Derek Strong
Encyclopedia
Derek Lamar Strong is an American
former professional basketball
player who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
in the 2nd round (47th overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft
. A 6'8" forward from Xavier University
, Strong played in 10 NBA seasons from 1991 to 2001 for 6 different teams. He played for the Washington Bullets
, Milwaukee Bucks
, Boston Celtics
, Los Angeles Lakers
, Orlando Magic
and Los Angeles Clippers
.
In his NBA career, Strong played in 456 games and scored a total of 3,088 points. His best year as a professional came during the 1997-98 season as a member of the Magic, appearing in 58 games and averaging 12.7 ppg.
During his tenure in the NBA, Derek was an avid NASCAR
fan and remained committed to pursuing this childhood dream when his playing days ended.
Since becoming a professional stock car driver and owner of Strong Racing, Derek is the first NBA player to successfully transition into stock car racing.
Strong supports many charities including The Music City Motorsports Institute, a non-profit associated with Strong Racing that seeks to motivate and inspire students to achieve academic success with an educational platform of learning, discovery and fun in the motor sports industry.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
former professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
in the 2nd round (47th overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft
1990 NBA Draft
The 1990 NBA Draft took place on June 27, 1990, in New York City, New York. This draft produced only one perennial All-Star,Gary Payton. Among the 54 picks, Payton is considered by far the best pick of the draft. Payton went on to be considered one of the greatest point guards of all time...
. A 6'8" forward from Xavier University
Xavier University (Cincinnati)
Xavier University is a co-educational Jesuit university in the United States located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and has an undergraduate enrollment of about 4,000 students and graduate enrollment of 2,600 students. Xavier is primarily...
, Strong played in 10 NBA seasons from 1991 to 2001 for 6 different teams. He played for the Washington Bullets
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
, Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
and Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
.
In his NBA career, Strong played in 456 games and scored a total of 3,088 points. His best year as a professional came during the 1997-98 season as a member of the Magic, appearing in 58 games and averaging 12.7 ppg.
During his tenure in the NBA, Derek was an avid NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
fan and remained committed to pursuing this childhood dream when his playing days ended.
Since becoming a professional stock car driver and owner of Strong Racing, Derek is the first NBA player to successfully transition into stock car racing.
Strong supports many charities including The Music City Motorsports Institute, a non-profit associated with Strong Racing that seeks to motivate and inspire students to achieve academic success with an educational platform of learning, discovery and fun in the motor sports industry.