Loren Woods
A 7-footer with finesse, potential, and a career that stretched across multiple continents.
Career Highlights
Years Active (NBA): 2001–2008
Teams: Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets
Key Stats:
6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season
7’1” with a 7’4” wingspan
Started 48 games in 2004–05 for Toronto
Big Hype in College
Loren Woods started his college career at Wake Forest—briefly playing alongside Tim Duncan—before transferring to Arizona, where he made waves as a defensive force. In 2000, he set a school record with 10 blocks in a single game and was named First Team All-Pac-10. Despite his collegiate accolades, concerns about his strength and consistency pushed him into the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft.
The Toronto Opportunity
Woods found his best NBA opportunity in Toronto, where he started nearly 50 games during the 2004–05 season. A mobile and skilled 7-footer, he showed flashes of a modern big: decent touch around the rim, shot-blocking ability, and court vision. While he never developed into a full-time starter, he held his own against elite bigs and provided valuable minutes as a rim protector and rebounder.
A Career Without Borders
After his time in the NBA, Woods extended his professional career across Europe, Turkey, Iran, Lithuania, and the Philippines. His journey became one of resilience—carving out roles in new systems, adapting to different play styles, and keeping the love for the game alive well beyond the NBA spotlight. He became a respected veteran presence on international squads into his mid-30s.
For every one-and-done NBA big, there are ten who keep hooping around the world.
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