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114. Nene

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114. Nene

What is it about Brazilian athletes and their penchant to go by one name?  Whatever the answer might be, one of the best Brazilian basketball players of all-time, Nene Hilario, opted to just go by simply Nene, and that works for us.

Nene made history in 2002 when he became the first player from Brazil to be drafted in the First Round (7th Overall). Taken by the Knicks but traded to Denver, Nene was an All-Rookie, and although he never developed into a star, he became a highly efficient player.  In 2008-09 and 2009-10, Nene led the NBA in True Shooting Percentage, and in Effective Field Goal Percentage and 2-Point Field Goal Percentage in 2010-11.

Nene’s run as a Nugget ended when he was traded to Washington during the 2011-12 Season, and he played there for four more years before finishing his NBA career as a Rocket for three seasons. 

He would overall appear in 965 Games, averaging 11.3 Points and 6.0 Rebounds per Game.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Sao Carlos, Brazil
  • Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 2023
  • Position: Center, Power Forward
  • Played For: Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets/Wizards
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 7th Overall in 2002
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Highest 2-Point Field Goal Percentage (1) (2010-11)
    Highest Effective Field Goal Percentage (1) (2010-11)
    Highest True Shooting Percentage (2) (2008-09 & 2009-10)
    Highest Offensive Rating (1) (2009-10
    NBA Championships (None) 
    FIBA AmeriCup Silver Medal (1) (Brazil, 2001)
    FIBA Goodwill Games (1) (Brazil, 2001)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Percentage (5) (2002-03, 2003-04, 2008-09, 2010-11 & 2014-15)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goal Percentage (5) (2002-03, 2003-04, 2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11)
    Top Ten Finishes: Effective Field Goal Percentage (4) (2003-04, 2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11)
    Top Ten Finishes: True Shooting Percentage (4) (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11)
    Top Ten Finishes: Win Shares (1) (2009-10)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rating (2) (2009-10 & 2010-11)
    Top Ten Finishes: Steal Percentage (1) (2002-03)
  • Notable All-time Rankings: 31. Field Goal Percentage: .548
    38. 2-Point Field Goal Percentage: .551
    53. Effective Field Goal Percentage: .548
    65. True Shooting Percentage: .585
    96. Defensive Box Plus/Minus: 1.2

Should Nene be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 16.7%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 25%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 41.7%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 16.7%

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