Landry Fields
Landry Fields (born June 27, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player and executive who spent five seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) before transitioning to front-office roles.[1] A shooting guard and small forward, Fields played for the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors, where he earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2011 after a breakout rookie season that helped lead the Knicks to the playoffs.[2] Retiring at age 27 due to a chronic ulnar nerve injury in his shooting arm following multiple surgeries, Fields quickly pivoted to scouting and management, ultimately serving as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks from June 2022 until his dismissal in April 2025.[3] Fields grew up in Long Beach, California, attending Los Alamitos High School before playing college basketball at Stanford University.[4] As a senior in 2009–10, he led the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) in both scoring (22.0 points per game) and rebounding (8.8 per game), earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors after spending his first two seasons largely as a reserve.[3] Selected 39th overall in the 2010 NBA draft by the Knicks, Fields exceeded expectations as an undrafted-like prospect, starting 81 of 82 games in his debut season and averaging 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 49.7% from the field.[1] His sophomore year performance declined, leading to a sign-and-trade to the Raptors in 2012 for a future pick; there, he appeared in 107 games over three seasons but struggled offensively, averaging 3.3 points per game before his career ended in April 2015 after playing only 69 seconds in his final game.[2] Across 255 regular-season games, Fields compiled career averages of 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.[2] Following retirement, Fields began scouting during his final playing season with the Raptors and formally entered the field in 2016 as a regional scout for the San Antonio Spurs, focusing on the West Coast.[5] He advanced to general manager of the Spurs' NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, where he handled draft scouting and strategic planning.[5] In September 2020, Fields joined the Atlanta Hawks as assistant general manager under Travis Schlenk, contributing to personnel decisions and player development.[5] Promoted to full general manager in June 2022 after Schlenk's departure, Fields oversaw three seasons in which the Hawks made the playoffs in 2022–23 and 2023–24 (but advanced no further than the first round) and qualified for the play-in tournament in 2024–25 but were eliminated, finishing with records of 41–41 (2022–23), 36–46 (2023–24), and 40–42 (2024–25).[6][4] His tenure included key trades, such as acquiring Dejounte Murray in 2022 and drafting Zaccharie Risacher first overall in 2024, though the team parted ways with him on April 21, 2025, amid a front-office restructuring.[7]Early years
Early life
Landry Fields was born on June 27, 1988, in Long Beach, California, to parents Steve and Janice Fields.[1] Both of his parents had notable basketball backgrounds that contributed to the family's athletic heritage. His father, Steve, a 6-foot-6 guard, played college basketball at Miami of Ohio and was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the seventh round of the 1975 NBA Draft, though he never appeared in an NBA game.[8] His mother, Janice, a 6-foot forward, competed at Highland Community College in Washington, and her sisters, Sue and Trish, also played college basketball, extending the family's legacy in the sport.[9] Growing up in Southern California, Fields was immersed in basketball from an early age due to his parents' involvement and the region's strong hoops culture. His father actively supported his development without pressuring him, fostering a balanced approach to the game. Fields also explored other interests before focusing on basketball, including playing baseball and skateboarding. His parents divorced when he was 12 years old.[9]High school career
Fields attended Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California, from 2002 to 2006, where he developed into a standout basketball player.[10] As a three-year letterwinner on the varsity team, he emerged as a key contributor during his junior and senior seasons, captaining the squad both years under coach Russ May.[11] In his junior year, Fields averaged 16 points per game while making 60 three-pointers in 20 contests, helping the Griffins achieve a 15-5 record and a 5-0 start in Sunset League play as a versatile guard known for his shooting prowess.[11] During his senior season in 2005–06, Fields solidified his role as the team's leader, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while playing in 33 contests and totaling 642 points, 224 rebounds, and 96 assists.[10][12] He guided Los Alamitos to the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA championship—the program's first boys' basketball title—scoring 21 points in the 71-67 final victory over Long Beach Jordan and 31 points in the semifinals against Redlands East Valley.[12][13] Fields earned numerous accolades for his performance, including first-team All-Sunset League honors as a junior and senior, Sunset League MVP as a senior, All-CIF Southern Section first team, CIF Southern Section Division I Player of the Year, first-team All-Orange County by the OC Register, all-state selection, and Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team; he was also ranked among California's top 15 players by Cal-Hi Sports.[10][12] His high school success drew interest from multiple college programs, including scholarship offers from Arizona, Gonzaga, and New Mexico.[14] Fields committed to Stanford University shortly after receiving their offer in his senior year, choosing the Cardinal over Arizona following an official visit and admission confirmation, citing a strong personal connection to the program.[14]College career
Stanford University
Landry Fields enrolled at Stanford University in the fall of 2006, where he balanced the demands of student-athlete life over four years through 2010, maintaining eligibility as a Communication major while contributing to the Cardinal basketball program.[15][16] As a freshman during the 2006–07 season, Fields appeared in 30 games exclusively off the bench under head coach Trent Johnson, averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 14.0 minutes of play.[10] His limited role reflected the competitive depth of the Stanford roster, where he focused on learning the college game's pace and physicality through consistent practice contributions.[9] In his sophomore year of 2007–08, Fields maintained a similar reserve capacity, participating in all 33 games without a starting assignment and posting averages of 4.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 36.2 percent from the field.[17] This period continued to emphasize his adjustment to Pac-10 competition, with Fields often providing energy and versatility in short bursts during team rotations.[18] Fields' development during these initial seasons was shaped by coach Trent Johnson, who guided him through rigorous practice routines that highlighted his strong work ethic—arriving early to the gym and staying late to refine skills amid a team dynamic built on discipline and collective improvement.[9] Johnson, who coached Stanford from 2004 to 2008, praised Fields' dedication as foundational to his growth, fostering habits that integrated seamlessly with the program's emphasis on fundamentals and team cohesion.[9]Achievements and honors
During his junior year in 2008–09, Fields emerged as a key contributor for Stanford, leading the team in rebounding with an average of 6.6 rebounds per game while starting 33 of 34 contests and averaging 12.6 points per game.[17] His performance helped Stanford achieve a 20–14 overall record and advance to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) semifinals, where Fields averaged 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds over three games.[19][17] In his senior season of 2009–10, Fields delivered a breakout campaign, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors and recognition as the Pac-10 Scholar-Athlete of the Year along with first-team All-Academic honors.[18][20] He led the Pac-10 in scoring with 22.0 points per game—ranking eighth nationally—and in rebounding with 8.8 rebounds per game, while also topping the conference in total points (704), field goals made (248), field goal attempts (506), and minutes played (1,161).[17][18] These totals marked Fields as Stanford's team leader in both scoring and rebounding, and his 704 points ranked as the third-highest single-season total in school history.[21] Additionally, he received the Hank Luisetti Most Valuable Player award and other team honors, contributing significantly to Stanford's efforts despite a 14–18 overall record.[21]NBA playing career
New York Knicks (2010–2012)
Landry Fields was selected by the New York Knicks with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft after a standout college career at Stanford.[2] He signed a multi-year contract with the team on August 24, 2010, securing his spot on the roster following an impressive performance in the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game over five contests.[22] Fields quickly earned a starting role under coach Mike D'Antoni, transitioning his versatile college skill set into professional play. In his rookie 2010–11 season, Fields appeared in all 82 games for the Knicks, starting 81 and averaging 31.0 minutes per game. He contributed 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 49.7% from the field, helping the Knicks improve to 42–40 and secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2004.[1] His defensive tenacity and rebounding prowess were key factors in his selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, where he joined standout newcomers like Blake Griffin and John Wall.[23] During the 2011–12 season, Fields continued as a starter in 62 of his 66 games, averaging 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per contest amid a Knicks lineup disrupted by injuries.[1] He provided consistent perimeter defense, often tasked with guarding opposing wings, which bolstered New York's push to a 36–30 record and another playoff appearance despite midseason turmoil. Fields developed notable on-court chemistry with point guard Jeremy Lin during the "Linsanity" phenomenon in February 2012, forming a pregame ritual and benefiting from Lin's playmaking; in one key matchup against the Toronto Raptors on February 14, Fields scored 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds alongside Lin's game-winning buzzer-beater.[24] In the playoffs, the Knicks fell to the Miami Heat in five games, with Fields averaging 7.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in the series.[25]Toronto Raptors (2012–2015)
On July 14, 2012, Landry Fields signed a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Toronto Raptors after the team extended him an offer sheet as a restricted free agent, which the New York Knicks declined to match. The acquisition was strategically aimed at bolstering the Raptors' wing rotation with Fields' versatile skill set, though it also served as a cap maneuver to facilitate pursuits of other free agents like Steve Nash. As a fan favorite in New York for his hustle and defensive tenacity, Fields transitioned to a new franchise expecting to build on his rookie-year promise.[1][26] In the 2012–13 season, Fields adapted to a primarily bench role under coach Dwane Casey, starting 22 of 51 games while averaging 20.3 minutes, 4.7 points, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His contributions emphasized defensive versatility, often tasked with guarding quicker wings and providing energy off the bench in a rebuilding Raptors squad that finished 34–48. Fields' per-minute rebounding remained a strength, helping stabilize the frontcourt during rotations, though his outside shooting struggled at 14.3% from three-point range.[1][27] Fields' minutes decreased in the 2013–14 season to 10.7 per game across 30 appearances, where he averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 40.3% from the field. Despite the reduced role, he supported Toronto's improved depth as the team captured the Atlantic Division title with a 48–34 record, their first since 2007–08. In the first-round playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets, Fields delivered a standout defensive effort in Game 2, logging 18 minutes with four steals and strong perimeter containment that helped secure a 104–99 victory, though the series ended in seven games.[1][27] The 2014–15 season marked Fields' contract year, but emerging injuries restricted him to 26 games and 8.3 minutes per outing, yielding averages of 1.8 points and 1.0 rebound at 48.8% field goal efficiency. His limited on-court presence came amid a competitive Raptors rotation that again clinched the Atlantic Division and advanced to the playoffs, though Fields did not feature in the postseason sweep by the Washington Wizards.[1]Injuries and retirement
During his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, Landry Fields' playing career was derailed by a series of injuries, culminating in a hip labral tear that ultimately forced his retirement. The hip issue first emerged during the 2014–15 season amid rehabilitation from multiple arm surgeries related to chronic ulnar nerve compression; while addressing scar tissue in his right arm, Fields tore the labrum in his hip, severely limiting his mobility and court time.[27] The injury's recurrent nature persisted into the offseason, preventing full recovery and restricting Fields to a diminished role before he became an unrestricted free agent in July 2015. In September 2015, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the hip labral tear, with medical projections estimating a five-month recovery timeline that would sideline him through much of the ensuing season.[28][29] Despite signing a non-guaranteed contract with the Raptors for the 2015–16 season in hopes of a comeback, Fields was unable to progress beyond preseason workouts due to ongoing hip complications, leading to his placement on the injured list and absence from all regular-season games.[30] Further attempts to return, including limited practice sessions, proved unsuccessful as the injury continued to hinder his performance and raised concerns about long-term physical risks. On September 16, 2016, at age 28, Fields officially retired from professional basketball upon accepting a position as a college scout with the San Antonio Spurs, following medical advice that deemed a return to play unfeasible after the hip procedure and its complications.[31] He later reflected on the ordeal as "absolute hell," highlighting the physical toll and emotional strain that eroded his confidence and led to the career pivot.[27]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Landry Fields played 255 games over five NBA seasons, averaging 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 47.3% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range.[1] His career totals reflect a transition from a starting role with the New York Knicks to a bench contributor with the Toronto Raptors, impacted by injuries in later years.[1] In advanced metrics, Fields posted a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 12.1, 10.5 win shares, and a defensive rating of 106.2, highlighting his contributions as a versatile wing player focused on rebounding and perimeter defense.[1] The following table summarizes his regular-season performance by season:| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PER | WS | DRtg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | NYK | 82 | 31.0 | 9.7 | 6.4 | 1.9 | .497 | .393 | .769 | 13.5 | 5.3 | 110 |
| 2011-12 | NYK | 66 | 28.7 | 8.8 | 4.2 | 2.6 | .460 | .256 | .562 | 12.0 | 3.4 | 102 |
| 2012-13 | TOR | 51 | 20.3 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 1.2 | .457 | .143 | .642 | 10.3 | 1.1 | 108 |
| 2013-14 | TOR | 30 | 10.7 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.7 | .403 | .000 | .636 | 8.6 | 0.4 | 105 |
| 2014-15 | TOR | 26 | 8.3 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.6 | .488 | .500 | .833 | 10.8 | 0.3 | 109 |
| Career | 255 | 23.6 | 6.8 | 4.3 | 1.6 | .473 | .331 | .667 | 12.1 | 10.5 | 106.2 |
NBA playoffs
Fields appeared in 12 NBA playoff games across three series during his playing career, primarily serving as a role player who contributed defensively and provided energy in limited minutes off the bench or as a starter. His career playoff averages were 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in 17.6 minutes of play.[25] In his rookie season with the New York Knicks during the 2011 first round against the Boston Celtics, Fields started all four games but had a subdued impact, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game as the Knicks were swept.[25] The following year, in the 2012 first round versus the Miami Heat, he showed more offensive involvement, averaging 7.2 points and 3.0 rebounds across five games (four starts) in 23.1 minutes, helping the Knicks steal one game in the series that they ultimately lost 4-1.[25] With the Toronto Raptors in the 2014 first round against the Brooklyn Nets, Fields appeared in only three of the seven games without starting, averaging 2.3 rebounds in 8.6 minutes per game while scoring zero points, as the Raptors fell 4-3.[25] Fields' playoff contributions often emphasized his defensive versatility and hustle plays rather than scoring. Notable moments included a career playoff-high 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals in Game 5 of the 2012 series against Miami, where he provided crucial bench energy during a Knicks loss.[25] His role typically involved perimeter defense and rebounding support, aligning with his regular-season reputation as a glue guy.[32]| Series | Team | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 First Round vs. BOS | NYK | 4 | 17.7 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| 2012 First Round vs. MIA | NYK | 5 | 23.1 | 7.2 | 3.0 | 1.4 |
| 2014 First Round vs. BKN | TOR | 3 | 8.6 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 0.3 |
| Career Totals | - | 12 | 17.6 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 1.1 |
College
Landry Fields played college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal from 2006 to 2010, appearing in 129 games over four seasons and accumulating career averages of 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.[18] His scoring and rebounding output showed steady progression, starting with modest contributions as an underclassman and peaking in his senior year, where he emerged as one of the Pac-10's top performers.[18] As a freshman in 2006–07, Fields played in all 30 games off the bench, averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in limited minutes.[18] His sophomore season in 2007–08 saw similar reserve usage across 33 games, with averages of 4.1 points and 2.0 rebounds.[18] Fields broke out as a junior in 2008–09, starting all 34 games and boosting his production to 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, ranking sixth in the Pac-10 in both total rebounds (226) and rebounding average.[18] In his senior year of 2009–10, Fields started all 32 games and led the Pac-10 in scoring at 22.0 points per game while finishing second in rebounding at 8.8 per game; nationally, he ranked eighth in points per game among NCAA Division I players.[18][33]| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | 30 | 14.0 | 1.5 | 4.1 | .363 | 0.7 | 2.2 | .303 | 0.5 | 0.8 | .652 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 4.2 |
| 2007-08 | 33 | 12.6 | 1.4 | 3.8 | .362 | 0.7 | 1.9 | .355 | 0.6 | 1.0 | .625 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 4.1 |
| 2008-09 | 34 | 30.7 | 4.7 | 9.4 | .498 | 0.9 | 2.6 | .368 | 2.3 | 3.5 | .650 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 6.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 12.6 |
| 2009-10 | 32 | 36.3 | 7.8 | 15.8 | .490 | 0.9 | 2.7 | .337 | 5.6 | 8.0 | .696 | 2.5 | 6.2 | 8.8 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 22.0 |