Arvydas Sabonis
Inducted:
2011
Personal Stats:
7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
292 lb (132 kg)
Born:
19 December 1964
Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Position:
Center
College:
NA
Southeastern Oklahoma State (1983–1986)
Arvydas Sabonis is celebrated as one of the most skilled big men in basketball history, blending size, finesse, and vision rarely seen in a center. Standing 7-foot-3, he dominated international basketball before arriving in the NBA, where he showcased his unique passing, shooting range, and court awareness.
Despite joining the league at age 31 due to political and health obstacles, Sabonis made an immediate impact with the Portland Trail Blazers, providing scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the post. Prior to his NBA career, he starred for the Soviet Union and Lithuania, earning Olympic gold in 1988 and bronze in 1992 and 1996, solidifying his status as an international legend.
Known for his ability to stretch the floor and facilitate offense, he influenced a generation of versatile centers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, Sabonis is remembered not just for his NBA contributions but as a transformative figure who bridged global basketball excellence.
Sabonis's Awards & Records:
- FIBA Hall of Fame: Class of 2010
- Olympic Gold Medalist: 1988 (Soviet Union)
- Olympic Bronze Medalist: 1992, 1996 (Lithuania)
- EuroBasket Champion: 1985
- Spanish League Champion: 3× (1993–1995)
- Spanish League MVP: 2× (1994, 1995)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1996
NBA Records:
- One of the first true international stars to excel in both Europe and the NBA
- Pioneer of the modern passing and shooting big man style
- Considered one of the greatest European players in basketball history
NBA Teams:
Portland Trail Blazers (1995–2001;2002–2003)
NBA Draft:
1986: 1st round, 24th overall pick
Portland Trail Blazers
Number Worn:
11
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
7 (1995-2003)
Games Played:
470
Game Started:
314
Points:
5,629 (12.0 ppg)
Rebounds:
3,436 (7.3 rpg)
Assists:
964 (2.1 apg)
FG%
47.6
FT%
78.6
Points Per Game:
12.0