Kurt Nimphius (born March 13, 1958) is an American former
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Ca ...
(NBA) player. Nimphius played nine seasons in the NBA after his collegiate career at
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (Arizona State or ASU) is a public university, public research university in Tempe, Arizona, United States. Founded in 1885 as Territorial Normal School by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the university is o ...
.
Early life
Born in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
, Nimphius was the son of Karl and Esther Nimphius and was raised with siblings Kris and Karla. His father and uncles operated the Nimphius Boat Company and his father was a woodworking teacher, who built the family home himself.
High school career
Nimphius attended
South Milwaukee High School in
South Milwaukee, graduating in 1976 and playing basketball for Coach Jerry Sullivan.
In the 1976 Wisconsin Class A Basketball Tournament, Nimphius led South Milwaukee to three victories and the state championship to complete a 25–0 season. Nimphius scored 97 points, the second-highest total ever in the tournament, along with 40 rebounds.
Nimphius led South Milwaukee to victories over
Milwaukee Washington,
Madison West and
Eau Claire Memorial. Nimphius scored 30 points with 11 rebounds in the 45–43 Finals victory over Coach
Dick Bennett's Eau Claire Memorial team. Nimphius hit a short jumper with 46 seconds left to break a 43–43 tie.
College career
Nimphius attended
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (Arizona State or ASU) is a public university, public research university in Tempe, Arizona, United States. Founded in 1885 as Territorial Normal School by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the university is o ...
, where he played for coach
Ned Wulk. As a freshman in 1976–1977 he average 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds for the Sun Devils. As a sophomore, Nimphius averaged 8.5 points and 6.1 rebounds, shooting 55.7%, from the floor. As a junior, in 1978–1979, Nimphius averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, shooting 58%.
As a senior in 1979–1980 under Coach Wulk, Nimphius averaged 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 60% from the field. Arizona State finished 22–7 and 15–3 in the
Pac-10 Conference. He led the team in scoring and rebounding, playing alongside
Byron Scott
Byron Antom Scott (born March 28, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player and head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a role player, Scott won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the ...
,
Sam Williams,
Alton Lister and
Fat Lever.
Arizona State played in the
1980 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. They defeated
Loyola Marymount
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a private Jesuit and Marymount research university in Los Angeles, California. LMU enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it the largest Catholic university on the west coast of the ...
99–71 before losing to
Ohio State
The Ohio State University (Ohio State or OSU) is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States. A member of the University System of Ohio, it was founded in 1870. It is one of the largest universities by enrollme ...
89–75.
Nimphius had 13 points and 7 rebounds against Loyola Marymount and 14 points and 11 rebounds against Ohio State with
Herb Williams,
Kelvin Ransey and
Clark Kellogg.
Nimphius was named
All-Pac-10 after his senior season, when he had 11
double-doubles and scored 30 points four times, including 37 points against Oregon.
Overall, Nimphius played in 104 games at ASU, averaging 9.7 points and 6.0 rebounds on 58% shooting. Nimphius holds ASU records for highest single-season (60.9) and career (58.6) field goal percentage marks and ranks among the Sun Devils' top 10 in career rebounding, blocked shots and points (1,006).
Professional career
Denver / Europe / Alberta (1980–1981)
Drafted by the
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are an American professional basketball team based in Denver. The Nuggets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division (NBA), Northwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA), W ...
in the third round (1st pick) of the
1980 NBA draft, Nimphius took part in Denver's rookie/free agent camp, but was not invited to return for regular training camp.
Nimphius began the 1980–1981 season playing in Europe for Rodrigo Chieti of the Italian Professional League, averaging 18.7 points and 10.5 rebounds in ten games. Nimphius then returned to the United States to play with the
Alberta Dusters of the
Continental Basketball Association
The Continental Basketball Association (CBA), originally known as the Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League, and later as the Eastern Professional Basketball League and the Eastern Basketball Association, was a men's professional basketball m ...
, playing in 18 games, averaging 13.1 points and 8.7 rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks (1981–1985)
On September 2, 1981, Nimphius was waived by the Denver Nuggets and immediately signed as a free agent by the
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks (often referred to as the Mavs) are an American professional basketball team based in Dallas. The Mavericks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Divisi ...
the same day.
As an NBA rookie in 1981–1982, under coach
Dick Motta in Dallas, Nimphius played in 63 games with 27 starts, as the Mavericks finished 28–54.
Mark Aguirre
Mark Anthony Aguirre ( ; born December 10, 1959) is a Mexican-American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Aguirre was chosen as the List of first overall NBA draft picks, first overall pick of th ...
, the number one overall pick in the
1981 NBA draft
The 1981 NBA draft was the 35th annual NBA draft, draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on June 9, 1981, before the 1981–82 NBA season, 1981–82 season. The draft was broadcast in the United States on the NBA ...
,
Jay Vincent and
Rolando Blackman were fellow rookies.
In 1982–1983, Dallas finished 38–44, with Nimphius averaging 18 minutes 5.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, shooting 49% in 81 games. He split time at center with
Pat Cummings.
Dallas improved to 43–39 in 1983–1984. Nimphius split time with Cummings and averaged 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 blocks in 27 minutes per game. He played in 81 games, starting 47. Dallas made the playoffs, where they defeated the
Seattle SuperSonics 3 games to 2, before losing to the
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...
4–1. Nimphius averaged 3 points and 6 rebounds in the Seattle series and 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in the Lakers series.
In 1984–1985, Nimphius played in all 82 games for Dallas, starting 40, as the Mavericks finished 44–38. Nimphius averaged 6.1 points, 5.0 assists, 2.2 assists and 1.5 blocks in 24 minutes. Dallas was defeated by Portland in the playoffs 3–1 and Nimphius played sparingly in the series.
On November 15, 1984,
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon ( ; ; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian and American former professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played Center (basketball), center in the National Basketball Association (NB ...
and Nimphius were ejected after a fight in the Mavericks' game against the
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA) ...
.
Nimphius averaged 7.0 points, 4.6 rebounds in 13 games with Dallas in 1985, when he was traded to the Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers (1985–1987)
On November 25, 1985, Nimphius was traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are an American professional basketball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Clippers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The ...
for
James Donaldson.
Nimphius became a starter for the Clippers under Coach
Don Chaney. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 67 games as the Clippers finished 32–50.
In 1986–1987 Nimphius played 38 games for the Clippers, averaging 7.8 points and 3.5 rebounds before he was traded to Detroit for two high draft picks.
Detroit Pistons (1987)
On January 29, 1987, Nimphius was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are an American professional basketball team based in Detroit. The Pistons compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), East ...
for a 1987 1st round draft pick (
Ken Norman was later selected) and a 1987 2nd round draft pick (
Norris Coleman was later selected).
Nimphius played 11 games with the
La Crosse Catbirds of the CBA in 1987, while in transition. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Playing 28 games for the Pistons and Coach
Chuck Daly, Nimphius was used little, averaging 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds. The Pistons, with
Isiah Thomas
Isiah Lord Thomas III ( ; born April 30, 1961), also known as "Zeke", is an American former professional basketball player who is head coach of the Saginaw Soul of the Basketball Super League, and also an analyst for NBA TV and Fox Sports. H ...
,
John Salley,
Bill Laimbeer,
Adrian Dantley,
Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars III ( ; born May 24, 1963) is an American professional basketball executive and former player who is the head of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. He could play either shooting guard or point guard on offense and was ...
,
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player. Renowned for his defensive and rebounding abilities, his biography on the official NBA website states that he is "arguably the best rebounding forw ...
,
Rick Mahorn and
Vinnie Johnson advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pistons were defeated 4 games to 3 in the Eastern Conference Finals by the
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics ( ) are an American professional basketball team based in Boston. The Celtics compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NBA), Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), ...
with
Larry Bird
Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend" Bird is widely regarded a ...
,
Kevin McHale,
Robert Parish
Robert Lee Parish (born August 30, 1953) is an American former professional basketball player. A 7'1" Center (basketball), center, nicknamed "the Chief", Parish played for four teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1976 to 199 ...
and
Dennis Johnson
Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 – February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics. He was a c ...
.
San Antonio Spurs (1987–1988)
On October 27, 1987, Nimphius signed as a veteran free agent with the
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...
. The Detroit Pistons received a 1988 2nd round draft pick (
Jeff Moe was later selected) as compensation.
Nimphius played 72 games for San Antonio as a reserve, averaging 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12 minutes.
Nimphius then played for the team Cajacanarias of the Canary Islands in the Spanish league in 1988–1989.
Philadelphia 76ers (1989–1990)
On October 23, 1989, Nimphius signed as an unrestricted free agent with the
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, also known colloquially as the Sixers, are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlan ...
. In 38 games with the 76ers, he averaged 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds.
In 1990–1991, Nimphius ended his career overseas, playing for
Il Messaggero Roma
In his NBA career, Nimphius played for the
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks (often referred to as the Mavs) are an American professional basketball team based in Dallas. The Mavericks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Divisi ...
(1981–1986),
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are an American professional basketball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Clippers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The ...
(1985–1987),
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are an American professional basketball team based in Detroit. The Pistons compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), East ...
(1986–1987),
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...
(1987–1988) and
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, also known colloquially as the Sixers, are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlan ...
(1989–1990) in an NBA career that lasted eight seasons. Nimphius averaged 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and shot 48% in his 564-game NBA career.
Personal
Nimphius is married to Krista, and lives in Arizona.
Nimphius is a
black belt in
karate
(; ; Okinawan language, Okinawan pronunciation: ), also , is a martial arts, martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It developed from the Okinawan martial arts, indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts (called , "hand"; ''tī'' in Okinawan) un ...
.
[Black Belt Magazine May 1993 p.6]
Honors
* Nimphius was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
* Nimphius was inducted into the
Pac-12 Basketball Hall of Honor during the
2012 Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament on March 10, 2012.
* In 2011, Nimphius was inducted into the Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame.
References
External links
Career Stats
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nimphius, Kurt
1958 births
Living people
Alberta Dusters players
American expatriate basketball people in Canada
American expatriate basketball people in Italy
American expatriate basketball people in Spain
American men's basketball players
Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball players
Basketball players from Milwaukee
CB Canarias players
Centers (basketball)
Dallas Mavericks players
Denver Nuggets draft picks
Detroit Pistons players
Liga ACB players
Los Angeles Clippers players
Philadelphia 76ers players
Power forwards
San Antonio Spurs players