The 10 Most Successful UW Huskies Basketball Players in the NBA/ABA

By Ben Renner | Jan 23, 2017

Oct 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Nate Robinson (2) reacts as he made a three pointer to tie the game during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 10-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 6, 2016; Seattle , WA, USA; General view of the Space Needle. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. He’s pinned here. /

4. James Edwards

James Edwards has played the most games in the NBA out of all the UW Huskies who have entered the NBA in history. His 1168 games played are still far away from the next highest active player,Hawes, at 630. Edwards graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle and was drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977. A 7’ center, Edwards lasted an astonishingly long time in the NBA. In 22 seasons, Edwards averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds for the LA Lakers, Indianapolis Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers before hanging up his size-13s in 1996. Edwards played 28 games for the 1995-1996 Bulls, who beat the Seattle Sonics in an epic NBA Finals series that I still remember vividly.

Before he earned the nickname “Buddha” for his famous Fu Manchu mustache and stoic demeanor, he starred for the UW Huskies and the Roosevelt High basketball teams. He was a three-time NBA champion—a key member of the Detroit Pistons during their back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. During his Pistons days, he was known for his fadeaway jumper from the post that was almost impossible to block.

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