Norm Nixon - A Look Back At A Basketball Career
When thinking about professional basketball, there are some names that just stick with you, figures who played a real part in shaping the game, so to speak. One such person, a player whose presence on the court made a difference for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and later the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, is Norman Ellard Nixon. He’s a former professional basketball player from America, someone who gave many years to the sport, and his contributions are certainly worth remembering, too it's almost.
Born in Macon, Georgia, way back on October 11, 1955, Norm Nixon came into the world as a Libra, if you are into that kind of thing, which is a bit of a fun fact. His path eventually led him to the big leagues of basketball, where he made quite a name for himself, particularly as a point guard. This position, you know, is really about directing the action, setting up plays, and being a steady presence for your teammates, so it’s a demanding role.
For those who followed the game during his time, Norm Nixon was more than just another player; he was a key piece in some very important moments for the Lakers. He was drafted by them in 1977, and it wasn't long before he showed just how much he could do on the court. His story is one of dedication and a significant impact on the teams he was a part of, that is that.
Table of Contents
- Who is Norm Nixon?
- Norm Nixon - Early Life and Beginnings
- What was Norm Nixon's Role with the Lakers?
- Norm Nixon - A Key Player in Championship Years
- Where Did Norm Nixon Play Professionally?
- Norm Nixon - Teams and Tenure
- What Has Norm Nixon Been Doing Lately?
- Norm Nixon - Post-Playing Days
Who is Norm Nixon?
To really get a sense of who Norm Nixon is, we should probably start at the very beginning, tracing his path from a young person in Georgia to a well-known professional athlete. He was born Norman Ellard Nixon, and his birth on October 11, 1955, set him on a course that would eventually see him become a recognized figure in American professional basketball. He’s someone whose name is often spoken when talking about the Lakers' history, which is pretty cool.
He is, basically, a former professional basketball player, and that’s what he’s most widely recognized for. His time in the National Basketball Association, or NBA, is what many people associate with his career. He spent a good portion of his playing days as a point guard, a position that requires a lot of quick thinking and the ability to see the whole floor. It’s a job where you’re often the one making things happen for your team, you know, getting the ball where it needs to go. That’s what Norm Nixon was all about.
When you look at his full professional time playing, it covers ten seasons, which is a significant stretch in any sport. He split this time between two well-known teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and also the Clippers, who were at one point in San Diego before making the move to Los Angeles. So, his career spanned a fair bit of time and a couple of different locations, which is sort of interesting to think about.
Norm Nixon - Early Life and Beginnings
Norman Ellard Nixon, as we mentioned, first saw the light of day in Macon, Georgia. This was on October 11, 1955. This makes him, as of this writing, 69 years old, which is a good long life, honestly. Knowing his hometown and birth date gives us a little more of a personal connection to him, doesn't it? It helps paint a bit more of a picture of the person behind the player, in a way.
His early life in Macon, Georgia, would have been where he first picked up a basketball, where he started to develop the skills that would later make him a professional. It's often where the passion for a sport begins, in those younger years, just playing around, having fun. For Norm Nixon, those early experiences clearly set him on a path to a very successful career, which is pretty neat.
His story really shows how someone from a particular place can go on to achieve great things in a very public field. From Macon, Georgia, to the bright lights of professional basketball arenas, it’s quite a journey. And all of it started on that particular October day in 1955, giving us a specific point to look back on when thinking about his beginnings, you know.
Here's a quick look at some of Norm Nixon's personal details:
| Full Name | Norman Ellard Nixon |
| Born | October 11, 1955 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 69 years old |
| Hometown | Macon, Georgia, USA |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Drafted By | Los Angeles Lakers (1977) |
| Teams Played For | Los Angeles Lakers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers |
| Professional Seasons | 10 |
What was Norm Nixon's Role with the Lakers?
When we talk about Norm Nixon's time with the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s impossible to ignore the impact he had, especially during a very successful period for the team. He was drafted by the Lakers in 1977, and from that point, he quickly became a central part of their plans. His presence as a point guard was, apparently, quite significant, helping to shape how the team played and what they were able to accomplish, so it was a big deal.
The Lakers, during that particular era, were a team that was really starting to hit their stride, and Norm Nixon was right there in the thick of it. His role wasn't just about scoring points or making assists; it was about being the person who could keep the flow of the game going, making smart decisions, and generally being a reliable presence on the court. That kind of steady play is incredibly important for any team looking to win big, you know, and he provided it.
He was a player who knew how to handle the ball, how to set up his teammates for good shots, and how to control the tempo of the game. These are all things that a point guard needs to do well, and Norm Nixon did them very, very well indeed. His contributions helped create a winning environment, which is something every team hopes for from its players, and he delivered on that front, too it's almost.
Norm Nixon - A Key Player in Championship Years
Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Norm Nixon’s time with the Lakers is his involvement in their championship successes. The source material tells us he was a "vital cog" in their first two championship wins during that specific period. Being a "vital cog" suggests he wasn't just on the team; he was an essential piece, someone without whom those victories might not have happened quite the same way, in some respects.
Think about what it means to be a vital part of a championship-winning team. It means you are contributing at the highest level, performing when it truly matters, and helping your team overcome the challenges of a long season and tough playoff matchups. For Norm Nixon to be described in this way for two championship teams really speaks to his skill and his importance to the Lakers during that time, that is that.
Winning a championship in professional sports is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and to be a key contributor to not just one, but two, is a testament to a player’s ability and dedication. It shows that Norm Nixon was not just a good player, but a player who could perform under pressure and help his team reach the very top. This is a significant part of his story and what makes his career so memorable for many fans, you know.
Where Did Norm Nixon Play Professionally?
As we've touched upon, Norm Nixon's professional playing days were spent with a couple of different organizations, giving him experience in more than one city. He played a total of ten seasons in the professional league, which is a good, long stretch for any athlete. His career began with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that selected him in the draft, and he spent a significant portion of his time there, which is pretty well known.
After his time with the Lakers, he moved on to play for the Clippers. Now, the Clippers have had a bit of a history with their home base. At one point, they were the San Diego Clippers before making the move to become the Los Angeles Clippers. So, Norm Nixon played for both the San Diego version and the Los Angeles version of the team, which is kind of interesting to consider, really.
This means his professional journey saw him playing for two different franchises, both in California, but with a slight geographical shift for one of them. Ten seasons is a good run, allowing him to leave a lasting impression on the sport and with the fans of both organizations. It shows a consistency and a longevity in his playing career that is pretty admirable, too it's almost.
Norm Nixon - Teams and Tenure
Let's look a little closer at where Norm Nixon spent his professional playing years. His career kicked off when the Los Angeles Lakers picked him in 1977. He then played for them for several seasons, becoming a very important piece of their team, as we've discussed. His time with the Lakers is often highlighted because of the team's success during that period, and his direct involvement in it, you know.
Following his tenure with the Lakers, Norm Nixon went on to play for the Clippers. As mentioned, this team had a period where they were based in San Diego before moving north to Los Angeles. So, he experienced the shift with the team, playing for them in both cities. This gives his career a little extra flavor, having been part of a team's relocation, which is kind of a unique experience for a player.
Across these two teams, Norm Nixon completed ten seasons as a professional basketball player. That’s a good number of years to be competing at the highest level, showing a sustained level of skill and commitment. His height, which is often a point of interest for basketball players, is also something that people look up when checking out his stats, which is pretty common for athletes, that is that.
What Has Norm Nixon Been Doing Lately?
For many fans, after a player steps away from the professional game, there's always a bit of curiosity about what they get up to next. It’s natural to wonder, "So, if you’re wondering what Norm has been up to since," as the text puts it. Life after professional sports can take many different turns, and for Norm Nixon, it seems he kept a hand in the game, at least for a while, in some respects.
The information we have suggests that after his time in the professional league, he made a return to the United States and participated in what are called "legends classics games." These types of games often bring together former players, allowing them to showcase their skills in a more relaxed setting and for fans to see them play once more. It's a way for players to stay connected to the sport and for people to enjoy watching them again, you know.
Playing in these legends games indicates that Norm Nixon maintained a connection to basketball even after his formal professional career ended. It’s a way to keep the competitive spirit alive and to entertain those who remember his playing days. This shows a continued love for the game, which is something many athletes carry with them long after their official retirement, that is that.
Norm Nixon - Post-Playing Days
So, what exactly has Norm Nixon been doing since his professional basketball days came to a close? The text mentions his participation in "legends classics games" after he came back to the states. This suggests a period where he was still actively involved in playing basketball, albeit in a different capacity than the intense professional league. It's a nice way for former players to stay in shape and enjoy the sport they dedicated so much of their lives to, you know.
Beyond these games, people often look for more general updates on his life. The text points to places where you can "discover his awards, honors, and career achievements" and "stay updated and find out when his next game is." While the latter might refer more to those legends games or other public appearances, it highlights that there’s still interest in what Norm Nixon is doing and what he has accomplished throughout his time in basketball, which is pretty cool.
The continued availability of his bio, latest news, videos, and exclusive content online shows that his legacy is still very much present for fans to explore. People can check out his "latest stats," his "height," and his "hometown," among other things. This kind of ongoing presence for a former player is a testament to the impact they had during their playing days, and Norm Nixon certainly had that kind of impact, too it's almost.
He remains a figure of interest for those who follow basketball history, particularly the history of the Lakers and Clippers. His professional journey, from being drafted in 1977 to his ten seasons in the league, and then his participation in legends games, paints a picture of a life deeply connected to the sport. His contributions to those championship teams are a big part of his story, and that’s something that people continue to look back on and appreciate.
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