Ray Spalding is an American professional basketball player who plays the position of a power forward for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 56th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and was later traded to the Mavericks alongside Kostas Antetokunmpo for the rights to 54th draft pick Shake Milton. Spalding finished his college career with the University of Louisville Louisville Cardinals. Learn more about his biography, career, measurements and other interesting facts below.
Ray Spalding Bio
Born Raymond Spalding in Louisville, Kentucky on March 11, 1997; Ray was born to African American parents Raymond Brooks (father) and his wife Gerri Spalding. He grew up with his three siblings, an older sister Maya Spalding and two younger brothers James and Jayden Spalding. Growing up, Spalding developed an interest in sports; he was enrolled in kickball, soccer, and basketball. He completed his basic education at Trinity High School located in Louisville, Kentucky.
During his high school career, Spalding played basketball under coach Mike Szabo. As a junior, he averaged 10.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and 13.4 points per game while leading the Trinity basketball team to the Kentucky State Championship semifinals. In his senior year, Spalding averaged 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 13.0 points per game. Throughout his high school career, he was twice named to the All-State Team and the Kentucky All-Star Team. Spalding also won the KABC Regional Co-Player of the Year award in his senior year and was ranked the 26th student in the nation by 247Sports.com. He was ranked #55 on ESPN 100 and #5 forward by Scout.com
At the end of his high school career, Spalding enrolled at the University of Louisville where he continued his college career. Playing for the Louisville Cardinals, he averaged 4.3 rebounds and 5.6 points per game in his freshman year. He was selected to the All-ACC Academic Basketball team in 2016. The following year, he played five games with the Cardinals and recorded 8.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 steals and 12.3 points per game. He also led the Cardinals to the NIT Quarterfinals as a sophomore. At the end of the 2017 season, Spalding announced that he would forgo his senior year to join the 2018 NBA Draft.
Professional career
During the 2018 NBA draft, RaySpalding was invited for drills. After putting on a great performance, he was ranked as one of the NBA’s top draft prospects. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 56th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Subsequently, he was traded by the 76ers to the Dallas Mavericks along with Kostas Antetokounmpo for 54th draft pick Shake Milton. Spalding later signed with the Mavericks on July 20, 2018.
Having joined the Mavericks in the summer NBALeague, the power forward has been so impressive; he brings a big change to the team every time he plays. His marvelous performance in the summer league will undoubtedly earn him the starting jersey for the Mavericks in the 2018/19 regular season.
His height, weight and measurements
Ray Spalding is a very talented player; his length, size and skill are his selling points. He stands at a height of 6 feet 8 inches (2.08 m) with a formidable 7–6 wingspan. He made leaps and bounds in the final season of his college career; thus, giving up his senior year to join the 2018 NBA draft. He has a body weight of 98 kg – 215 lbs.
Interestingly, the youngster has established himself as a great rebounder, long defender and blocker. Playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Jalen Bruns and others will surely make him higher in no time.
Other interesting facts about Ray Spalding
1. Ray Spalding was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States.
2. He finished his basketball career at Trinity High School in Louisville and his college career at the University of Louisville.
3. He played on the same team as Donovan Mitchell.
4. Spalding is 6ft 8in tall, weighs 98kg and has a wingspan of 7-6.
5. He was named to the All-ACC Academic team twice in a row in 2016 and 2017.
6. He left his senior year at Louisville to join the 2018 NBA Draft.
7. Ray Spalding was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and traded to the Dallas Mavericks.