Chris Taft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Power forward |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 261 lb (119 kg) |
| Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Born | March 10, 1985 Brooklyn, New York |
| College | Pittsburgh |
| Draft | 42th overall, 2005 Golden State Warriors |
| Pro career | 2005 – present |
| Awards | Third Team All Big East Honors |
Chris Taft (born March 10, 1985 in Brooklyn, New York) is an NBA player. Chris Taft is 6'10", and weighs 261 pounds according to the Golden State Warriors.
[edit] NCAA career
Chris Taft played his short college career at the University of Pittsburgh after graduating from Xaverian High School in Brooklyn. Taft had a very strong freshmen season in which he won the Big East Conference Rookie of the Year Award, many believed he would have a very strong career at Pittsburgh. He set the all-time Pittsburgh season record for field goals made as a freshmen (162). As a freshman, Taft earned Third Team All Big East Honors.
After returning to the team for the 2004-2005 season, scouts projected Chris Taft to have another spectacular season. In 2004-2005, Taft averaged 26.5 minutes per game, 13.3 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, 1.7 blocks per game, and shot 58.5% from the field. Taft had a great statistical season, but did have some struggles. Many scouts criticized Taft for "not trying" and not playing to his full potential. Taft also had trouble shooting free throws, which hurt Pitt down the stretch, especially in close games, like the loss to the Bucknell Bison in the non-conference season. After Pitt gained another berth into the NCAA Tournament as a 9 seed where Pitt suffered a loss to the University of the Pacific in the first round, Taft announced his entry into the 2005 NBA Draft. Shortly after announcing his departure from Pitt, Taft hired an agent and indefinitely lost his NCAA eligibility. Taft went to the Chicago Annual Predraft Camp which began his post-college career.
[edit] NBA career
Chris Taft entered the NBA draft as a projected first rounder, but he fell into the second round. Many speculated that this was due to reports of poor workouts, including one with Golden State in which he was reportedly pushed around by ASU's Ike Diogu until he quit the workout prior to its scheduled conclusion. Ultimately, he was picked by the Golden State Warriors 42nd overall.
Taft recently finished his rookie season for Golden State. Taft played in only 17 games last season as a result of back spasms -- suffered in a summer league game while landing after dunking -- that ended his season in early January. He had surgery March 28, 2006, to repair a herniated disc and has yet to step on the court in a professional game since. In his limited playing time, Chris averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.5 minutes a game, but showed flashes of athleticism that gave many hope for his future.
Taft has struggled greatly with his free throw shooting which has continued in his professional career. Taft has made one of his six free throws thus far in his career. His two major career games consist of Golden State's game against the Chicago Bulls on November 9th, 2005, where Taft scored 7 points in 19 minutes, both NBA career highs. Golden State's game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 2nd was also a great defensive game for Chris Taft, where he had another professional career high of three blocks.
Taft was unable to play during the 2006-2007 NBA preseason due to recurring back spasms and inflammation. On October 27, 2006, Taft was waived by the Warriors. He is currently a free agent.
