By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
June 23, 2002
One of the best defensive forwards in the NBA, former Meridian High standout Derrick McKey is pondering retirement.
The 13-year veteran finished out the second half of this past season as a reserve forward for the Philadelphia 76ers. He played in the last 41 games, starting one and averaged 2.3 points a game.
McKey said it will take a good situation for him to go back for another year.
McKey was in Meridian this weekend putting on the Derrick McKey Boys and Girls Club Mini-Basketball camp at Northwest Junior High. He was running the camp along with European pro veteran and former Meridian High and Delta State player Kevie Dixon.
Last November, McKey saw his eight-year run with the Indiana Pacers end when he was waived by the club.
McKey recovered and joined the Sixers for the second half of the season. When the Sixers were eliminated in the playoffs by the Charlotte Hornets, it may have signaled the end of the line for McKey.
The former University of Alabama star says he is considering starting a coaching career.
He lists the success of one his former teammates in current Seattle Supersonics head coach Nate McMillan as a guide.
McKey's career spans 13 seasons, the first five with the Seattle. He played in 937 games and has scored 10,266 points for a career average of 11.0.
McKey's top honor was being chosen to the All-NBA Defensive team for two straight years in 1995-96. He averaged in double figures for his first eight seasons, the high coming in year two with the Sonics at 15.9 per game.
McKey's top highlight, though, was playing in the 2000 NBA Finals.
The Lakers beat the Pacers to win the first of three NBA titles. They wrapped up a four-game sweep of New Jersey for the third title a week ago.