Keith Van Horn is a former American professional basketball forward who played in the NBA after starring for the University of Utah. Known for his size, shooting touch, and versatility, Van Horn spent the bulk of his career as a scorer and floor-spacer for several teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Early life and college impact
Keith Van Horn attended the University of Utah, where he established himself as a premier forward and floor-spacing threat, helping elevate the program’s profile on the national stage. His combination of size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ set the foundation for a long NBA career.
NBA draft and professional entry
Keith Van Horn entered the NBA in 1997, selected by the New Jersey Nets in the first round. The draft marked the beginning of a career defined by versatility and steady scoring.
NBA career highlights
Throughout his time in the league, Keith Van Horn served as a reliable scorer and floor spacer. He contributed as a stretch forward who could space the floor and hit mid-range shots, providing floor balance for his teams.
Scoring style and on-court skills
Keith Van Horn’s strengths included a polished mid-range game, solid three-point shooting, and the ability to operate effectively as a secondary ball-handler at times. His length and footwork allowed him to guard multiple positions when needed.
Career longevity and numbers
Over a lengthy NBA tenure, Keith Van Horn posted multiple double-digit scoring seasons and remained a useful rotation piece for several franchises, demonstrating durability and consistency across seasons.
Playoff appearances and team context
Keith Van Horn appeared in the playoffs with multiple teams, contributing as a scoring option and veteran presence during deep postseason runs in the era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Off-court contributions and post-playing career
Following his playing days, Keith Van Horn has been involved in basketball-related activities, youth development, and community initiatives, illustrating the broader impact of his career beyond the court.
Legacy and influence in the 2025 NBA landscape
Keith Van Horn’s career showcases how a forward with size, shooting, and basketball IQ could influence offenses before the current era’s emphasis on pace and space, offering lessons for how modern wings approach the game in 2025.
Structured data and quick facts
- Draft year: 1997
- NBA career span: 1997–2007
- Position: Small forward
- College: University of Utah
- NBA teams: New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks