Dan Majerle had quite an NBA career, proving his efficiency in whichever team he played for. But like players who reach a certain age, 'Thunder Dan' reached a point where he had to consider a proper ending to his illustrious career.
That eventually came in 2002 when the Central Michigan product retired after 14 years in the league. Majerle intended to cap his career as early as February of that year, aware that his body was not what it used to be. Dan admits to struggling at times, indicating that it may be time to move on.
"My mind knows what it wants to do, but my body doesn't always follow," the three-time All-Star said via UPI .
Majerle established himself as a 3-and-D specialist
Majerle had a rough start to his NBA career. After getting drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns , the 6-foot-6 player had a rowdy welcome, with some raising questions about what he could bring to the franchise. Regardless of the boos he got from Suns fans , Majerle remained confident that he could win them over.
"They could boo me all they want. I knew I could change everybody's mind 'cause that's what I've always done," Majerle stated via Arizona Sports .
Eventually, Majerle did prove that he deserved to be in the NBA. He showed he could defend opposing teams' best players and shoot it from beyond the arc when the chance arose. However, it was a grind for the Michigan native.
Majerle worked his way up in the ranks
His first four seasons showed that, with Majerle coming off the bench for the Suns, this did not deter him from showing off his talent, establishing himself as one of the most reliable 3-and-D players the NBA has ever seen.
However, there was a time when Majerle would get his chance to be a starter. This came in 1992, and the two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team member did not disappoint. In his first full season, when he was a starter for the Suns, Dan averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Unfortunately, it came to a point where Dan had to slowly slide back to being a reserve in 1994. Regardless, Majerle continued to deliver credible numbers. He earned his third and last All-Star nod in 1994-95 despite the change in role.
In all, Dan spent 8 seasons with the Suns, averaging 13.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. He also shot 48.2% from the field and 36.4% from the three-point range. Majerle's fortunes changed after the Suns traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995. Although he could still deliver, Majerle had to adjust to his new role.
It was also the same case when he moved to the Miami Heat in 1996. With Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning at the helm, Majerle mostly came off the bench. He was allowed to start by then-coach Pat Riley, although injuries saw him in and out of the Heat lineup.
Majerle had a decent NBA run, finding a way to fit in with any team. Although he was sometimes overlooked despite his talent, there is no denying that the 1988 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year utilized the chances he was given in his pro basketball career.
Related: "I haven't heard many people talk like that"- Dan Majerle on his reaction to fan's provocation about nightmare 1988 Olympics
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