Renaldo Balkman (born July 14, 1984 in Staten Island, New York) is an American professional basketball player, formerly of the University of South Carolina, who was drafted by the National Basketball Association's New York Knicks in the first round (20th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft.
Prior to attending Laurinburg Institute, he was at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. At Laurinburg, he led his team to 40-2 record and No. 1 national prep school ranking. Team won the Prep School Nationals ... Also named a finalist for McDonald's All-American. Teammates at Laurinburg included Boubacar Coly (Xavier), Regis Koundjaia (LSU) and Keith Blanks (Texas A&M). Averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds during the 2001-02 season. Also attended Armwood and Blake High Schools his freshman and sophomore years, respectively.
Balkman was a little known player in high school at the Laurinburg Institute, but he was discovered in 2002 by University of South Carolina coach Dave Odom, who instantly saw his potential. According to Odom, "I remember the first time I saw Renaldo Balkman. I was sitting in Orlando in a gym with (USC assistant coach) Barry Sanderson and I asked him 'who is that kid with the dreadlocks? That's the guy we need'. He came back and said nobody knows his name."[1] Balkman was recruited and signed by Carolina, having received little to no interest from any other major basketball programs.
Balkman had played an integral role in South Carolina's two wins over eventual national champion Florida during the 2005-2006 college basketball season. He was also the 2006 NIT Most Valuable Player, averaging 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
The Knicks' choice of Balkman in the first round surprised many, notably ESPN's Jay Bilas, who noted that projected lottery pick Marcus Williams was still available. ESPN columnist Bill Simmons, among others, joked that perhaps Isiah Thomas thought he was drafting Rolando Blackman, a former Knicks player.[2] There was further controversy when the Knicks' general manager, Isiah Thomas, claimed that the Phoenix Suns were prepared to take him; the Suns claimed that he wasn't even "on [their] radar". In the NBA's official draft guide, which was released to all reporters covering the draft, Balkman was not included in the list of the 300 top players eligible to be drafted in the 2006-07 rookie class. However, the Knicks selected Balkman with their first of two draft picks, which was 20th overall. As earlier stated, this selection was a drastic contrast from what was expected in the draft. One website known for its mock drafts, mynbadraft.com[3]
Balkman was drafted by the Knicks alongside Mardy Collins of Temple University (29th overall).
This summer, Balkman threw a bash to celebrate his success in the draft. The party was held at the Holiday Inn on Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina. It was heavily promoted, featuring advertisements on local Columbia radio stations.
In the Las Vegas Summer League before the 2006-2007 season, Balkman averaged 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1 block and 2.4 turnovers during the span of 5 games.[4]. He played along current Knick teammates Channing Frye, David Lee, Nate Robinson & Mardy Collins.
Through 30 games into the 2006-07 NBA season, Balkman has shown promise, particularly on the defensive end. He has appeared in every Knicks game but one, averaging 14.4 minutes, 3.6 points, and 3.9 rebounds. He has shot poorly from the free-throw line - 45.2% - and has frequently found himself in foul trouble. His coach, his teammates, and the press have praised Balkman for his energy and hustle.
Source : Wikipedia
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Renaldo Balkman 12348001st year- 1234800 2nd year- 1320960 3rd year- 2036920. Continue reading
Knicks trade Balkman to DenverThe Knicks have acquired a 2010 second-round draft choice, guard Taurean Green and guard/forward Bobby Jones from Denver for forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations. The draft pick will be the more favorable selection between ... Continue reading
Renaldo Balkman is a Denver NuggetThe Nuggets remained active today as they have acquired former New York Knickerbocker Renaldo Balkman and cash in exchange for Taurean Green, Bobby Jones and a 2010 second round pick. This deal is interesting in a couple of ways. ... Continue reading
Renaldo Balkman to the Nuggets?The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have had serious talks discussing sending former former-first round pick, Renaldo Balkman for point guard, Taurean Green and small forward, Bobby Jones. If the trade happens, the Knicks could cut ... Continue reading
Renaldo Balkman to Denver?You might not recall, but not too long ago, the drafting of Renaldo Balkman was considered a particularly low point in Isiah Thomas’s disastrous tenure in New York. I should know; I’m the guy who started an ill-fated blog about it. ... Continue reading
Knicks trade Renaldo Balkman to NuggetsThe New York Knicks today traded Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations to the Denver Nuggets for a 2010 2nd round pick, Tauraen Green (from florida) and Bobby Jones. Balkman, as many remember was a strange draft pick on draft night, ... Continue reading
The Denver Nuggets Acquire Renaldo Balkman and CashThe Denver Nuggets have acquired SF/PF Renaldo Balkman and cash for PG Taurean Green, SG/SF Bobby Jones, and the second round pick Denver received in the Marcus Camby trade. A scrappy rebounder, Balkman averaged 3.4 PPG and 3.3 RPG for ... Continue reading
The First Man Out in New York Might Be Renaldo BalkmanInstead of Stephon Marbury or the highly prized David Lee, Newsday reports that Renaldo Balkman is on the table, with an offer being discussed with Denver for Bobby Jones and Taurean Green. The deal makes sense on both sides. ... Continue reading
Nuggets trade for Renaldo BalkmanThe Nuggets trade little used guards Bobby Jones and Taurean Green, and a second round 2010 draft pick to the New York Knicks on Monday, for forward Renaldo Balkman. The Nuggets also got some cash, but gave up the peanuts they acquired ... Continue reading
BREAKING NEWS: Knicks Trade Renaldo Balkman to the NuggetsWe heard rumblings about a deal involving Renaldo Balkman this morning, and now the Knicks have made it official - they're sending Balkman to the Nuggets for Taurean Green, Bobby Jones and a 2010 2nd rounder. ... Continue reading
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