Walter Dukes

NBA basketball player for the New York Knicks

What is Walter Dukes known for?

Walter Dukes was a renowned American basketball player, first entering the court as a star player at East High School in Rochester, New York. Born in Rochester on June 23, 1930, Dukes exhibited a strong athletic inclination from a young age.

After high school, Dukes' basketball career took him to Seton Hall University from 1950 to 1953, where he demonstrated consistent and impressive performances. His successful college run culminated in Dukes' selection in the 1953 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, kickstarting a prolific career that lasted until 1969.

Standing tall at 7ft, Dukes proved a formidable talent at the center position, starting his professional career with the Harlem Globetrotters. He later played for multiple high-profile NBA teams such as the New York Knicks (1955-1956), Minneapolis Lakers (1956-1957), and Detroit Pistons (1957-1963). His career then took him to the Camden Bullets, Trenton Colonials, Asbury Park Boardwalkers, and finally, the Scranton Miners.

Apart from his contribution to the teams, Dukes was recognized personally with several honors. He was a two-time NBA All-Star in 1960 and 1961, and was the winner of the 1953 Haggerty Award. His jersey, No. 5, was retired by Seton Hall Pirates, marking their acknowledgment of his remarkable performances. His career NBA statistics boast of 5,765 points (averaging 10.4 points per game), 6,223 rebounds (11.3 rebounds per game), and 608 assists (1.1 assists per game).

Interestingly, Dukes led the NBA in personal fouls in 1958 and 1959 and was disqualified four consecutive seasons between 1958–59 and 1961–62, a feat still holding the NBA record. His 121 career disqualifications also rank second in the NBA, showing his aggressive and determined playing style.

After an illustrious career, Dukes' life came to a tragic end on March 13, 2001, when he was found dead in his Detroit apartment, aged 70. However, his legacy lives on in NBA records and the hearts of basketball fans around the globe. You can find more details about his career and statistics on NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com.