TTM Stats
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.
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- Sent: 3/11/2022 | Received: 6/21/2022 | 100 Days
- ’93 Classic, ’94 Topps Stadium Club, ’94 Upper Deck, ’97 Fleer
- Address: Foundation Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Isaiah Rider Jr., commonly known as J.R., was born on March 12, 1971, in Oakland, California. Emerging from a challenging upbringing, Rider’s prodigious basketball talent propelled him from the courts of Alameda to the bright lights of the NBA.
Rider’s athletic journey began at Encinal High School in Alameda, California, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Opting to pursue basketball, he attended Allen Community College and Antelope Valley College before transferring to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1991. At UNLV, Rider’s performance was nothing short of stellar; he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game over two seasons. His exceptional play earned him the Big West Player of the Year award in 1993 and recognition as a consensus second-team All-American.
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Rider with the fifth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, securing a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1994. That same year, Rider showcased his athleticism by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with his memorable “East Bay Funk Dunk,” a between-the-legs slam that left audiences in awe.
Throughout his nine-season NBA tenure, Rider played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets. While his on-court performance was often impressive – amassing a career total of 9,405 points with an average of 16.7 points per game – his time in the league was marred by off-court issues and disciplinary challenges. Despite these setbacks, Rider achieved the pinnacle of NBA success by winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001.
Following his retirement, Rider faced numerous personal challenges, including legal issues and struggles with substance abuse. In 2007, he was sentenced to seven months in jail after pleading guilty to charges including cocaine possession and evading the police. Reflecting on this period, Rider described it as the lowest point in his life, marked by isolation and a lack of support.
In an effort to turn his life around and give back to the community, Rider announced plans in 2012 to release a documentary titled “My Testimony: Raw and Uncut,” aiming to share his experiences and lessons learned. He also established the Sky Rider Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged youth in accessing extracurricular activities. Rider expressed a deep desire to help children pursue their dreams, acknowledging the financial barriers many families face.
Isaiah Rider’s basketball journey is a complex tapestry of remarkable talent and personal turmoil. While his career was punctuated by highlight-reel performances and significant achievements, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges professional athletes can face off the court. Today, Rider’s efforts to mentor young athletes and his commitment to community service reflect a man striving to redefine his legacy beyond the basketball arena.
The Score on Isaiah Rider – 6.5
Isaiah had become a pretty regular and reliable signer. I think its possible that changed over the last few years, but I definitely have a good history of returns from him. These all make it hard to show off his signature, but I really feel like my favorite is the Classic card with him in a UNLV uniform. I watched a ton of college basketball back then.
Thanks Mr. Rider! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.