NBA Career
Przybilla was the 9th overall selection in the 2000 NBA Draft, chosen by the Houston Rockets, but traded the same day to the Milwaukee Bucks for their first round pick, Jason Collier, and a future first round pick. After playing for the Bucks for over three seasons, on February 15, 2004, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three team trade. Upon free agency, Phoenix and Toronto showed interest but Portland was the only team offering guaranteed money and he signed for a reported $3.35 million over two years on August 24, 2004. He made an immediate impact averaging 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in that 2004–2005 NBA season.
Przybilla became a free agent again at the end of the 2005–2006 season. After being pursued by several teams, he agreed to re-sign with the Blazers; the contract is reportedly for 5 years and US $32 million. Among his suitors were the Chicago Bulls, and the Detroit Pistons, seeking to replace the outgoing Ben Wallace. Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent, explained his reasons for re-signing with the Blazers this way: "He's extremely loyal, and they gave him an opportunity two years ago when no one else did." At the same time, the Blazers' offer was the most generous, surpassing the Pistons' $29 million offer and the $24 million offered by the Spurs. On 22 March 2008, Przybilla pulled a career high 25 rebounds, two shy of the franchise record overall and one shy of franchise record in a regulation game.
On January 2, 2009, he was fined $7,500 and assessed a flagrant foul for striking Tyson Chandler.
In a game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 22, 2009, he suffered a ruptured patella tendon as well as a dislocated patella after landing awkwardly on his right knee during a rebound. Two days later, he had surgery to repair the tear in the tendon.
It was reported on March 7, 2010 that Przybilla re-injured his right knee while slipping in the shower. The Trail Blazers said the knee would require more surgery, and Przybilla missed the rest of the season.
On February 24, 2011 Przybilla was traded along with Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, and two future first round draft picks to the Charlotte Bobcats for Gerald Wallace.
On February 27, 2012, Przybilla was re-signed by the Trail Blazers.
On August 9, 2012, Przybilla signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he began his NBA career.
Read more about this topic: Joel Przybilla
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