Demetris Nichols
Encyclopedia
Demetris Nichols is an American
professional basketball
player. He played small forward
for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team, and has been a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers
, Chicago Bulls
, and New York Knicks
.
He was a three-time Street & Smith's Magazine Honorable Mention All-American, a 2003 third-team Parade All-America, the 2003 Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year, and the EA Sports Roundball Game All-American. He was rated 50th overall and 14th among small forwards by ESPN.com
. He was successfully recruited by Syracuse University
.
Nichols posted the sixth-best scoring average improvement in SU history, going from 3.9 ppg as a sophomore to 13.3 ppg in 2005-06 in his junior year. He ranked second on the team in scoring and third in rebounding (5.8 rpg). Nichols scored a season-high 28 points against Connecticut
and averaged 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in the Big East Tournament.
Nichols' senior season proved to be his best one at Syracuse, as he was a unanimous selection for the All-Big East First Team. He was also a NABC and USBWA All-District First Team selection after leading the Big East in scoring (18.9 ppg) and finished third in conference play (17.9 ppg). He also set a SU record in Big East games with a career-high 37 points, including seven three-pointers, to go along with 10 rebounds against St. John's.
In March 2007, Nichols was elected to participate in the 19th Annual State Farm College Three-Point Championship. He finished second to Aaron Brooks
.
Nichols finished his SU career tied for 28th in career scoring (1,344), third in three-point goals (205), fourth in three-point field goals attempted (573) and 10th in three-point field goal percentage (.358).
Nichols was invited to try out for the 2004 USA Basketball World Championship For Young Men's Qualifying Team. He participated in the first round of July workouts, but did not make the team.
in the 2007 NBA Draft
, but immediately traded to the New York Knicks
in exchange for the Knicks' 2008 second round draft
choice.
Nichols participated in the July 2007 Las Vegas summer league with the Knicks and averaged 15.6 points on 53 percent shooting, including 23 points in the final game against the Denver Nuggets
. He was second on the team in scoring as the Knicks went a perfect 5-0.
Following the summer league, Nichols fired his agent after the Knicks were attempting to work out a deal to send Nichols to Europe for the 2007-08 season. Originally, the Knicks had wanted Nichols to play in Italy because they had 17 contracts and only 15 roster spots. When Nichols heard of the arrangement, he fired then-agent Bill Duffy in favor of Bill Neff and refused the Knicks' request. On October 1, Nichols was signed to the Knicks roster along with four other newcomers. However, he was subsequently released by the Knicks on October 25, as the team needed to cut down its roster to 15 players. Then on October 29, he was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers
to fill the 15th spot on their opening day roster. Nichols sat on the bench for the first month of his time with the Cavaliers, but saw his first action on November 28, scoring 2 points in 8 minutes of playing time. On December 5, 2007 Nichols was waived to clear roster space after the Cavs re-signed Anderson Varejão
to end a contract dispute. He was subsequently claimed by the Chicago Bulls
and assigned to the Iowa Energy
of the D-League
. After averaging 19.3 points per game in 14 appearances in the D-League, he was recalled to Chicago. He played his first game with the Bulls on January 23, 2008.
He began the 2008-09 season with the Bulls, receiving marginal minutes in two early-season games. However, he was waived November 17. He rejoined the Energy in January 2009, scoring 11 points in his first game back in Des Moines.
On March 6, 2009 Nichols signed a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks
.
On December 1, 2009, Nichols signed with the French team BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral.
In the summer of 2010 Nichols played for the Portland Trail Blazers
in the NBA Summer League
.
In November 2010 he signed a contract with French
club JA Vichy
until the end of the season.
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 3 || 0 || 4.7 || .125 || .000 || .000 || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .7
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Chicago
| 11 || 0 || 2.7 || .333 || .300 || .000 || .4 || .1 || .0 || .3 || 1.2
|-
| align="left" | 2008-09
| align="left" | Chicago
| 2 || 0 || 2.5 || .250 || .000 || .000 || .0 || .5 || .0 || .0 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | 2008-09
| align="left" | New York
| 2 || 0 || 4.5 || .400 || .000 || .500 || 1.0 || .5 || .0 || .5 || 2.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 18 || 0 || 3.2 || .281 || .200 || .500 || .4 || .1 || .0 || .2 || 1.2
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player. He played small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team, and has been a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
, Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
, and New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
.
High school
He was coached by Mike Hart at St. Andrew's High School, where he helped his club to a 28-8 record and won the New England Prep School Athletic Conference title, tallying 15 points and 13 rebounds in the championship game against Lawrence Academy. His senior year, he averaged 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.He was a three-time Street & Smith's Magazine Honorable Mention All-American, a 2003 third-team Parade All-America, the 2003 Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year, and the EA Sports Roundball Game All-American. He was rated 50th overall and 14th among small forwards by ESPN.com
ESPN.com
ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
. He was successfully recruited by Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
.
College
Nichols appeared in 26 games for the Orange during his freshman year, starting 15 of them. His best performance of the season was a seven-rebound and team-leading 17-point performance against Providence. He also scored 10 points against BYU and nine points against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, in which Syracuse advanced to the Sweet 16. In his sophomore year, Nichols would start the first eight games of the season before he was forced out of the lineup with a back injury. He would play in 27 games that season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.Nichols posted the sixth-best scoring average improvement in SU history, going from 3.9 ppg as a sophomore to 13.3 ppg in 2005-06 in his junior year. He ranked second on the team in scoring and third in rebounding (5.8 rpg). Nichols scored a season-high 28 points against Connecticut
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
and averaged 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in the Big East Tournament.
Nichols' senior season proved to be his best one at Syracuse, as he was a unanimous selection for the All-Big East First Team. He was also a NABC and USBWA All-District First Team selection after leading the Big East in scoring (18.9 ppg) and finished third in conference play (17.9 ppg). He also set a SU record in Big East games with a career-high 37 points, including seven three-pointers, to go along with 10 rebounds against St. John's.
In March 2007, Nichols was elected to participate in the 19th Annual State Farm College Three-Point Championship. He finished second to Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks (basketball)
Aaron Jamal Brooks is an American basketball player who is currently a point guard for the Guangdong Southern Tigers. He was selected 26th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft...
.
Nichols finished his SU career tied for 28th in career scoring (1,344), third in three-point goals (205), fourth in three-point field goals attempted (573) and 10th in three-point field goal percentage (.358).
Team USA
Nichols was a member of the 2002 USA Development Festival East Team that finished 3-2 and earned the silver medal. He averaged 14.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in five games.Nichols was invited to try out for the 2004 USA Basketball World Championship For Young Men's Qualifying Team. He participated in the first round of July workouts, but did not make the team.
Professional career
Nichols was taken in the second round (53rd overall) by the Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
in the 2007 NBA Draft
2007 NBA Draft
The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. It was broadcast on television in 115 countries. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
, but immediately traded to the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in exchange for the Knicks' 2008 second round draft
2008 NBA Draft
The 2008 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2008 at the Washington Mutual Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, including...
choice.
Nichols participated in the July 2007 Las Vegas summer league with the Knicks and averaged 15.6 points on 53 percent shooting, including 23 points in the final game against the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
. He was second on the team in scoring as the Knicks went a perfect 5-0.
Following the summer league, Nichols fired his agent after the Knicks were attempting to work out a deal to send Nichols to Europe for the 2007-08 season. Originally, the Knicks had wanted Nichols to play in Italy because they had 17 contracts and only 15 roster spots. When Nichols heard of the arrangement, he fired then-agent Bill Duffy in favor of Bill Neff and refused the Knicks' request. On October 1, Nichols was signed to the Knicks roster along with four other newcomers. However, he was subsequently released by the Knicks on October 25, as the team needed to cut down its roster to 15 players. Then on October 29, he was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
to fill the 15th spot on their opening day roster. Nichols sat on the bench for the first month of his time with the Cavaliers, but saw his first action on November 28, scoring 2 points in 8 minutes of playing time. On December 5, 2007 Nichols was waived to clear roster space after the Cavs re-signed Anderson Varejão
Anderson Varejão
Anderson França Varejão is a Brazilian professional basketball player, who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He won the gold medal with Brazil at the 2003 Pan American Games.-1998–2001 :...
to end a contract dispute. He was subsequently claimed by the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
and assigned to the Iowa Energy
Iowa Energy
The Iowa Energy are a 2007-08 expansion team of the NBA Development League, of which they are the current defending champions. They play their home games at the Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center....
of the D-League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
. After averaging 19.3 points per game in 14 appearances in the D-League, he was recalled to Chicago. He played his first game with the Bulls on January 23, 2008.
He began the 2008-09 season with the Bulls, receiving marginal minutes in two early-season games. However, he was waived November 17. He rejoined the Energy in January 2009, scoring 11 points in his first game back in Des Moines.
On March 6, 2009 Nichols signed a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
.
On December 1, 2009, Nichols signed with the French team BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral.
In the summer of 2010 Nichols played for the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
in the NBA Summer League
NBA Summer League
The NBA Summer League is a period during which NBA teams come together to try out different summer rosters instead of their regular season line-ups. Typically, there is a mix of rookies and some of the younger bench players to see how well some players work with others...
.
In November 2010 he signed a contract with French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
club JA Vichy
JA Vichy
Jeanne d’Arc de Vichy Val d’Allier Auvergne Basket is a basketball club based in Vichy, France that plays in the LNB. Their home games are played at Gymnase Pierre Coulon.- Former Player:* Ime Udoka* Martynas Andriukaitis* Kareem Reid* Mike Smith...
until the end of the season.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
| 3 || 0 || 4.7 || .125 || .000 || .000 || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .7
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 11 || 0 || 2.7 || .333 || .300 || .000 || .4 || .1 || .0 || .3 || 1.2
|-
| align="left" | 2008-09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Chicago
| 2 || 0 || 2.5 || .250 || .000 || .000 || .0 || .5 || .0 || .0 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | 2008-09
| align="left" | New York
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 2 || 0 || 4.5 || .400 || .000 || .500 || 1.0 || .5 || .0 || .5 || 2.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 18 || 0 || 3.2 || .281 || .200 || .500 || .4 || .1 || .0 || .2 || 1.2