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Larry Hughes Biography

May 22, 2007

Birthdate: January 23, 1979
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri

Larry Hughes is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. He's a silent assassin because he lets his game do the talking. Due to his life experiences, Larry displays maturity that is rare for his age. Find out more about this stealthy shooting guard!

Larry Hughes - Growing Up Fast

Larry Hughes grew up in St. Louis, Missouri with his mother and younger brother Justin, who was born with a defective heart. In 1996, Justin had two heart attacks and received a heart transplant during Larry's freshman year at Christian Brothers College High School. In 1997, Larry was named a McDonalds All American. In order to stay close to his brother, Larry turned down offers from some of the biggest college basketball programs to attend St. Louis University, a small school in Missouri. Larry led St. Louis to the NCAA tournament his first year and was named the National Freshman of the Year. At the end of the season, Larry left school for the NBA to help pay his family's mounting medical bills for Justin.

Larry Hughes - NBA Career

The Philadelphia 76ers picked Larry with the eighth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. In nine NBA seasons, Larry has played for the 76ers, the Golden State Warriors, the Washington Wizards and now the Cleveland Cavaliers. His best year came in the 2004-2005 season, where he averaged a career high 22 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and a league leading 2.89 steals per game for the Wizards. Those numbers show how dangerous Larry is on both the offensive and defensive ends. Larry signed a five year, $60 million contract in the summer of 2005 with the Cavaliers. As of May 2007, Larry, along with LeBron James, is leading the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Larry Hughes - Brother's Keeper

Justin Hughes died in May 2006, as his heart finally gave out. Larry, who has taken care of him since they were young, has several tattoos on his body to remember Justin. He has "I am my brother's keeper" tattooed on his neck. Larry also has tears tattooed under his eye to express his pain for his brother.

Larry Hughes - Did U Know?

  • Larry Hughes and his wife Carrie have three children - Lauryn, Landys and Larry II.
  • Larry Hughes established the Larry Hughes Foundation to promote the importance of organ donation.
  • Larry Hughes appeared in his good friend Nelly's music video for the song "Dilemma."
  • Larry Hughes has been teammates of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Allen Iverson.
  • Larry Hughes Says...

    "I do a lot of thinking. I think more than I talk. You have a conversation with people and a lot of it is bragging and saying things that don't really need to be said. I kind of stay away from it."

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