Some players are famous for what they do over their long NBA careers.
With just over 30 seconds to go in a game against the Jazz, Rodney Rogers hit a three-pointer from straight on. It was a shot he could easily make, Stockton was rotating out to him but was late and too short anyway.Rodney Rogers did have a long and productive NBA career but he is also famous for a short burst of play, that lasted nine seconds. It was an amazing nine seconds as Rodney Rogers scored nine points.
The Jazz tried to pass the ball but it was stolen, and Rogers was open around the same spot he hit the first shot only four or so seconds before and it went in. The Denver crowd were going wild when the Nuggets stole the ball again, and it was passed to Rogers.
He took a dribble and turned around in the corner behind the three-point line, Rogers elevated and shot as he was drifting to the baseline and the ball went in again.
At Wake Forest University, Rogers did hit 53 three-pointers in his 89 career games but he was more of a power player. At a height of 6-7 and weighing 235 he was similar to Larry Johnson and Corliss Williamson. Rogers averaged 19.3 points over his three seasons of college basketball and shot 57.9% from the field.
Rogers was the 9th pick of the 1993 NBA draft by Denver. He played two years there, consistently scoring when given playing time. He could play inside or outside, depending on the other players that Denver had on the floor.
For two seasons in Denver he first averaged 8.1 points and then 12.2 points for the next season.
A big trade moved Rogers to the Clippers. Rogers and Brent Barry went to the Los Angeles Clippers for Antonio McDyess and Randy Woods. It was a chance for Rogers to play more, and he would often get 30 minutes a game. For season 1997-98 he had 15.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a game.
Rogers would then sign with the Suns, in August of 1999. He would win the 6th man award there for season 1999-00. The Suns had a versatile roster that year with Clifford Robinson, Tom Gugliotta and Shawn Marion able to play several positions.
They would often start up front, as did tall center Luc Longley, but Rogers would frequently be the first Sun off the bench. He hit 1.4 three-pointers a game at 43.0% from the field. He was often on the end of a Jason Kidd pass.
The Celtics were making a push for the playoffs in 2002 and wanted some veterans. The Suns sent Rogers and Tony Delk to the Boston Celtics for veteran Randy Brown, young potential star Joe Johnson, guard Milt Palacio and a 2002 first round draft pick.
Rogers was just a rental, as his contract was ending, but he did provide some extra options for Boston in the playoffs as he could give them outside shooting and also defend the other team’s power forward or center.
The next season Rogers would join the New Jersey Nets. He signed as a free agent. Rogers gave them solid play and 7 or 8 points a game.
After two years in New Jersey he would join the New Orleans Hornets. After 30 games there, the Hornets sent him and Jamal Mashburn to the Philadelphia 76ers for Glenn Robinson.