After considering both offers, Burleson chose Seattle. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics as the third overall player in the 1974 NBA Draft, Burleson entered the league tied with Artis Gilmore and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the tallest active NBA player at 7 feet 2 inches. He was named to the 1974–75 NBA All-Rookie Team. Playing under coach Bill Russell, Burleson recorded strong playoff performances in both 1974-75 and 1975-76 for Seattle. For his playoff career, Burleson averaged 20.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in 15 career playoff games. His second season as a professional proved to be his best, as he averaged 15.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Just as he began to come into his own in the NBA, he was injured breaking up a fight between his teammate and an opposing team member. The injury was instrumental in his steady decline over the next several years. Burleson was known throughout his amateur and pro career as a good shot blocker. He played seven seasons in the NBA with Seattle, the Kansas City Kings and the Atlanta Hawks. Personal life He lives in Avery County, North Carolina with his wife Denise. They have three sons: Robert, David, and Quentin. He is an avid supporter of North Carolina State University. He has served for several years a Special Ambassador to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Honors In 2002, Burleson was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team honoring the fifty greatest players in Atlantic Coast Conference history. Basketball camp In 1983 Burleson founded the Tommy Burleson Basketball Camp, which is held in collaboration with the Avery County Parks and Recreation Department in North Carolina. References External links 1952 births Living people All-American college men's basketball players American men's basketball players Atlanta Hawks players Basketball players at the 1972 Summer Olympics Basketball players from North Carolina Centers (basketball) Kansas City Kings players Medalists at the 1972 Summer Olympics NC State Wolfpack men's basketball players Olympic silver medalists for the United States in basketball Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball) People from Avery County, North Carolina Seattle SuperSonics draft picks Seattle SuperSonics players United States men's national basketball team players