Professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA, known for his athleticism and scoring ability.
Damien Wilkins, the son of retired 13-year NBA veteran Gerald Wilkins and nephew of nine-time NBA All-Star, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, is a renowned American former professional basketball player and basketball executive. With a successful 10-season stint in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Wilkins has made a name for himself as a diligent and skilled player, as well as a savvy executive.
Born on January 11, 1980, Wilkins graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, and enrolled at North Carolina State University. After two years, he transferred to the University of Georgia, where he had two solid but unspectacular seasons.
Wilkins' hard work in the weight room paid off, and he impressed in the summer league and preseason action for the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder). He eventually made the team and scored 21 points in his rookie season against the Portland Trail Blazers. Wilkins proved himself in the 2005 playoffs, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the Sonics' Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
As a restricted free agent in the summer of 2005, Wilkins received an offer from the Minnesota Timberwolves, which the Sonics matched within seven days. In the 2007 season, with the departure of Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen, Wilkins became a starter and scored a career-high 41 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
On July 27, 2009, Wilkins was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Chucky Atkins for center Etan Thomas and two future second-round draft picks. On September 28, 2010, he was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies, but was waived at the end of training camp.
After retiring from professional basketball, Wilkins transitioned to a career in basketball management. He is currently the General Manager and Head of Basketball at Overtime Elite, a professional basketball league and development program for elite high school players.
Although Wilkins didn't win any NBA championships or individual awards during his playing career, his impressive stats and work ethic earned him recognition within the basketball community.
Damien Wilkins' journey from a college player to a seasoned NBA executive is a testament to his perseverance, hard work, and dedication to the sport of basketball.
