Craig "Speedy" Claxton is a retired professional basketball player.
Education
Prior to the National Basketball Association, Claxton played at Hofstra University under current Villanova University coach Jay Wright. At Hofstra, Claxton led the Flying Dutchmen to the America East Championship, defeating the University of Delaware in the championship game at Hofstra Arena, thereby reaching the 2000 National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, where they were defeated in the first round by an Oklahoma State team led by Desmond Mason, Claxton"s future teammate with the Hornets.
Claxton donated money to help build the 5000-seat arena in which the Hofstra team plays, and his number 10 was retired by Hofstra on January 31, 2009.
Claxton was inducted into the Hofstra Hall of Fame on January 29, 2011.
Career
In 2013, he was named as a special assistant to the head coach for the Hofstra University men"s basketball program San Antonio Spurs (2002) Claxton was drafted in 2000, 20th overall, by the Philadelphia 76ers. His rookie scale contract was worth four years and $4.68 million.
He opted out of the fourth year to become a free agent.
He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury suffered during the pre-season. In 2002 Claxton was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played on the 2003 championship team as a reserve, backing up Tony Parker.
Golden State Warriors (2003-2005) In 2003 Claxton was signed by the Golden State Warriors to a three-year contract worth United States$10 million. New Orleans Hornets (2005-2006) On February 24, 2005, Claxton and Dale Davis were traded from the Warriors to the New Orleans Hornets for Baron Davis.
Atlanta Hawks (2006-2009) On July 12, 2006, Claxton signed a contract worth approximately $25 million over four years with the Atlanta Hawks.
Claxton only played 44 games with the Hawks, as he was injured in every year after he signed with the team During the 2006-2007 season, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.4 assists a game. Return to the Warriors (2009-2010) On June 25, 2009, Claxton was traded to the Golden State Warriors along with Acie Law for Jamal Crawford.
He was waived by Golden State on February 6, 2010, after the team signed Anthony Tolliver for the remainder of the season.
Claxton served as a college scout with the Golden State Warriors before joining the Hofstra University men"s basketball staff in 2013.