Eddie Lee Wilkins

Eddie Lee Wilkins
Personal information
Born	May 7, 1962 (age 62); Cartersville, Georgia
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school	Cass (Cartersville, Georgia)
College	Gardner–Webb (1980–1984)
NBA draft	1984: 6th round, 133rd overall pick
	Selected by the New York Knicks
Playing career	1984–1993
Position	Power forward / Center
Number	21, 45, 55
Career history
1984–1985	New York Knicks
1985	Connecticut Colonials (USBL)
1986	Westchester Golden Apples (USBL)
1986	Rockford Lightning (CBA)
1986–1987	Valladolid (Spain)
1987	New York Knicks
1987	Staten Island Stallions (USBL)
1987–1988	Savannah Spirits (CBA)
1988	Quad City Thunder (CBA)
1988	Jersey Shore Bucs (USBL)
1988–1991	New York Knicks
1991–1992	Ranger Varese (Italy)
1992–1993	Philadelphia 76ers
	Stats at NBA.com
	Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Eddie Lee Wilkins (born May 7, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the New York Knicks in the 6th round (133rd overall) of the 1984 NBA Draft. A 6'10" forward/center from Gardner-Webb University, Wilkins played in 6 NBA seasons. He played for the Knicks (1984–85, 1986–87, 1988–91) and Philadelphia 76ers (1992–93). Wilkins graduated from Cass High School.

In his NBA career, Wilkins played in 322 games and scored a total of 1,534 points. On November 15, 1990, he had one of his best games as a pro when he scored 20 points in 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers as a member of the New York Knicks. Often backing up Patrick Ewing (who joined the team in 1985-86, Wilkins would only start in 29 of the 296 contests he played for the Knickerbockers.

When Pat Riley came to New York, Wilkins was released. He went to Italy for one season (1991–92, joining Ranger Varese), before returning to the NBA the next season, signing a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Towards the end of the 1992-93 season, on April 15, 1993, the Sixers were playing the Orlando Magic, who were led by rookie Shaquille O'Neal. On a rebound attempt, Wilkins and O'Neal collided and became entangled. Wilkins tore his achilles tendon, missing the remainder of the season. His career was effectively ended.

In 1989, he established the Eddie Lee Wilkins Foundation, which later became the Eddie Lee Wilkins Youth Association. With the help of program director David Archer, Jr., Wilkins and the association began providing athletic and social intervention activities for youth in the Cartersville and North Georgia area. Wilkins currently runs a youth basketball league in Smyrna, Georgia for youth boys ages 4 – 6.

External links