Howard Eisley (born December 4, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American professional basketball player, formerly in the NBA. He played for the Boston College Eagles basketball team before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round (30th overall) in 1994.
He played for the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz during the 1995 season. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2000 season. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2001. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2003. He was signed as a free agent by the Jazz in 2004. He then played with the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the Chicago Bulls on July 20, 2006. Eisley has not played since the 2005-2006 season and is currently not listed on any official NBA roster.
Eisley was at the center of controversy in game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. In the first half of that game, Eisley made a 3-point shot that replays clearly showed was released before the shot clock expired, but referee Dick Bavetta mistakenly disallowed the shot. The bad call had a significant impact on the game, as the Bulls won by less than three points.
