He has gained most of his fame following failed drug tests on three different occasions.
By ALLON SINAIbuford 88(photo credit: )
Maccabi Tel Aviv finally signed on Tuesday night the player it believes will be able to fill the huge void left by Anthony Parker's departure. The perennial league champion announced that swingman Rodney Buford inked a one-year deal with the club.
"Buford plays in the small forward and guard positions and he can be an worthy replacement for Anthony Parker," said a statement from Maccabi.
The 29-year-old American has had a relatively successful career in the NBA and in Europe but has gained most of his fame following failed drug tests on three different occasions. Buford was caught twice in the NBA and was also suspended for 40 days in March 2003 after failing a test in Greece.
Buford graduated from Creighton University in 1999, averaging 17.9 points and six rebounds per game. Buford was selected by the Miami Heat with the 53rd pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. He played 34 games for the team before leaving for Italian club Rimini.
Buford returned to the NBA at the start of the 2000/01 season, joining the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent. The swingman had his best NBA season the following year when he signed for the Memphis Grizzles. He averaged 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in his 63 games for the Grizzles.
Buford left Memphis after one year and joined Greek giant Panathinaikos. He returned once more to the NBA for the 2003/04 season, this time with the Sacramento Kings.
Last year, he played in the Continental Basketball Association and joined Ukrainian side Maripool after the season in America was over.
Buford has played 230 games in the NBA, averaging 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
