Undrafted out of Miami University in Ohio, Ira Newble has carved out an eight-year NBA career on the strength of hard work and defense. Newble spent three seasons playing in minor leagues before catching on with the San Antonio Spurs. He became a starter in 2001-02 with Atlanta and ultimately earned a five-year contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent. Newble started a career-high 69 games in 2004-05, playing alongside LeBron James, and was deployed as a perimeter defensive stopper by the Cavaliers.
