NBA draft. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended West High School. He was also a member of the U.S. national basketball team.
Standing tall and weighing, Redd spent both his collegiate and professional career at the shooting guard position.

Early life and education

Redd was born on August 24, 1979, in Columbus, Ohio. In his college years, Redd spent three years leading the offensive attack of Ohio State University garnering point averages of 21.9, 19.5, and 17.5, respectively. As a sophomore, Redd and Scoonie Penn led Ohio State to the NCAA Final Four. He was then drafted after his junior year in the 2000 NBA draft as a second round pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Career

2000–2011: Milwaukee Bucks

In his rookie year, Redd was not able to contribute immediately as he was behind NBA All-Star guard Ray Allen on the depth chart. Later on, however, it became apparent that he was better than anticipated as proven by accounts that he had played extremely well against Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and other teammates in practice. It was then that former Bucks' head coach George Karl rewarded him with additional playing time. He posted averages of 11.4 points per contest as well as 44.4% on three-point shooting during his second NBA season. On February 20, 2002, against the Houston Rockets, Redd made eight three-point field goals in the fourth quarter, a then-NBA record. In October 2002, he signed a four-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks, but it was matched by the Bucks and he remained in Milwaukee. During the 2003–04 season, Redd's performance, amongst other reasons, was rewarded with full starter's duties and later earning averages of 21.7 points per contest en route to his first and only All-Star Game appearance.
After the 2004–05 season, Redd signed a new contract with the Bucks that lasted six years and was worth $91 million. He chose to stay with the Bucks over leaving for his home state team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a chance to play for less money with LeBron James.
In the 2006–07 season, Redd had the best season of his career. He averaged a career-high 26.7 points per game and set a Bucks' record for most points in a game, with 57.
The Milwaukee Bucks were dealt a devastating blow January 25, 2009, when they learned Redd would miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Redd missed the rest of the 2008–09 season.
Redd returned for the Bucks to start the 2009–10 season, but during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 10, 2010, he re-tore his ACL and MCL in the same knee that he had injured almost a year earlier. It was announced the next day that he would once again be lost for the rest of the season.
On March 28, 2011, Redd was able to return to the Bucks after 14 months from the injury and recorded four assists in his return. On March 30, 2011, against the Toronto Raptors, Redd scored his first NBA basket since his return from injury. Redd played 10 games in the 2010–11 season. When he left Milwaukee, he had averaged 20 points per game in his 11 seasons with the team.

2011–2012: Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns signed Redd to a one-year contract on December 29, 2011. Redd made his debut for Phoenix on January 12, 2012, scoring 14 points in a loss to the Cavaliers. Redd returned to Milwaukee on February 7, 2012, scoring 14 points in the win over the Bucks. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. On March 18, 2012, Redd scored a season-high 25 points in a victory against the Houston Rockets.

Retirement

On November 6, 2013, Redd announced his retirement from the NBA. In his retirement Redd has become an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He also has a popular podcast called Betting On Yourself.

National team career

Redd has frequently played for Team USA at the junior level and played in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament, a qualifying tournament for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He averaged over 15 points throughout the competition. During the team's game against Puerto Rico, Redd set the qualifying record for most 3-pointers made in one game. He also set the record of most three-pointers made in the whole tournament surpassing Penny Hardaway who had the previous record of 22. Redd participated in the 2008 Olympics as the team went unbeaten on the way to winning back the gold medal after defeating 2006 FIBA World Championship winners Spain and living up to their "Redeem Team" moniker after missing out in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Personal life

Redd, a devout Christian, bought a church building for his father's ministry as the first purchase after signing his big contract worth $91 million over 6 years. The church was newly named Philadelphia Deliverance Church of Christ built in his hometown of Columbus.
Redd, via NCT Ventures, invested in Azoti, an Ohio startup that connects producers and buyers of food.
Redd lives in Powell, Ohio.

Accomplishments

Regular season

Playoffs