History of Darvin Ham in Timeline

Darvin Ham is a former NBA player and current basketball coach. He played nine seasons in the NBA, winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. After his playing career, which also included stints internationally and in the NBA Development League, Ham transitioned to coaching. He served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won his second NBA championship in 2021. He was the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Bucks First Championship since 1971

In 2021, Darvin Ham helped coach the Milwaukee Bucks to their second NBA title in franchise history, their first since 1971.

1972: Bucks Best Record Since 1972

During the 2018-2019 season Darvin Ham helped lead the Bucks to its best record since 1972.

July 23, 1973: Darvin Ham Born

On July 23, 1973, Darvin Demonte Ham Sr. was born.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Gunshot Wound Survival

In 1988, when Darvin Ham was 14 years old, he survived a gunshot wound to his face and neck.

1993: Attended Texas Tech University

In 1993, Darvin Ham began attending Texas Tech University.

1995: Lance Hughes wins NCAA slam dunk contest

In 1995, Darvin Ham's teammate Lance Hughes won the NCAA slam dunk contest.

October 1, 1996: Signed by Denver Nuggets

On October 1, 1996, Darvin Ham was signed by the Denver Nuggets as a free agent.

1996: Backboard Shattering Dunk

During the 1996 NCAA Tournament, Darvin Ham gained national attention by shattering a backboard with a slam dunk against North Carolina, leading Texas Tech to the Sweet Sixteen and landing him on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

1996: NBA Career Begins

In 1996, Darvin Ham began his nine-season NBA career.

1996: NCAA Slam Dunk Contest Win

In 1996, Darvin Ham won the NCAA slam dunk contest.

February 1997: Trade to Indiana Pacers

In February 1997, Darvin Ham was traded by the Denver Nuggets to the Indiana Pacers for Jerome Allen.

1997: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participant

In 1997, Darvin Ham competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

1999: Signed with Milwaukee Bucks

In 1999, Darvin Ham signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Bucks.

2001: Mother Becomes Mayor

In 2001, Darvin Ham's mother Wilmer Jones-Ham became the first female mayor of Saginaw.

2002: Signed with Atlanta Hawks

In 2002, Darvin Ham signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Hawks.

2003: Signed with Detroit Pistons

In 2003, Darvin Ham signed with the Detroit Pistons.

2004: NBA Champion with Detroit Pistons

In 2004, Darvin Ham was a member of the NBA champion Detroit Pistons.

2005: End of NBA Playing Career

In 2005, Darvin Ham concluded his nine-season NBA playing career.

2005: Basketball Without Borders Program in South Africa

In 2005, Darvin Ham participated in the Basketball Without Borders program in Johannesburg, South Africa.

2005: Mother Ends Term as Mayor

In 2005, Darvin Ham's mother Wilmer Jones-Ham ended her term as mayor of Saginaw.

January 17, 2006: Joins Talk 'N Text Phone Pals in PBA

On January 17, 2006, Darvin Ham was enlisted by the Philippine Basketball Association team Talk 'N Text Phone Pals.

2006: Studio Analyst and Summer League

In 2006, Darvin Ham served as a studio analyst for Fox Sports Southwest and participated in the Orlando Magic summer league team.

October 24, 2007: Waived by Mavericks

On October 24, 2007, Darvin Ham was waived by the Dallas Mavericks.

2007: NBA Development League

In 2007, Darvin Ham played in the NBA Development League.

April 4, 2008: Traded to Austin Toros

On April 4, 2008, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds traded Darvin Ham to the Austin Toros.

October 2008: Assistant Coach for Thunderbirds

In October 2008, Darvin Ham was named an assistant coach for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds.

2008: NBA Development League

In 2008, Darvin Ham played in the NBA Development League.

June 2011: Sports Envoy in Venezuela

In June 2011, Darvin Ham traveled to Venezuela as a SportsUnited Sports Envoy for the U.S. Department of State, conducting basketball clinics.

October 2011: Assistant Coach for Los Angeles Lakers

In October 2011, Darvin Ham became an assistant coach on Mike Brown's staff with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2013: Joins Atlanta Hawks Coaching Staff

In 2013, Darvin Ham joined the Atlanta Hawks' coaching staff.

2014: Hawks Divisional Title

In 2014, Darvin Ham was part of the coaching staff that led the Atlanta Hawks to a divisional title.

2015: Eastern Conference Finals and All-Star Assistance

In 2015, Darvin Ham helped the Atlanta Hawks reach the Eastern Conference Finals and assisted in the development of four All-Stars.

2015: Basketball Without Borders Program in Dominican Republic

In 2015, Darvin Ham participated in the Basketball Without Borders program in the Dominican Republic.

June 7, 2018: Joins Milwaukee Bucks Coaching Staff

On June 7, 2018, Darvin Ham joined the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff.

2019: Budenholzer Wins Coach of the Year

During the 2018-2019 season, while Darvin Ham was an assistant coach, Mike Budenholzer won the NBA's Coach of the Year award.

2020: Start of Season leading to Championship

In 2020, Darvin Ham helped coach Milwaukee to their championship season.

2021: Son Darvin Ham Jr is assistant coach

In 2021, Darvin Ham Jr., Darvin Ham's son, was an assistant coach at Northwood for 4 years, through the 2021–22 season.

2021: NBA Title with Milwaukee Bucks

In 2021, Darvin Ham helped coach the Milwaukee Bucks to their second NBA title in franchise history, their first since 1971.

2021: NBA Championship as Assistant Coach

In 2021, Darvin Ham won an NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks.

June 3, 2022: Hired as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers

On June 3, 2022, Darvin Ham was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2022: Son Darvin Ham Jr is assistant coach

In 2022, Darvin Ham Jr., Darvin Ham's son, was an assistant coach at Northwood for 4 years, through the 2021–22 season and then became an assistant coach for the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League.