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89. Dan Majerle

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89. Dan Majerle

Dan Majerle was one of the greatest players in Central Michigan’s basketball history. He earned All-MAC honors three seasons in a row (1986-88), and the Chippewas retired his number 44 years later. His college career landed him a First-Round pick in 1988 by the Phoenix Suns, the professional team he had his greatest success with.

The Suns fans were initially upset with Majerle’s selection.  He didn’t look like much, and he came from a smaller D1 school.  It didn’t take long for Majerle to win over the fan base, with his strong transition game, solid defense and long-range shooting.  Majerle was a Second Team Defensive Team in 1991 and 1993, mostly off the strength of ability to glove his opponents.  A three-time All-Star, Majerle led the NBA twice in 3-Point Field Goals twice (1993-94 & 1994-95).  He also played a large part in the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 1993, where they lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.

After his peak in Phoenix, Majerle played for Cleveland for a year and then Miami for five, though his role reduced annually.  After a final year back with the Suns, Majerle retired with a solid basketball career behind. with a FIBA Gold Medal and a retired number with the Suns.  That sounds pretty good to us!

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Traverse City, Michigan, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2005
  • Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward
  • Games Played: 955
  • Per Game Averages:

    28.9 MIN
    11.4 PTS
    4.5 RB
    2.9 AST
    1.3 STL
    0.4 BLK
    .431 FG%
    .358 3FG%
    .741 FT%

    123 Playoff Games
    34.5 MIN
    11.7 PTS
    5.0 RB
    2.5 AST
    1.3 STL
    0.4 BLK
    .416 FG%
    .353 3FG%
    .753 FT%

  • Advanced Stats:

    13.8 PER
    .538 TS%
    78.5 WS
    29.7 VORP

    123 Playoff Games
    13.1 PER
    .528 TS%
    9.5 WS
    4.5 VORP

  • Played For: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns
  • College: Central Michigan
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 14th Overall in 1988
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Second Team NBA All-Defensive (1991 & 1993)
    All-Star (3) (1992, 1993 & 1995)
    Most 3-Point Field Goals (1992-93 & 1993-94)
    NBA Championships (None)
    First Team All-MAC (3) (1986, 1987 & 1988)
    Olympic Bronze Medal (1) (U.S.A. 1988)
    FIBA World Basketball Championship Gold Medal (1) (U.S.A. 1994)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
    5th in 1993
    Top Ten Finishes: 3-Point Field Goals (3) (1992-93, 1993-94 & 1994-95)
    Top Ten Finishes: 3-Point Field Goal Attempts (3) (1992-93, 1993-94 & 1994-95)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (3) (1992-93, 1993-94 & 1994-95)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes per Game (2) (1992-93 & 1993-94)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Box Plus/Minus (1) (1999-00)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rating (1) (1992-93)

  • Notable All-time Rankings:

    62. 3-Point Field Goals: 1,360
    64. 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: 3,798

Should Dan Majerle be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 0%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 100%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

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