Joel Przybilla

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Joel Przybilla
Position	Center
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Weight	255 lb (116 kg)
Team	Portland Trail Blazers
Nationality	United States
Born	October 10, 1979 Monticello, Minnesota
College	Minnesota
Draft	9^th overall, 2000 Houston Rockets
Pro career	2000 – present
Former teams	Milwaukee Bucks (2000–2004) Atlanta Hawks (2004)

Joel Anthony Przybilla (October 10, 1979 in Monticello, Minnesota) is a professional basketball player in the NBA. A 7'1" (2.16 m) center, he currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is team captain.

Przybilla played two seasons at the University of Minnesota. He left Minnesota during the middle of his sophomore season due to differences with first-year coach Dan Monson. Przybilla was the 9th overall selection in the 2000 NBA Draft, chosen by the Houston Rockets, but traded the same day to the Milwaukee Bucks for their pick, Jason Collier. He has since played for the Bucks, the Atlanta Hawks and the Trail Blazers, where he finally made a significant impact during the 2004-2005 NBA season, averaging 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

His nicknames include "The Thrilla", "Joelthrilla", "Joelzilla" and "The Vanilla Gorilla".

Przybilla became a free agent at the end of the 2005-2006 season. After being pursued by several teams, he agreed to re-sign with the Blazers; the contract is reportedly for 5 years and US $32 million.^[1] Among his suitors were the Chicago Bulls, and the Detroit Pistons, seeking to replace the outgoing Ben Wallace.^[1] Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent, explained his reasons for re-signing with the Blazers as opposed to likely championship contenders this way: "He's extremely loyal, and they gave him an opportunity two years ago when no one else did."^[1] At the same time, the Blazers' offer was the most generous, surpassing the Pistons' $29 million offer and the $24 million offered by the Spurs.^[2]