Charles D. Smith

By an amazing coincidence, Charles Daniel Smith was one of two Charles Smiths on the 1988 US Olympic basketball team, along with Charles E. Smith. CD Smith played at the University of Pittsburgh. He was also on the 1986 US World Championship team that won gold. Smith was the 3rd overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft, chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers.

He was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, playing with them through 1992. As a rookie, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie team. He then played with the New York Knicks from 1992-96. Smith then spent a year in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) with the Florida Beachdogs. He returned to the NBA in 1996-97, playing with the San Antonio Spurs.

After his playing career Smith returned to school, earning a masters’ degree in management from Seton Hall University. He also set up the Charles D. Smith Foundation and Educational Center in his hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, an after-school center for inner-city children. In 2008 Smith became the executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. In 2010 he left that position and helped form the Pro Basketball Alumni Association.