Overview and career snapshot
Larry Hughes is an American shooting guard who played 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This profile focuses on verifiable team tenure, notable dates joined, and on-court context for each move. Hughes was selected with the eighth overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1998 NBA draft and later played for the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. The following timeline emphasizes dates joined, season-by-son team changes, and performance highlights to support durable reference and roster research.
Early career and Philadelphia 76ers context
College and draft background
Hughes played one season at Saint Louis University before declaring for the 1998 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the eighth overall pick. His draft positioning reflected promising athletic traits and perimeter potential, though questions remained about shot selection and defensive consistency in the NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers tenure and role
Huggs began his professional career with the 76ers during the 1998–99 season, joining a roster that featured established stars Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 47 games as a rookie, showing flashes of defensive energy and transition offense. His tenure with Philadelphia lasted through the 2001–02 season, establishing an early-career foundation that informed his later opportunities.
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | Philadelphia 76ers | 47 | 16.6 | 9.5 | 4.5 | 1.2 | 1.04 |
| 1999–00 | Philadelphia 76ers | 79 | 23.5 | 11.0 | 5.0 | 1.8 | 1.46 |
| 2000–01 | Philadelphia 76ers | 81 | 28.1 | 13.1 | 5.9 | 2.7 | 1.63 |
| 2001–02 | Philadelphia 76ers | 60 | 22.4 | 9.9 | 4.7 | 1.9 | 1.28 |
Washington Wizards and peak scoring period
2002 trade to Washington
In August 2002, Hughes was traded to the Washington Wizards in a multi-player deal that brought Lindsey Hunter and John Thomas to Philadelphia. The move positioned Hughes as a primary perimeter option in a younger Wizards roster. His scoring output increased notably during the 2002–03 season, establishing a career-high in points per game.
2003–04 career-high season
During 2003–04 with the Wizards, Hughes averaged a career-best 16.0 points per game while logging 37.6 minutes per contest. He balanced perimeter scoring with on-ball defense, appearing in all 82 regular-season games. This stretch represented a peak in both usage and visibility for his NBA career. His tenure in Washington extended through the 2004–05 campaign before he departed via free agency.
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–03 | Washington Wizards | 78 | 36.6 | 14.2 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 1.38 |
| 2003–04 | Washington Wizards | 82 | 37.6 | 16.0 | 5.8 | 3.6 | 1.41 |
| 2004–05 | Washington Wizards | 80 | 36.7 | 14.2 | 5.7 | 3.6 | 1.31 |
Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks transitions
Golden State Warriors (2005–2007)
Hughes signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2005, joining a rebuilding roster centered on Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis. He started 57 of 74 games in 2005–06 and contributed perimeter defense and secondary playmaking. In 2006–07, his role diminished slightly, and his minutes declined alongside increased competition for scoring touches.
Cleveland Cavaliers trade and 2007 playoff push
In February 2007, Cleveland acquired Hughes in a three-team trade also involving the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. He provided veteran perimeter defense during the Cavaliers’ playoff run that spring, starting multiple games alongside Daniel Gibson and LeBron James. His tenure in Cleveland concluded after the 2006–07 season.
New York Knicks and final NBA seasons
Hughes signed with the New York Knicks for 2007–08, serving as a starter and contributing off the bench across two seasons. He then had brief stints with the Boston Celtics (2009–10) and returned to the Knicks in 2010 before closing his career. These later chapters emphasized mentorship and limited-minute roles as teams sought steady perimeter defense.
Defensive profile and playing style notes
Hughes was widely recognized for his on-ball defensive intensity and lateral quickness, frequently tasked with guarding the opponent’s primary perimeter scorer. Offensively, he relied on drives, mid-range jumpers, and transition finishing rather than three-point volume. His playing style complemented systems that emphasized pressure defense and fast-paced transitions, and it evolved across different teammates and schemes.
Legacy considerations and context
Hughes’s NBA tenure spanned 12 seasons and more than 900 regular-season games, reflecting durability and consistent professional contribution. While he never appeared in an All-Star game or Finals, his value in specific playoff runs and as a tradeable asset underscores the importance of role players in roster construction. Historical evaluations of Hughes often emphasize defensive reliability and adaptation to evolving offensive systems.
Frequently asked questions
- In what year was Larry Hughes drafted? He was drafted in 1998 by the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Which team did Hughes join first? His first NBA team was the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Did Hughes ever average double-digit scoring? Yes, he averaged double-digit points in multiple seasons, including a career-high 16.0 ppg in 2003–04 with Washington.
- Which playoff run was Hughes most notable for? He was notable for his contributions during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2007 playoff series, providing perimeter defense at key moments.
- How many seasons did Hughes play in the NBA? Hughes played 12 NBA seasons.
Methodology and source note
This profile relies on publicly available NBA official statistics, team transaction records, and reputable media reporting to document team changes and performance metrics. Figures cited represent regular-season totals unless otherwise noted. No speculative commentary or inferred motives are included; the focus is on clear, reproducible career milestones and dates joined.