Purvis Short
Purvis Short (born July 2, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player who spent 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a versatile forward, renowned for his scoring prowess and career-high of 59 points in a single game.[1][2] Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Short excelled at Blair High School, leading the team to a state championship in 1974, before starring at Jackson State University, where he became the all-time leading scorer, earned three All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selections, and was named SWAC MVP in 1977-78.[2] Selected fifth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, he quickly established himself as a key contributor, earning NBA All-Rookie Team honors in 1979 and averaging 17.3 points per game over his career across 842 regular-season games.[1][2] Short's NBA tenure included nine seasons with the Warriors (1978-1987), where he led the league in scoring during the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons with 1,803 and 2,186 points, respectively, and notched his iconic 59-point performance against the New Jersey Nets on November 17, 1984.[1] He later played two seasons with the Houston Rockets (1987-1989) and one with the Nets (1989-1990), contributing to playoff runs and finishing his NBA career with 14,607 total points, 3,640 rebounds, and 2,103 assists, followed by one season in Israel with Hapoel SP Tel Aviv.[1][3][4] Following his retirement, Short transitioned into player development and advocacy, serving as vice president of the NBA Players Association in his final four playing years and later heading the NBPA's Department of Player Programs, where he focused on education, financial literacy, substance abuse prevention, and career transition support for current and former players.[3] His commitment to these areas was deeply influenced by personal experiences, including achieving sobriety in 1993 after seeking treatment for alcohol dependency, and the loss of his older brother Eugene "Mercury" Short, a fellow professional basketball player who struggled with diabetes.[3] Short was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing his lasting impact on basketball at all levels.[2]Early life and pre-professional career
Family and early background
Purvis Short was born on July 2, 1957, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.[1] He grew up as the younger brother of Eugene Short, who enjoyed a brief NBA career from 1977 to 1978, appearing in 34 games for the New York Knicks and Seattle SuperSonics before battling post-career challenges, including health complications from diabetes that contributed to his death in 2016 at age 62.[5][6] These struggles profoundly shaped Purvis Short's later commitment to supporting retired players through advocacy and development programs.[3] The Short family resided in Hattiesburg, where their father worked as a plumber and their mother served as a cook at the local Eureka School, an institution the siblings attended during their early education.[3] This modest working-class environment in mid-20th-century Mississippi provided Purvis with his initial exposure to basketball, influenced by community traditions and his brother's emerging athletic pursuits.[7] Entering his basketball journey, Short measured 6 feet 7 inches tall and shot right-handed as a small forward.[1]High school career
Purvis Short attended Blair High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, from 1971 to 1974, where he honed his basketball skills during a formative period in his athletic development.[2] The school, now known as Blair Center Hattiesburg High School, provided the platform for Short to emerge as a promising talent in the state's basketball scene.[1] Following in the footsteps of his older brother Gene, who had also excelled in high school basketball, Short quickly established himself as a leader on the court.[6] He developed his signature high-arching jump shot through dedicated practice sessions, shooting over a broomstick held by Hattiesburg High coach Johnny Hurtt, a technique that foreshadowed his future scoring prowess.[2] As a standout player, Short earned local accolades for his performances and drew significant attention from college scouts across the region.[8] In his senior year, Short captained the Blair High team to the Mississippi state basketball championship in 1974, marking the school's last boys' title and solidifying his reputation as one of the top high school players in the state.[9] His leadership and on-court contributions during the championship run highlighted his versatility and competitive drive, setting the stage for his transition to collegiate basketball.[10]College career
Purvis Short enrolled at Jackson State University in 1974, where he played forward for the Tigers basketball team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) through the 1977-78 season.[2] Over his four-year collegiate career, Short established himself as the program's all-time leading scorer, amassing 2,434 points at an average of 19.4 points per game, along with 969 rebounds.[11] His scoring prowess and versatility as a small forward or shooting guard highlighted his development under coach Paul Covington, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output in a conference known for competitive play among historically Black colleges and universities.[12] In his senior year of 1977-78, Short delivered a standout performance, averaging 29.5 points and 11.4 rebounds per game across 22 contests, ranking third nationally in scoring with 650 total points.[13] He shot efficiently from the field at 53.3% and added 3.6 free throws per game at 72.1% accuracy, showcasing his ability to dominate as a high-volume scorer while facilitating rebounding efforts.[13] These figures underscored his growth into a complete forward, blending perimeter shooting with interior presence. Short's excellence earned him SWAC Player of the Year honors for the 1977-78 season, along with three-time All-SWAC selections and All-American recognition, including a third-team nod in his final year.[2] He was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1998 for his contributions.[2] On the team front, Short helped lead Jackson State to a 21-5 overall record and the SWAC regular-season championship that year, though the Tigers did not advance to the NCAA Tournament, as the conference lacked an automatic bid at the time.[14]Professional basketball career
NBA career with Golden State Warriors
Purvis Short was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the fifth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft out of Jackson State University.[15] In his rookie season of 1978-79, he appeared in 75 games, averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field, securing a rotation spot on the team despite the Warriors' 38-44 record.[16] Short's early contributions helped establish him as a reliable forward, though the team missed the playoffs that year. Short's scoring prowess emerged prominently during his peak years from 1983 to 1987, where he became one of the league's most efficient and prolific wing scorers. In the 1983-84 season, he averaged 22.8 points per game, highlighted by a career-high 59 points against the New Jersey Nets on November 17, 1984, in a 126-114 loss, during which he shot 22-of-31 from the field.[17] The following year, 1984-85, Short reached his offensive zenith with 28.0 points per game, ranking fourth in the NBA behind Bernard King, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.[18] In 1985-86, he maintained elite production at 25.5 points per game, placing fifth league-wide, though injuries limited him to 64 games.[19] Despite these numbers, Short never earned an All-Star selection, often cited as one of the most notable omissions in NBA history due to his consistent high-volume scoring without the accompanying team success or media spotlight.[20] As a key component of the Warriors' offense, Short formed a dynamic scoring trio alongside guard Eric "Sleepy" Floyd and forward Chris Mullin, providing versatile perimeter shooting and mid-range efficiency that stretched defenses.[21] His role was particularly vital in the 1986-87 season, when the Warriors ended an eight-year playoff drought by finishing 42-40 and upsetting the top-seeded Utah Jazz in the first round. Short averaged 18.3 points in 34 regular-season games that year before contributing 14.6 points per game over 10 playoff games, including the first-round upset over the Utah Jazz and the Western Conference Semifinals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. After nine seasons with Golden State, where he amassed 11,894 points to rank among the franchise's all-time leaders, Short was traded to the Houston Rockets on November 5, 1987, in exchange for center Dave Feitl, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations.[22][23][1]NBA career with Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets
Following his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, Purvis Short was traded to the Houston Rockets on November 5, 1987, in exchange for center Dave Feitl and a 1989 first-round draft pick (later used to select Dana Barros).[1] In the 1987-88 season, Short integrated into the Rockets' lineup, appearing in 81 games while averaging 24.1 minutes, 14.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.[1] His scoring efficiency, shooting 48.1% from the field, helped bolster Houston's offense as the team finished with a 46-36 record and advanced to the playoffs, where they lost 1-3 to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round; Short contributed modestly in four games, averaging 5.5 points.[1][24][25] Short remained with the Rockets for the 1988-89 season, but his role diminished amid increased competition and a shifting roster following major trades, including the acquisition of Sleepy Floyd and Joe Barry Carroll. He played in 65 games, averaging 17.8 minutes, 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, a noticeable decline from his prior output.[1] The Rockets again reached the playoffs with a 45-37 record but fell 1-3 to the Lakers in the first round; Short appeared in all four games, averaging 4.8 points off the bench.[1][26] On September 20, 1989, Short signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New Jersey Nets, seeking a fresh start in the final year of his NBA career.[1] In the 1989-90 season, he played in all 82 games, starting 28, and averaged 27.0 minutes, 13.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45.6% from the field.[1] Despite his contributions as a veteran scorer, the Nets struggled to a 17-65 record and missed the playoffs. Over 12 NBA seasons, Short appeared in 842 regular-season games, accumulating 14,607 points for a career average of 17.3 points, along with 3,625 rebounds (4.3 per game) and 2,123 assists (2.5 per game).[1] He retired from the league after the 1989-90 season at age 32, concluding his professional basketball career in North America.[1]International career
After leaving the NBA following the 1989–90 season without receiving any contract offers, Purvis Short took a year off from basketball before signing with Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Premier League for the 1991–92 campaign.[11] This move allowed him to extend his playing career abroad at age 34, where he adapted to the more tactical European style of play, which differed from the NBA primarily in the level of nightly competition against elite talent.[11] As a key scoring forward for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Short helped lead the team to the league playoffs, culminating in a finals appearance against rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv.[11][27] The series ended in a 3–2 defeat for Hapoel, marking the end of Short's professional playing tenure.[11] Short retired from competitive basketball at the conclusion of the 1991–92 season, with no documented further professional play thereafter.[11]Post-basketball life
Involvement with NBPA
After retiring from professional basketball, Purvis Short joined the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) in 1999 as Director of Player Programs, where he began focusing on supporting players' off-court needs and transitions.[28] In this role, he developed and oversaw initiatives aimed at holistic player development, including counseling on substance abuse, financial management, career planning, and health issues, drawing from his own experiences and those of fellow players.[3] His dedication to these programs was deeply influenced by the post-NBA struggles of his older brother, Gene Short, a former NBA player who faced depression, alcoholism, and health challenges after his career, ultimately passing away in 2016; Purvis has cited these hardships as a key motivation for his advocacy work in ensuring players receive comprehensive support.[3] Short's tenure with the NBPA expanded significantly over the years, leading to his promotion to Senior Vice President (SVP) of Player Programs by 2024.[29] Under his leadership, key initiatives included the Rookie Transition Program, a mandatory four-day seminar for first-year NBA players that covers topics such as media relations, financial literacy, and mental health awareness to help them navigate professional life.[30] He also helped grow the NBPA Top 100 Camp, established in 1994 and marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, which brings together elite high school basketball prospects for skill development alongside educational sessions on mental wellness, financial literacy, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.[29] Additionally, Short spearheaded the HBCU/NBPA Top 50 Camp, launched to strengthen ties with historically Black colleges and universities by providing targeted training and resources to HBCU athletes.[31] These efforts extended to broader workshops on mental health, emphasizing mindfulness and open discussions to destigmatize wellness issues among players.[32] As of 2025, Short continues to serve in his SVP role with the NBPA, based in Houston, Texas, accumulating over 25 years of service dedicated to player welfare and advocacy.[29] His work has impacted thousands of current and former players by prioritizing preventive education and resources, transitioning seamlessly from his international playing stint abroad into a lasting executive career focused on the long-term success of NBA talent.[33]Honors, legacy, and personal life
Purvis Short was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing his contributions to basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels.[2] He also earned induction into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame in 1998 for his standout college performance at Jackson State University, where he set enduring records for total points scored, scoring average, and field goals made.[34] Additionally, Short was named to the All-NBA Rookie Team in 1979 following his debut season with the Golden State Warriors.[2] His scoring prowess is highlighted by a career-high 59 points in a single NBA game against the New Jersey Nets on November 17, 1984, a feat that underscored his reputation as one of the league's most efficient shooters.[2] Short's legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, where he earned the affectionate nickname "Rainbow Warrior" for the distinctive high-arcing trajectory of his jump shots during his tenure with the Warriors.[35] As SVP of Player Programs for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), he played a pivotal role in advancing Historically Black College and University (HBCU) basketball through initiatives like the NBPA Top 50 Camp, which has fostered talent development and deepened connections between the NBPA and HBCU programs since its inception.[36] His influence on player development programs, including the Rookie Transition Program, has emphasized preparing athletes for life after basketball, drawing from his own experiences to address challenges faced by peers.[30] In his personal life, Short resides in Houston, Texas, where he has lived since the late 1980s.[3] A family-oriented individual, he has been profoundly influenced by his older brother, Eugene Short, a former NBA player whose post-career struggles inspired Purvis's advocacy work in supporting retired athletes' transitions.[3] Short maintains an active commitment to community efforts through his NBPA roles, focusing on wellness and leadership programs for current and former players.[36]Career statistics and records
NBA regular season
Purvis Short's NBA regular-season career spanned 12 seasons from 1978 to 1990, during which he appeared in 842 games, logging 24,549 total minutes while scoring 14,607 points, grabbing 3,640 rebounds, and dishing out 2,103 assists.[1] His career per-game averages included 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a field goal percentage of 46.7%.[1] Short's scoring output peaked during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he established himself as a reliable forward, before contributing in reduced roles with the Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets.[1] The following table summarizes his regular-season per-game statistics by season and team:| Season | Team | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-79 | GSW | 75 | 22.7 | 10.6 | 4.6 | 1.3 | .479 |
| 1979-80 | GSW | 62 | 26.4 | 17.0 | 5.1 | 2.0 | .503 |
| 1980-81 | GSW | 79 | 29.2 | 16.1 | 4.9 | 3.2 | .475 |
| 1981-82 | GSW | 76 | 23.4 | 14.4 | 3.5 | 2.8 | .488 |
| 1982-83 | GSW | 67 | 35.8 | 21.4 | 5.3 | 3.4 | .487 |
| 1983-84 | GSW | 79 | 37.3 | 22.8 | 5.5 | 3.1 | .473 |
| 1984-85 | GSW | 78 | 39.5 | 28.0 | 5.1 | 3.0 | .460 |
| 1985-86 | GSW | 64 | 37.9 | 25.5 | 5.1 | 3.7 | .482 |
| 1986-87 | GSW | 34 | 27.9 | 18.3 | 4.0 | 2.5 | .479 |
| 1987-88 | HOU | 81 | 24.1 | 14.3 | 2.7 | 2.0 | .481 |
| 1988-89 | HOU | 65 | 17.8 | 7.4 | 2.8 | 1.6 | .413 |
| 1989-90 | NJN | 82 | 27.0 | 13.1 | 3.0 | 1.8 | .455 |
| Career | 842 | 29.1 | 17.3 | 4.3 | 2.5 | .467 |
NBA playoffs
Short appeared in 18 NBA playoff games over three seasons, averaging 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across his postseason career.[37] His playoff contributions were most notable during the 1986–87 season with the Golden State Warriors, where he played a supporting role in the team's unexpected run to the Western Conference Semifinals, their deepest postseason advancement during his tenure.[1] Short averaged 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 10 games that year, providing consistent scoring from the wing amid the Warriors' upset victories, including a 3–2 first-round win over the Utah Jazz (where he averaged 17.2 points) and a 4–1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals (12.0 points per game in five appearances).[38][39] In subsequent seasons with the Houston Rockets, Short's playoff role diminished due to increased competition for minutes and his transition to a bench contributor following a midseason trade from Golden State. He appeared in four games each in 1988 and 1989, averaging just 5.5 and 4.8 points respectively, with limited impact as the Rockets exited early in the first round both years.[38] Short never won an NBA championship, and his postseason output reflected the sporadic team success during his era, contrasting with his more prolific regular-season scoring.[1]| Year | Team | Games | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Golden State Warriors | 10 | 14.6 | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| 1988 | Houston Rockets | 4 | 5.5 | 2.3 | 0.3 |
| 1989 | Houston Rockets | 4 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.3 |
International leagues
Following his NBA retirement, Purvis Short briefly continued his professional basketball career in the Israeli Premier League during the 1991–92 season with Hapoel Tel Aviv. He served as a key scoring option for the team, helping them advance to the league playoffs finals, where they fell to rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv in a decisive fifth game of the series.[11] Short's stint in Israel was limited in scope, with reports indicating he played in a reduced number of games as he adapted to the overseas environment, including cultural and stylistic adjustments. No additional international professional engagements are documented for Short beyond this single season. Comprehensive tracking of player statistics from Israeli leagues in that era is limited compared to NBA records, with advanced metrics largely unavailable.| Season | Team | League | Games Played | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–92 | Hapoel Tel Aviv | Israeli Premier League | Limited (exact number unavailable) |