American · Brantley, Alabama · Born 27 June 1964American professional basketball player known as 'The Rifleman' who played 14 NBA seasons and won the 1987 Rookie of the Year award.
Wesley Lavon Person — known as Chuck Person — was born in Brantley, Alabama in 1964. Indiana Pacers selected him fourth overall in the 1986 NBA Draft after four years at Auburn University. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1987 after averaging 18.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His 13-season career produced 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game and one All-Star appearance. He earned the nickname the Rifleman — from the television western of the same name — for his three-point shooting ability. He was one of the NBA's first genuine three-point specialists, regularly attempting and making shots from beyond the arc when most players still considered the three a desperation measure. He averaged 37.7% from three across his career. His Pacers years — six seasons as Indiana's primary scoring threat — established him as one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He later served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. He was implicated in a medical fraud scheme in 2019. His playing career remains one of the more complete examples of the transitional player who helped normalise the three-point shot.
Excellent three-point shooting and clutch performances, nicknamed 'The Rifleman'
How They Played
Versatile forward with excellent three-point shooting ability and scoring versatility
Lasting Impact
One of the early NBA three-point specialists who helped popularize long-range shooting
Career Honours
- Rookie of the Year (1987)
- All-Star 1x
- All-NBA Third Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 1986–1992 | 374 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 1992–1994 | 164 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 1994–1998 | 262 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 1998–1999 | 50 |
| Seattle SuperSonics | 1999–2000 | 37 |
American Athletes