Derrick McKey
Derrick McKey | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 10, 1966 |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player (retired) |
| Years active | 1987–2002 |
| Known for | NBA small forward and power forward |
Derrick Wayne McKey (born October 10, 1966) is a retired American professional basketball player who primarily played as a small forward and power forward during his extensive National Basketball Association (NBA) tenure.
Early life and college career
McKey was a standout athlete at Meridian High School in Mississippi, where he distinguished himself on the basketball court. Despite his considerable height, he also served as a shortstop on the school's baseball team. He spent three seasons competing at the University of Alabama, guiding the team to a regional No. 2 seed in the 1986–87 season and advancing to the Sweet 16, where they were eliminated by Providence. Additionally, McKey was a member of the US national team that secured the gold medal at the 1986 FIBA World Championship.
NBA career
Following his junior year, McKey entered the NBA draft and was chosen ninth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1987 NBA draft, selected ahead of prominent players such as Reggie Miller and Horace Grant. During the 1988–89 season, he achieved his highest scoring average, posting 15.9 PPG.
He played six seasons in Seattle as part of the "Big Mac" trio alongside Nate McMillan and Xavier McDaniel. Early in the 1993–94 NBA season, McKey was traded to the Indiana Pacers along with teammate Gerald Paddio in exchange for Detlef Schrempf. After multiple postseason appearances, McKey helped lead the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers. He wrapped up his playing career with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2001–02 season.
Style and career
Standing 6'10", McKey was highly regarded for his defensive capabilities, adaptability in guarding various positions, and unselfish approach to teamwork. He earned two selections to the All-NBA Second Defensive Team. Renowned for his intelligent shot selection (.486 career FG%) and proficient passing skills, McKey made substantial contributions to his teams beyond scoring statistics.