Jared Dudley: From Chestnut Hill to Champion
By Bryan Bruwer
When the Los Angeles Lakers hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, former Eagle Jared Dudley became the first BC alum since Gerry Ward in 1965 to win an NBA championship. Dudley’s journey to immortality didn’t resemble that of most players. This article will examine Dudley’s unique path through the NBA and the role he’s played on the many teams he’s been a part of over the years.
Early Career
Following an illustrious career at BC, Dudley was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats with the 22nd pick in the 2007 NBA draft. He gave the Bobcats key minutes, playing in 73 games (starting 14 of them) and chipping in 5.8 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game. Midway through his second season, Dudley was traded to the Phoenix Suns alongside Jason Richardson for a package including Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, and Sean Singletary. It was there in Phoenix where Dudley played his best basketball.
In the 2009-10 season, Dudley played all 82 games and contributed 8.2 points per game. His three-point shooting also improved substantially, as he shot 45.8% from deep as the Suns fell to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Dudley continued to improve each year, putting up his best statistical season in 2011-12, averaging 12.7 points and starting 60 games. Dudley’s tenure in Phoenix ended with a trade to the Clippers following the 2012-13 season, a season in which he had been named team captain for Phoenix.
Middle Years
Dudley spent a lot of time bouncing around between middling teams in the middle 2010s. He spent a season with the Clippers before being traded to Milwaukee. During his time with Milwaukee, Dudley made NBA history by becoming the first player to shoot 100% from the field in a half on more than ten field goals attempts, scoring 24 points off the bench in a blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks. Following the 2014-15 season, Dudley was shipped to the Washington Wizards. After a year with Washington, Dudley went back to the Suns in free agency. Dudley had slightly less responsibility in his second stint with Phoenix, but still put up solid numbers in slightly fewer minutes than he was accustomed to.
Recent Years
Dudley was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June of 2018, and he would quickly become a fan favorite despite only playing one season for the team. Whether it be the video of him dancing on the sidelines going viral or showing tremendous heart and toughness whenever he stepped foot on the court, Dudley endeared himself to the Nets fans like he had done in so many cities before. The peak of Dudley’s eventful season in Brooklyn came during the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs when he hit a few big threes and got into a confrontation with essentially the entire Sixers team.
Dudley may not have been a force in the box score, but his hustle and grit embodied the fighting spirit of that Nets team. Much to the dismay of Nets fans like myself, Dudley left for greener pastures in the form of the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise starving for another taste of its past glory. Dudley played a supporting role for much of the season and served as an elder statesman and mentor to younger players like Alex Caruso, players who ended up being key pieces in the Lakers playoff run.
Dudley’s contract with the Lakers will soon expire, and it’s anyone’s guess what his next move will be. Regardless of what he decides to do, he will do so with the title of “NBA Champion.”