Pat Garrity is a retired NBA forward best known for his sharp shooting and ability to space the floor during the late 1990s and 2000s. He played in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic after starring at Notre Dame, where he developed a reputation as a reliable scoring threat on catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Pat Garrity’s career in the NBA spanned roughly a decade, during which he carved out a role as a specialist who could stretch opposing defenses. In this community discussion, we explore how Pat Garrity influenced the game, particularly in the early 2000s era of basketball that valued floor spacing and efficient perimeter shooting.
9 Core Aspects
1) Early life and college
Pat Garrity grew up honing his skills before taking his talents to Notre Dame, where his college basketball career laid the foundation for his future NBA path.
2) NBA entry and teams
Pat Garrity entered the NBA in the late 1990s and played for the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic, among other appearances in the league.
3) Playing style and shooting
Known for his shooting touch, Pat Garrity fought for a place as a floor spacer who could knock down three-pointers and space the lane for drivers.
4) Career highlights and statistics snapshot
Pat Garrity offered a reliable scoring option when on the floor, contributing as a shooter and floor spacer in the Suns and Magic lineups. This section highlights a qualitative statistical profile rather than a precise box score.
5) Role in team contexts
Pat Garrity’s stretch-forward role evolved with different coaches, reflecting how teams valued accurate perimeter shooting in the early 2000s NBA.
6) Legacy and impact
Pat Garrity’s legacy centers on the value of shooting efficiency and floor spacing in modern basketball, influencing teammates and future players who emphasize three-point shooting.
7) Notable moments and milestones
Pat Garrity had several memorable moments on the court, particularly in games that emphasized his role as a shooter and floor spacer.
8) Post-playing career and life after the NBA
After retiring, Pat Garrity has been involved in various endeavors that leverage his experience as a professional basketball player.
9) 2025 context and discussion
As basketball evolves toward even more three-point emphasis, Pat Garrity’s career serves as a reminder of the early 2000s shift toward space and pace. How do you think his shooting style would translate in today’s NBA?
Discussion Questions
- How would you compare Pat Garrity’s shooting role to today’s stretch forwards?
- Which era of the NBA best suits Pat Garrity’s skill set?
- Do you think the floor spacing he helped pioneer is as valuable now as it was in his time?
- What other players remind you of Pat Garrity’s shooting profile?
- Share your favorite Pat Garrity memory from Suns or Magic games.
Community discussion: Share your take on Pat Garrity’s NBA journey and how his style influenced teams and players in 2025 and beyond.