Charlie Criss

Charles Washington Criss Jr. (born November 6, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player and coach.

A 5'8" guard from New Mexico State University, Criss began his professional career in the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA). He won an EBA championship with the Hartford Capitols in 1974. He earned league Most Valuable Player honors with the Scranton Apollos in 1976 and 1977. He then played for the Washington Generals. He joined the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association the following year, and played eight seasons in the league with the Hawks, San Diego Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. When he entered the NBA, Criss was the league's shortest active player.

In his NBA career, Criss averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, with perhaps his best year being his first in 1978, posting averages of 11 points and 4 assists in 77 matches. On February 20, 1982, while on the Clippers, Criss scored a career-best 34 points and recorded 8 assists during a 118–101 win over the San Antonio Spurs. After retiring as a player, he worked as a golf instructor, an Atlanta Hawks television color commentator and a basketball summer camp coordinator.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs