Kermit Washington
Kermit Alan Washington (born September 17, 1951) is an American former professional basketball player. Washington is best remembered for punching opposing player Rudy Tomjanovich during an on-court fight in 1977. Washington was not a highly-coveted player coming out of high school. He averaged four points per game during his senior season at Coolidge Senior High School. He improved rapidly once at American University, and became one of only seven players in NCAA history to average 20 points and 20 rebounds throughout the course of his career.
Washington as a sophomore at American University | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 17, 1951 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Coolidge (Washington, D.C.) |
| College | American (1970–1973) |
| NBA draft | 1973: 1st round, 5th overall pick |
| Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers | |
| Playing career | 1973–1982, 1987 |
| Position | Power forward |
| Number | 24, 26, 42, 3 |
| Career history | |
| 1973–1977 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1977–1978 | Boston Celtics |
| 1978–1979 | San Diego Clippers |
| 1979–1982 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1987 | Golden State Warriors |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 4,666 (9.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 4,232 (8.3 rpg) |
| Assists | 695 (1.4 apg) |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
A big defensive forward, Washington was known for his ability to gather rebounds. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in ten National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons and played in the All-Star Game once. Washington was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the fifth overall pick in the 1973 NBA draft. He played sparingly his first three seasons, and sought the help of retired basketball coach Pete Newell before his fourth season. Under Newell's tutelage, Washington's game rapidly improved and he became a starter for several teams. He played for the Lakers, Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors.