Dickey Simpkins, American basketball player and sportscaster

LuBara Dixon "Dickey" Simpkins, born on April 6, 1972, is a respected American figure in basketball, widely recognized as a former professional player whose most prominent years were spent with the legendary Chicago Bulls during their formidable late 1990s dynasty. Today, Simpkins continues his deep involvement with the sport, serving as a dedicated scout for the Washington Wizards, bringing his wealth of playing and analytical experience to the team's front office.

Early Career and NBA Draft

Standing at a robust 6' 9", Simpkins possessed the versatile physical attributes of a forward-center, a skillset he honed extensively during his formative years. His basketball prowess first shone brightly at Friendly High School in Maryland, where he established himself as a dominant force on the court. Following his impressive high school career, he matriculated to Providence College, continuing to excel and solidify his reputation as a promising talent. His collegiate performance ultimately caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Chicago Bulls with the 21st overall pick in the highly anticipated 1994 NBA Draft. Joining the Bulls at the cusp of their second championship three-peat era meant being part of a historically significant roster.

The Chicago Bulls Era: Championships and Growth

Simpkins' initial seasons with the Chicago Bulls, while ultimately successful in terms of team achievements, saw him in a more reserved role. He was part of a star-studded frontcourt that included seasoned veterans like Luc Longley and Bill Wennington, and later, the iconic Dennis Rodman. Consequently, his playing time was limited, resulting in 513 points accumulated over 167 games. Despite his rotational constraints, Simpkins was a member of the championship-winning Bulls teams in both 1996 and 1997, earning two coveted NBA Championship rings. However, it's a noteworthy detail that he was not on the team's active playoff roster for either of those postseason runs, a nuance that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for understanding a player's direct impact in those pivotal moments. In the fall of 1997, in a move to further bolster their roster, the Bulls traded Simpkins to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for guard-forward Scott Burrell.

His tenure with the Warriors proved to be short-lived, as he was subsequently waived by the team. Demonstrating their continued belief in his potential, the Bulls promptly claimed him off waivers, bringing him back to Chicago. This return proved beneficial for Simpkins, as he exhibited improved efficiency, posting an impressive .634 field goal percentage in 21 games. More significantly, in the spring of 1998, he finally had his opportunity to participate in the NBA playoffs for the very first time in his career, culminating in the Bulls securing their third consecutive championship and his third NBA Championship ring. This personal milestone marked a significant validation of his perseverance and readiness to contribute on the biggest stage.

The landscape of the NBA, and particularly the Chicago Bulls, drastically changed after the conclusion of the 1998–99 NBA lockout. The core of the Bulls' dynasty, including legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Luc Longley, departed the team. This significant roster overhaul, while signaling the end of an era, created an unprecedented opportunity for Simpkins to step into a much larger role. During the 1999 season, he fully embraced this expanded playing time, emerging as a part-time starter and delivering career-best averages of 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He continued to build on this momentum in the following season, playing a career-high 1,651 minutes, showcasing his durability and increased importance to the rebuilding Bulls franchise.

Post-Bulls Career and International Journeys

Simpkins' second stint with the Bulls concluded in September 2000, when the team signed veteran Brad Miller and subsequently renounced their rights to him. This marked the beginning of a fascinating global basketball odyssey. He first spent a season playing professionally in Greece before making a brief return to the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2001–02 season. His time with the Hawks was fleeting, limited to just one game, after which he divided the remainder of that season between Greece and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). His passion for the game led him to explore various international leagues, taking his talents to numerous countries including Russia, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Spain, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Germany. In 2005, Simpkins joined the Alaska Aces of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a replacement for Leon Derricks, a testament to his continued value as an experienced professional player. He notably led the team through a hard-fought quarterfinals series, ultimately falling in three games to the sixth-seeded Red Bull franchise.

Life After Playing: Media, Business, and Scouting

Transitioning from the hardwood, Dickey Simpkins has leveraged his extensive basketball knowledge and experience into a diverse and impactful post-playing career. He has shared his insights as a college basketball analyst for ESPN, offering expert commentary and breaking down games for a national audience. Simpkins is also an astute entrepreneur, having founded Next Level Performance Inc. (NLP), a basketball development company dedicated to nurturing and elevating aspiring athletes. Beyond the business realm, he is a sought-after national motivational speaker, inspiring individuals and teams with lessons drawn from his athletic journey and life experiences. Currently, Simpkins remains a familiar voice in basketball broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for Fox Sports 1 (FS1) covering Big East conference games. His commitment to talent evaluation and team building is also evident in his previous and current scouting roles, having served as a scout for the Charlotte Hornets and now for the Washington Wizards, where he identifies and assesses potential talent to strengthen the team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many NBA championships did Dickey Simpkins win?

Dickey Simpkins won three NBA Championship rings, all with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, 1997, and 1998. It's important to note that he was not on the active playoff roster for the 1996 and 1997 championship runs but participated in the playoffs for the first time during the 1998 championship season.

What was Dickey Simpkins' role with the Chicago Bulls during their championship years?

During the Bulls' championship years (1996-1998), Simpkins primarily served as a backup forward/center. His playing time was limited due to the presence of established starters like Luc Longley, Bill Wennington, and Dennis Rodman. However, his role significantly expanded in the post-Michael Jordan era, particularly in the 1999 season, where he became a part-time starter.

Where did Dickey Simpkins play after his time with the Chicago Bulls?

After leaving the Bulls in 2000, Simpkins had a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. He then embarked on an extensive international career, playing in various countries including Greece, Russia, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Spain, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Germany.

What are Dickey Simpkins' current professional activities?

Currently, Dickey Simpkins is a scout for the Washington Wizards. He also works as a color commentator for Fox Sports 1 (FS1), covering Big East basketball games. Furthermore, he is the founder of Next Level Performance Inc. (NLP), a basketball development company, and is a national motivational speaker.

Was Dickey Simpkins a first-round draft pick?

Yes, Dickey Simpkins was a first-round draft pick, selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 21st overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft.