Elliot Perry

1. Overview

Elliot Lamonte Perry, born on March 28, 1969, is an American former professional basketball player. Standing 6.0 ft ^{(1.83 m)} tall, Perry primarily played as a point guard. Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1991 NBA draft, he went on to have a notable career across various NBA teams, including a significant tenure with the Phoenix Suns where he was a strong candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Known by the nickname "Socks" due to his distinctive habit of wearing high socks during games, Perry was recognized for his quickness and ability to draw fouls. After retiring from playing, Perry transitioned into broadcasting as a radio color commentator for the Memphis Grizzlies, and he also holds a minority ownership stake in the team. Beyond basketball, he has been actively involved in community initiatives and philanthropic efforts, particularly in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

2. Early Life and College Career

Elliot Lamonte Perry was born on March 28, 1969, in Memphis, Tennessee. He developed his basketball skills in his hometown before attending Memphis State University, which is now known as the University of Memphis. During his collegiate career, Perry became a standout player for the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team. He was known for his quick and slashing playing style, demonstrating a unique ability to alter his shots in mid-air to draw fouls from defenders, making him a formidable offensive threat.

His senior year at Memphis State saw a significant challenge as the team lacked quality supporting players, forcing Perry to heavily carry the team's performance with his skill. A notable missed opportunity during his college career was the chance to team up with future NBA star Penny Hardaway. Hardaway had been scheduled to be Perry's teammate in Perry's senior year but was red-shirted due to academic qualifying issues, preventing the two talented players from playing together. Perry was also a senior to Hardaway during their time in high school and college.

3. Professional Career

Elliot Perry's professional basketball journey spanned a decade, including stints in both the NBA and the Continental Basketball Association. His career saw him play for several teams, demonstrating adaptability and consistent performance, particularly during his time with the Phoenix Suns.

3.1. Early NBA and CBA Stint

Perry began his professional career after being selected as the tenth pick of the second round (37th overall) by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1991 NBA draft. He played ten games for the Clippers during the 1991-92 NBA season before being waived. He was subsequently signed by the Charlotte Hornets for the remainder of that season, where he played 40 games.

Following his initial NBA tenure, Perry moved to the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for two years. During this period, he played for several CBA teams, including the La Crosse Catbirds in 1992, the Rochester Renegade from 1992 to 1993, and the Grand Rapids Hoops from 1993 to 1994, honing his skills before making his return to the NBA.

3.2. Phoenix Suns and Peak Performance

Perry returned to the NBA in 1993, joining the Phoenix Suns. His most impactful season came during the 1994-95 NBA season, where he stepped into a more prominent role as a regular point guard due to an injury sustained by then-starter Kevin Johnson. Perry's performance during this period was exceptional, leading him to be voted runner-up for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. His contributions were highly regarded, with even Charles Barkley publicly appreciating his play. Perry remained with the Suns through the 1995-96 NBA season, solidifying his reputation as a valuable and efficient player.

3.3. Later Career and Retirement

After his productive years with the Suns, Perry continued his NBA career with several other teams. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks from the 1996-97 to the 1998-99 seasons. He then moved to the New Jersey Nets, playing from 1999 to 2000. In the 2000-01 NBA season, Perry had a brief stint with the Orlando Magic before returning to the Phoenix Suns for part of that same season. His professional playing career concluded in the 2001-02 NBA season with his hometown team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Perry signed a 10-day contract with the Grizzlies and played just two games, scoring 11 points in total, before retiring.

4. Playing Style and Nickname

Elliot Perry was known for his distinctive playing style as a point guard. He possessed exceptional quickness and was characterized as a slashing player, meaning he was adept at driving to the basket. A key aspect of his offensive game was his remarkable ability to alter his shot in mid-air, a skill he frequently used to draw fouls from his defenders, making him a challenging player to guard.

Throughout his college and NBA career, Perry was widely known by the nickname "Socks," or sometimes "The Socks." This moniker originated from his consistent habit of wearing high, long socks during games, a personal trademark that made him easily recognizable on the court.

5. Post-Playing Career

Following his retirement from professional basketball, Elliot Perry has remained deeply involved in the sport and his community, transitioning into various roles that leverage his experience and passion for basketball.

5.1. Broadcasting and Ownership

Perry transitioned into sports broadcasting, joining fellow former NBA player and Memphis State alumnus Hank McDowell as part of the radio broadcast team's color commentators for the Memphis Grizzlies. This role began in the 2006-07 NBA season. Beyond broadcasting, Perry maintains a direct stake in the NBA as a minority share owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, demonstrating his continued commitment to the team and the sport at a high level.

5.2. Community Involvement and Personal Life

Elliot Perry resides in Germantown, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis, with his wife and child. He continues to engage with basketball informally, enjoying games with former players and children in his neighborhood. Perry is a prominent figure in community service, actively serving as a mentor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, where he contributes to the development and well-being of local youth. He is also a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

His commitment to philanthropy was highlighted in January 2000 when he, along with other Memphis-born NBA players Todd Day, Anfernee Hardaway, and Lorenzen Wright, provided financial aid to a Memphis child who had been living with his mother's corpse. This act underscored Perry's dedication to supporting children in need within his community.

6. Awards and Honors

Elliot Perry received several notable awards and honors throughout his collegiate and professional basketball career, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

6.1. Collegiate Honors

During his time at Memphis State University, Perry's impact on the basketball program was profoundly recognized. As a testament to his collegiate legacy, his jersey number, 34, was permanently retired by the University of Memphis, signifying his lasting place in the institution's athletic history.

6.2. NBA Recognition

In his professional career, Perry garnered significant attention during the 1994-95 NBA season while playing for the Phoenix Suns. His exceptional performance led him to be voted as a runner-up for the prestigious NBA Most Improved Player Award, acknowledging his remarkable development and increased impact on the court.

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1991-92	Los Angeles	10	0	6.6	.400	.000	.500	0.7	1.4	0.9	0.1	1.3
1991-92	Charlotte	40	0	9.3	.377	.200	.667	0.8	1.6	0.6	0.1	2.8
1993-94	Phoenix	27	9	16.0	.372	.000	.750	1.4	4.6	0.9	0.0	3.9
1994-95	Phoenix	82	51	24.1	.520	.417	.810	1.8	4.8	1.9	0.0	9.7
1995-96	Phoenix	81	26	20.6	.475	.407	.778	1.7	4.4	1.1	0.1	8.6
1996-97	Milwaukee	82	3	19.5	.474	.358	.745	1.5	3.0	1.2	0.0	6.9
1997-98	Milwaukee	81	33	21.6	.430	.340	.844	1.3	2.8	1.1	0.0	7.3
1998-99	Milwaukee	5	0	9.4	.529	1.000	.500	1.6	2.4	0.8	0.0	4.0
1998-99	New Jersey	30	0	8.1	.349	.391	.750	0.9	1.2	0.5	0.0	2.6
1999-00	New Jersey	60	5	13.4	.435	.282	.806	1.0	2.3	0.7	0.0	5.3
2000-01	Orlando	6	0	6.5	.455	.000	.000	0.7	0.8	0.5	0.0	1.7
2000-01	Phoenix	43	6	10.7	.465	.250	.727	1.0	1.7	0.4	0.0	3.2
2001-02	Memphis	2	0	24.0	.500	.000	.500	2.0	3.5	1.5	0.0	5.5
Career		549	133	17.3	.459	.359	.783	1.4	3.1	1.0	0.0	6.3

7.1.2. Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	PPG
1993-94	Phoenix	4	3.3	.143	.000	.000	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.5
1994-95	Phoenix	9	11.8	.476	.400	.800	1.1	1.3	0.6	6.9
1995-96	Phoenix	4	12.8	.500	.000	.000	0.5	3.0	0.5	3.5
2000-01	Phoenix	2	8.5	.600	.000	1.000	2.0	2.0	1.0	6.5
Career		19	9.8	.466	.333	.778	0.8	1.5	0.5	4.8

7.2. College

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1987-88	Memphis	32	32	30.3	.417	.390	.806	3.5	4.1	2.2	0.2	13.1
1988-89	Memphis	32	32	31.8	.462	.316	.821	3.4	3.7	2.1	0.0	19.4
1989-90	Memphis	30	-	32.3	.418	.258	.753	3.7	5.0	2.7	0.2	16.8
1990-91	Memphis	32	-	36.5	.464	.360	.793	3.5	4.6	2.7	0.0	20.8
Career		126	64	32.7	.443	.345	.794	3.5	4.3	2.4	0.1	17.5