American · Vredenburgh, Alabama · Born 30 September 1954American professional basketball player who starred as a high-scoring forward in the NBA from 1974-1985, known for his prolific offensive output.
John Edward Drew was born in Vredenburgh, Alabama in 1954. Atlanta Hawks selected him in the second round of the 1974 NBA Draft from Gardner-Webb University. His 11-season career produced 20.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game along with six All-Star appearances. He averaged 23.7 points per game for Atlanta in 1977-78 — his finest individual season. He is the Atlanta Hawks' fourth all-time leading scorer. His combination of scoring ability, rebounding and athleticism made him one of the more complete small forwards of the mid-to-late 1970s. He was one of the early prominent cases of substance abuse in the NBA — he struggled with cocaine addiction during his career and was suspended multiple times under the NBA's drug programme in the early 1980s. His career ended in 1985 as a result of these issues. Despite the personal challenges, his six All-Star appearances and consistent 20-plus point production across multiple seasons reflect genuine elite-level basketball ability. He has spoken publicly about his addiction and recovery in the decades since his playing career.
High-scoring forward known for his offensive prowess
How They Played
Athletic forward with excellent scoring ability
Lasting Impact
Prolific scorer who battled substance abuse issues
Career Honours
- All-Star 6x
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 1974–1982 | 614 |
| Utah Jazz | 1982–1985 | 178 |
American Athletes