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2004-05 Player HQ
Jamaal Tinsley
Number: 11
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Birthday: 2/28/78
Scouting Report:
When last season began, it looked like he'd fallen completely out of the team's plans. Now, he is entrenched more firmly than ever as the starter at point guard. After regaining the starting job from Kenny Anderson midway through last season, he showed the decision-making and ball-protection necessary to gain the trust of Coach Rick Carlisle. Very good in transition and a creative passer in the halfcourt, Tinsley has dramatically improved his shooting and defense. He also is in the best shape of his career, reporting to camp weighing 185 pounds, 10 below last season's playing weight. Team President Larry Bird has identified him as the player most likely to join Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest in the All-Star Game in the near future.
Career Highlights:
Pacers were 34-9 (.791) in his starts during '03-04 season
Averaged 9.1 ppg and 6.2 apg as starter
Scored a season-high 19 points at Washington, 2/20/04
Pacers were 6-0 in games in which he had 10+ assists
Shot career-best .372 from the 3-point line
Also had career-high percentages from the field (.414) and foul line (.731)
Second on team with 84 steals
In second round of playoffs against Miami, helped lead the Pacers to victory in Game 1 with a playoff career-high 17 points after scoring 16 in Game 3
Was sixth in the NBA with an average of 7.5 assists per game in 2002-03.
Ranked 13th in the NBA with an assists-to-turnover ratio of 2.85-to-1.
Ranked 10th in the NBA with an average of 1.71 steals per game in '02-03.
Five Questions:
What’s the most important thing a coach ever told you?
Don’t turn the ball over.
If you weren’t a pro basketball player, what pro sport would you be playing (and what position?)
Football, cornerback.
What’s your favorite charity/community memory?
Helping children in my neighborhood.
Who is the most famous person you ever met?
(No answer)
What reality show would you like to participate in and why?
Fear Factor.
Contract Status:
Signed a reported six-year extension on Oct. 29 that will keep him under contract through the 2010-11 season.
Personal File:
Full name is Jamaal Lee Tinsley
Nickname is Mel
Was a sociology major
Is the third of eight children
Has three brothers and four sisters
Played in the 1996 Nike Invitational
Grew up playing in New York City’s Rucker League, which has produced such stars as Connie Hawkins, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Ed “Booger” Smith, Stephon Marbury and Earl “The Goat” Manigault
Had a bit part in the movie “Soul to the Hole” and was also featured in “On Hallowed Ground”
Lists “Speed” as his favorite movie
Favorite food is macaroni and cheese
Favorite musical performer is Jay-Z
Basketball heroes growing up were Isiah Thomas, Rod Strickland and Mark Jackson
Wears a size 13 basketball shoe.
