History of Wally Szczerbiak in Timeline
Wally Szczerbiak is a former professional basketball player who played 10 seasons in the NBA for four different teams. He is now a color analyst for the New York Knicks on MSG Network. Szczerbiak had a successful college basketball career at Miami University in Ohio, where his jersey was retired. He is one of only five players from the university to receive this honor.
March 5, 1977: Wally Szczerbiak Born
On March 5, 1977, Walter Robert Szczerbiak Jr. was born. He is an American former professional basketball player and current color analyst for the New York Knicks.
1994: Szczerbiak's High School Career
In 1994, Wally Szczerbiak competed for the Long Island team in the Empire State Games. Despite his outstanding high school statistics, he went unrecruited due to the small size of his high school.
1997: Szczerbiak's Junior Season
In 1997, as a junior, Szczerbiak became one of college basketball's leading scorers, averaging 24.4 points per game. He earned first-team All-MAC honors despite missing games with a broken wrist.
1999: Drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves
In 1999, Szczerbiak was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft.
1999: NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Run
In 1999, during his senior season, Szczerbiak led the Redhawks to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament as a #10 seed. He scored a career-high 43 points in a first-round win. They lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16.
2001: Miami Jersey Retirement
In 2001, Szczerbiak had his jersey retired (#32) at Miami University, becoming the fifth player to receive this honor.
2002: NBA All-Star Selection
In 2002, Szczerbiak had his best year as a professional when he was a coaches' selection to the Western Conference All-Star team.
April 13, 2003: Tied Timberwolves Franchise Record
On April 13, 2003, Szczerbiak tied a Timberwolves franchise record with 44 points.
2004: Szczerbiak came off the bench
During the 2004-05 NBA season, Szczerbiak came off the bench.
2005: Szczerbiak returned to the starting role
During the 2005-06 NBA season, Szczerbiak returned to the starting role.
January 26, 2006: Traded to Boston Celtics
On January 26, 2006, Szczerbiak, along with others, was traded to the Boston Celtics for Ricky Davis and others.
2006: Knee Surgery and Ankle Injuries
In 2006, Szczerbiak underwent surgery to repair a knee injury and later suffered from ankle injuries, leading to season-ending surgery.
June 28, 2007: Traded to Seattle SuperSonics
On June 28, 2007, Szczerbiak was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics along with Delonte West and Jeff Green for Ray Allen and Glen Davis.
2007: Played 75 games in the 2007-2008 season
During the 2007-2008 NBA season, Szczerbiak played 75 games and averaged 11.5 points.
February 21, 2008: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
On February 21, 2008, Szczerbiak and Delonte West were traded by the SuperSonics to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-way deal.
April 16, 2008: Scored 18 points against Detroit
On April 16, 2008, Szczerbiak scored 18 points against Detroit.
2008: 2008 NBA Playoffs
During the 2008 NBA playoffs, Szczerbiak started at shooting guard for the Cavaliers, and averaged 10.8 points per game.
2008: 2008-2009 NBA Season with the Cavaliers
During the 2008-2009 NBA season, Szczerbiak played 74 games, averaging seven points.
August 2009: Discussions with Denver Nuggets
In August 2009, Szczerbiak was in discussions with the Denver Nuggets, but he rejected their contract offer.
November 5, 2009: Announced Retirement from NBA
On November 5, 2009, Szczerbiak announced his retirement from the NBA due to a third surgery on his left knee and lack of cartilage.
2009: 2008-2009 NBA Season with the Cavaliers
During the 2008-2009 NBA season, Szczerbiak played 74 games, averaging seven points.
2009: Became Basketball Analyst for CBS College Sports
In 2009, Szczerbiak became a basketball analyst for CBS College Sports after retiring from the NBA.
2009: Miami University Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
In 2009, Szczerbiak was inducted into the Miami University Athletic Hall of Fame.
2012: Hired as Analyst at MSG Network
In 2012, Szczerbiak was hired as an analyst at MSG Network to cover the New York Knicks.
2013: Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2013, Szczerbiak was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
2020: Filed for Divorce
In 2020, Szczerbiak and Shannon Ward filed for divorce.
2023: Continued Role at MSG Network
As of 2023, Szczerbiak remains in his role as an analyst at MSG Network.
