James Earl Ray (born July 27, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player. After playing college basketball at Jacksonville University, he was drafted fifth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1980 NBA Draft. He subsequently played three seasons for the team, appearing in 103 games and finishing with career averages of 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Moving to Europe, he went on to play professionally in Italy, Spain and Turkey. Post-career In 2001, Ray was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Due to his failing health and financial challenges, the NBA's retired players association provided him support. In 2008, Ray received a transplant, soon after receiving a diagnosis of having three months to live without one. The likelihood of receiving a transplant had been rated poorly, due to his need, at 6'9, of receiving lungs from a person taller than 6'5. References External links James Ray career statistics 1957 births Living people American expatriate basketball people in Italy American expatriate basketball people in Spain American expatriate basketball people in Turkey American men's basketball players Basketball players from New Orleans CB Peñas Huesca players Denver Nuggets draft picks Denver Nuggets players Fenerbahçe men's basketball players Jacksonville Dolphins men's basketball players Liga ACB players Power forwards (basketball)