Craig "Speedy" Claxton (born May 8 1978, in Hempstead, New York) is an American professional basketball player with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.
Prior to the NBA, Claxton played at Hofstra University, where he played under current Villanova University coach Jay Wright. At Hofstra, Claxton led the Pride to the America East Championship defeating the University of Delaware in the championship game at Hofstra Arena. The Flying Dutchmen (they did not become The Pride until 2005) reached the 2000 NCAA Tournament, where they were defeated in the first round by an Oklahoma State team led by Desmond Mason, Claxton's future teammate with the Hornets.
He donated money to help build the arena which the Hofstra team plays in.
Claxton was drafted in 2000 20th overall, by the Philadelphia 76ers. claxton/bio.html" target="_blank">NBA.com Bio His rookie scale contract was worth 4 years and $4.68 million, he opted out of the 4th year to become a free agent.
He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury suffered during the pre-season. In _2002 Claxton was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he won the 2003 Championship as a valuable reserve backing up Tony Parker.
In 2003 Claxton was signed by the Golden State Warriors to a 3-year contract worth US$10 million. On February 24, 2005, Speedy and Dale Davis were traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Hornets for Baron Davis.
Currently, Claxton has reached a verbal agreement, pending the start of the 2006 free agency period, to sign with the Atlanta Hawks. The contract is for 4 years and approx. $25 million. He signed the contract on July 12, 2006.
Claxton's parents are from Antigua and Barbuda. His sister, Lisa, is currently in her second season as a point guard for the nationally ranked St. John's Red Storm women's basketball team. His brother Michael played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats.
