Jason Maxiell

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Quierra Luck is a freelance sports writer who has been featured on various sites such as BSO and WRAL Sports Fan. Quierra is an NC native  and the Charlotte Hornets have always been a hometown favorite. The opinions expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hornets organization.

Jason Maxiell talks about Black History Month and the significance of recognizing a culture.

Luck: What does Black History Month mean to you?

Maxiell: It’s a month to recognize our ancestors and the people that made sacrifices for us. They stepped up and made sure that our culture was recognized.

Luck: Talk about a moment in Black History that is significant to you?

Maxiell: There are so many. There’s not just one that sticks out. Everyone equally has made a significant contribution, so to single out one specific moment is tough.

Luck: Is there a person that you idolized growing up?

Maxiell: Absolutely, I will have to say my grandfather. He did a lot for his family. In the world he grew up in, it was hard times, especially in the south. My grandfather worked hard, went into the military, moved to Chicago and raised his family. I feel that he’s had a big impact on my life.

Luck: The NBA is only 65 years removed from the first African American basketball player. How does that make you feel that in such a short amount of time, the NBA has progressed tremendously?

Maxiell: It’s not that long ago and it’s a big statement. We are here now and a lot of African Americans are now being recognized for their talents, which is great.

Luck: What does the word “Dream” mean to you?

Maxiell: It’s a goal. You can do anything you put your mind to. Create a dream and work hard to make it a reality.

Luck: What do you want your legacy to be?

Maxiell: I want to be known as a guy that worked hard and never took a day off. I want to be known as loving the game of basketball and also being prepared mentally off the court. I got my education and I worked hard to take care of my family. 

maxiell-reflects-on-black-history-month

Maxiell Reflects on Black History Month

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2014-preseason-hornets-vs-sixers

2014 Preseason - Hornets vs. Sixers

September 28, 2014 – Charlotte Hornets General Manager Rich Cho announced today that the team has signed free agent forward Jason Maxiell.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.  The training camp roster now stands at 18.

The 6-7 Maxiell spent last season with the Orlando Magic, averaging 3.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 14.4 minutes in 34 games.  Originally selected with the 26th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft by Detroit, Maxiell spent his first eight seasons with the Pistons, appearing in 523 career games (175 starts), with averages of 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19.1 minutes.

Over his nine-year career, Maxiell has appeared in 557 games (188 starts), averaging 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes, while shooting .501 (204-457) from the field.

Collegiately, he averaged 12.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 129 career games for Cincinnati. While with the Bearcats, he was named Second Team All-Conference USA twice (2004 and 2005), Conference USA All-Tournament (2004), Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year (2002) and Conference USA All-Freshman Team (2002). Maxiell played in 129 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in school history, and started the last 77 contests he played.

Jason Maxiell

Maxiell Reflects on Black History Month

2014 Preseason - Hornets vs. Sixers

Hornets Sign Maxiell