Jamaal Tinsley

Jamaal Lee Tinsley (born February 28, 1978) is an American professional basketball player. Tinsley had a phenomenal collegiate career at Iowa State University. Following his senior year he was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies with the 27th pick of the 2001 NBA draft, and was immediately dealt to the Atlanta Hawks, and then to the Indiana Pacers on draft night. He has played in the NBA for the Pacers, the Grizzlies and the Jazz.

Early years and college career

As a teen, Tinsley developed his game playing streetball at New York City's legendary Rucker Park. Tinsley's streetball nickname is "Mel The Abuser". He played junior college ball at Mt. San Jacinto Community College (MSJC) before breaking onto the national scene at Big 12 powerhouse Iowa State University.

In Tinsley's junior year at Iowa State, he received Big 12 Conference Player of the Year honors. He led Iowa State to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team, along with fellow star Marcus Fizer, reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual champion Michigan State. In his senior year Tinsley earned First Team All-American honors.

NBA career

Indiana Pacers (2001–2009)

Tinsley established himself as the starting point guard under Pacers coach Isiah Thomas. He put up statistics of 9.4 points and 8.1 assists per game in 2001–02. On November 16, 2001, he recorded the 9th five-by-five in NBA history since the 1985–86 season. At 23 years and 261 days, he was the youngest to do so until Andrei Kirilenko in 2003.

Tinsley played 73 games for the Pacers in 2002–03, starting 69 of them, and his averages dipped to 7.8 points and 7.5 assists per contest.

The following year, Rick Carlisle replaced Thomas as the Pacers' head coach, and promoted veteran guard Kenny Anderson to the starting point guard slot, with Anthony Johnson as his backup.

When Anderson and Johnson went down with injuries, Tinsley regained his status as a starter. As the Pacers advanced to the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, Tinsley started all 16 playoff games.

Tinsley spent the majority of the 2004–05 season on injured reserve due to a bruised left foot, but the team played its way to a 44–38 record and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Tinsley missed the first four games of the Pacers' first-round series against the Boston Celtics, but made a return in a Game 5 victory. In that game on May 3, 2005, Tinsley made 7 assists, 5 steals, and 6 points, and the 5 steals tied the most among all players during the 2005 postseason and his personal high for the playoffs. Tinsley's injury problems continued during the 2007–08 season; he only played in 39 games, during which he averaged a career-high 8.4 assists.

For the 2008–09 season, Tinsley was replaced in the starting lineup by point guard T. J. Ford. O'Brien and Pacers' President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird informed Tinsley that he was not permitted to attend team practices or games during the 2008–09 season while the Pacers worked out a trade for him. Tinsley then requested a contract buyout through his agent. The NBA Players Association filed a grievance against the Pacers on Tinsley's behalf on February 11, 2009. On July 22, 2009, the Pacers waived Tinsley.

Memphis Grizzlies (2009–2010)

On November 14, 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Tinsley as a free agent. Chris Wallace, the General Manager of the Grizzlies, stated that he "was the best available player out on the board." The Grizzlies did not guarantee Tinsley a starting spot, but told him he would be allowed to compete for the point guard position.

Los Angeles D-Fenders (2011)

On November 3, 2011, Tinsley was picked 1st overall by the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA Development League Draft. Tinsley played eight games with the D-Fenders and averaged 9.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.

Utah Jazz (2011–2013)

On December 12, 2011, Tinsley was signed by the Utah Jazz, along with Keith McLeod, and Trey Gilder.

On June 29, 2012, the Jazz exercised the team option on Tinsley's contract to keep him under contract for one more season.

On October 26, 2013, he re-signed with the Jazz. On November 12, 2013, he was waived by the Jazz.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs