Introduction
Javaris Crittenton is an American former professional basketball player whose life story carries both promise and warning. He was once known as a gifted young guard from Atlanta, a high-school star, a Georgia Tech standout, and a first-round NBA Draft pick. His natural size, confidence, and court vision made him one of the most talked-about young guards of his time.
At the same time, Javaris Crittenton is also remembered for serious controversies that changed the direction of his life. His career did not grow the way many expected, and his name later became connected to legal issues that overshadowed his basketball achievements. His biography is not only about sports success; it is also about choices, consequences, loss, and the difficult road toward rebuilding a life.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Javaris Cortez Crittenton |
| Real Name | Javaris Cortez Crittenton |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Hometown | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Profession | American former professional basketball player |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in / 1.96 m |
| Weight | 200 lb / 91 kg |
| High School | Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NBA Draft | 2007, Round 1, Pick 19 |
| Draft Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards |
| Career NBA Averages | 5.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game |
| Current Status | Former player; released from prison in 2023 under probation conditions |
Early Life of Javaris Crittenton
Javaris Crittenton was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 31, 1987. He grew up in a city with a strong basketball culture, and from a young age, the game became a major part of his identity. His mother is Sonya Dixon, and public sports records also identify his brother Rashad and sister Shaniya Lee.
His early life was shaped by basketball, school, and competition. Javaris Crittenton attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where he began building his name as a serious young athlete. He did not become known overnight. His rise came through strong performances, discipline, and the ability to stand out among other talented players.
Family Background
The verified family details of Javaris Crittenton are limited, but enough is publicly known to understand his roots. His mother, Sonya Dixon, is listed in his college profile, along with his siblings Rashad and Shaniya Lee. He is strongly connected to Atlanta, which remained an important part of his identity throughout his sports journey.
There is no need to add unverified family stories when writing about his life. What is confirmed is that he came from Atlanta, developed his game there, and became one of the most respected young basketball prospects in Georgia before moving to college basketball.
Education and School Life
Javaris Crittenton studied at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. During his time there, he became one of the best high-school guards in the country. He was known for scoring, passing, leadership, and confidence on the court. His high-school performance helped him earn national attention.
He later joined Georgia Tech, where he continued his education while playing college basketball. His college profile shows that he had an interest in management. Before college, he also had a strong academic record and participated in student activities, which shows that his early years were not only focused on basketball.
High School Basketball Career
At Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Javaris Crittenton became a standout player. He helped his school win Class A state championships in 2004 and 2006. As a senior, he averaged 29 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists per game, which showed his ability to score and create opportunities for teammates.
His high-school achievements made him a highly rated recruit. He was named Mr. Georgia Basketball in 2006 and became a McDonald’s All-American. These honors placed Javaris Crittenton among the top young players in the United States and opened the door for his college career at Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech Career
Javaris Crittenton played one season for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the 2006–07 season. He arrived with high expectations and quickly became an important player for the team. His size, quickness, and playmaking ability helped him become one of the strongest freshman guards in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
During his college season, he played 32 games and started 31 of them. He averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Javaris Crittenton helped Georgia Tech reach a 20–12 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance before declaring for the NBA Draft after his freshman year.
NBA Career Start
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Javaris Crittenton with the 19th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. For a young player from Atlanta, this was a major achievement. Being drafted in the first round by one of the most famous franchises in basketball showed how much potential teams saw in him.
His NBA career began with the Lakers, but his time there was short. He later became part of a major trade involving Pau Gasol, which sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies. This move gave him another opportunity to find playing time and prove himself in the league.
Professional Basketball Journey
After joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Javaris Crittenton received more chances on the court. He showed flashes of talent as a guard who could handle the ball, attack the basket, and contribute as a scorer and passer. However, his NBA journey did not settle into a long-term role.
He later played for the Washington Wizards, where he appeared in more games and had a bigger role than during his short time with the Lakers. Across his NBA career, Javaris Crittenton played for three teams and finished with averages of 5.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
Career Timeline
| Year | Career Event |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Born in Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2004 | Helped Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy win a state championship |
| 2006 | Named Mr. Georgia Basketball and became a McDonald’s All-American |
| 2006–07 | Played one season at Georgia Tech |
| 2007 | Drafted 19th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2008 | Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2008–09 | Played for the Washington Wizards |
| 2010 | Suspended by the NBA after the Wizards locker-room gun incident |
| 2015 | Pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm |
| 2023 | Released from prison under probation conditions |
| 2025 | His story gained renewed attention through the documentary Untold: Shooting Guards |
Major Achievements
Javaris Crittenton earned several important honors before and during his college career. He was a McDonald’s All-American, Mr. Georgia Basketball, ACC All-Freshman Team selection, and Third-Team All-ACC player. These achievements show that he was not just a local talent but a nationally recognized basketball prospect.
His biggest basketball achievement was becoming a first-round NBA Draft pick. Many athletes dream of reaching the NBA, and Javaris Crittenton achieved that goal at a young age. Even though his professional career was short, his rise from Atlanta high-school basketball to the NBA remains an important part of his story.
Public Image
The public image of Javaris Crittenton has changed over time. In the beginning, he was seen as a strong, athletic, and confident guard with a bright future. Coaches and scouts noticed his ability to drive to the basket, make plays, and compete with energy.
Later, his public image became more complicated because of controversies and legal issues. The positive side of his story is his early basketball success and later attempts to speak about his mistakes. The negative side is the serious harm connected to the decisions that changed his life and affected other families.
Legal Issues and Turning Point
One of the most discussed moments in the life of Javaris Crittenton was the 2009 Washington Wizards locker-room gun incident involving Gilbert Arenas. The situation led to major NBA discipline and damaged his professional basketball future. After that, he was unable to rebuild a stable NBA career.
The most serious legal case came from the 2011 shooting death of Julian Jones in Atlanta. In 2015, Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. He received a prison sentence and later was released in 2023 under probation conditions.
Life After Prison
After his release, Javaris Crittenton returned to public attention as someone trying to move forward after a painful chapter. Reports say he has been involved in sharing his story with youth organizations. This part of his life is often described as an effort to warn young people about poor decisions and their long-term consequences.
He is also reported to be spending time with his partner and children. This part of his life shows a more personal side, focused on family, responsibility, and rebuilding. While his past remains part of his public identity, his current life appears connected to reflection and community messages.
Documentary and Renewed Attention
Javaris Crittenton became a topic of renewed public interest through the documentary Untold: Shooting Guards. The documentary focused on the Washington Wizards locker-room incident involving him and Gilbert Arenas. It gave audiences a closer look at a story that had been discussed for many years.
This renewed attention brought his basketball career, legal troubles, and post-prison life back into public discussion. For many viewers, his story became a reminder that talent alone is not enough. Discipline, judgment, and the people around an athlete can strongly shape the future.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Javaris Crittenton is mixed. As an athlete, he was a gifted guard who reached the NBA and proved that he had elite potential. His journey from Atlanta to Georgia Tech and then to the Los Angeles Lakers remains a powerful example of athletic achievement.
At the same time, his story is also remembered as a warning. Javaris Crittenton had opportunities that many young players dream about, but serious mistakes changed everything. His life shows how quickly success can turn into regret when decisions are made without control, patience, and responsibility.
Conclusion
Javaris Crittenton is an American former professional basketball player whose biography includes talent, success, controversy, punishment, and attempts at redemption. He rose from Atlanta high-school basketball to Georgia Tech and then to the NBA as a first-round draft pick. His early career showed promise, and his achievements proved that he had the ability to compete at a high level.
However, the life of Javaris Crittenton also carries a difficult lesson. His legal issues and prison sentence became a major part of his public story. Today, he is no longer viewed only through basketball statistics. He is also seen as a man whose life reflects the power of choices, the weight of consequences, and the ongoing effort to rebuild after failure.
FAQs
Who is Javaris Crittenton?
He is an American former professional basketball player from Atlanta, Georgia.
What is his full name?
He is known by his full name, Javaris Cortez Crittenton.
How old is he?
He is 38 years old.
Where was he born?
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Who is his mother?
He is the son of Sonya Dixon.
Does he have siblings?
He has a brother named Rashad and a sister named Shaniya Lee.
Which college did he attend?
He attended Georgia Tech and played one season of college basketball.
Which NBA team drafted him?
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft.
