Javaris Crittenton
From Hoopedia
Javaris Crittenton (born December 31, 1987) is an American professional basketball player and point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was previously the starting point guard for the Georgia Tech men's basketball team. He was traded, along with Kwame Brown and Marc Gasol to the Grizzlies for Pau Gasol.
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Biography
Early Life and High School
Crittenton was born to Sonya Dixon in Atlanta, Georgia. One younger sister, Shaniya Lee. Crittenton grew up in a single-parent household and was raised by his mother. As a child, Crittenton played basketball obsessively; he practiced on a children's basketball hoop he got for Christmas when he was five years old every day until it finally broke. In later years his mother stated that she often had a hard time getting him to stop playing and practicing basketball.
Crittenton attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where as a high school sophomore he played alongside Dwight Howard. Crittenton and Howard led Southwest Atlanta to the GHSA class A state championship that season. Howard would later go on to be the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft after turning professional directly out of high school. As a junior Crittenton averaged 28.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds. He led Southwest Atlanta to the GHSA class A state final again where they lost, finishing the season as the runner-up. As a senior Crittenton averaged 29 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds and led Southwest Atlanta to the GHSA class A state championship. Following the season he was named a McDonald's All American.He was also named Mr. Georgia Basketball. Crittenton was an exceptional student in high school who had a 3.5 GPA and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Senior Beta Club. After being courted by several colleges Crittenton ultimately chose local Georgia Tech, in part to allow his mother and little sister to be able to attend his games.
College
While at Georgia Tech, Crittenton has excelled and is considered a team leader, a rare honor for a freshman. Tech coach Paul Hewitt urged Crittenton to take over a leadership role on the team after his play in several games in February 2007. He recorded a career high of 29 points in a February 13, 2007 game against Florida State.
Pro Career
Drafted 19th(first round) in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was signed by the Lakers on July 3, 2007. During the NBASummer League on July 8, 2007 he had 18 points. Including a game winning jumpshot with 1.7 seconds left in the game.
