Verified Story Pitch Desk • NBA 1993-2006

Nick The Quick: Van Exel Clutch & Story Archive

Interactive visualizer of Nick Van Exel's game-winners, 1,528 three-pointers, team splits, and signature quirks built in response to his call to appear on NBA podcasts and TV shows.

@vanexel31: “I need to be on somebody’s show this upcoming NBA season. Holla at me. Podcast/tv. Whatever let’s get to it” • @Ballislife: “We need more Nick Van Exel stories!”
Career 3-Pointers 1,528
Career Points 12,658
All-Star Game 1998
Draft Pick #37 (1993)
Interactive Half-Court: Iconic Game-Winners Click any shot point on court

Explore Nick Van Exel's ice-cold buzzer beaters and playoff heroics across his career. Van Exel was an early pioneer of pull-up 3-point volume in the 1990s.

1995 WCSF Game 5: Overtime Dagger in San Antonio

May 18, 1995

Van Exel caught the inbounds pass and launched an off-balance 26-foot rainbow three with 0.5 seconds left in OT, silencing 35,888 fans at the Alamodome to beat David Robinson's Spurs 98-96.

Game: Lakers 98, Spurs 96 (OT) Statline: 22 PTS, 5 AST, 4-8 3PT Clutch Factor: 99/100 (Silenced Alamodome)
Signature Quirk: Shooting Free Throws 2 Feet Behind The Line 18-24 Inches Back

Van Exel famously stood 18 inches to 2 full feet behind the standard 15-foot charity stripe. He explained his rhythm and sight-line were tuned for jump shots, and standing farther gave him optimal arc.

16.8 ft (+21.6 in back)
“I’m a rhythm shooter. When I was right on the line, my mechanics were too tight. Stepping two feet back gave me the exact arc of my pull-up jumper.” — Nick Van Exel
Career Era & Podcast Segment Desk

Select a team era to load verified context into your broadcast talking-points brief for interview hosts.

L.A. Lakers
1993–1998 • 5 Seasons
14.9 PPG, 7.3 APG, All-Star '98
Denver Nuggets
1998–2002 • 4 Seasons
17.7 PPG, 8.4 APG (Peak 21.4)
Dallas Mavericks
2002–2003 • 2 Seasons
12.5 PPG, 4.3 APG (Playoff Hero)
Golden State
2003–2004 • 1 Season
12.6 PPG, 5.3 APG
Portland Blazers
2004–2005 • 1 Season
11.1 PPG, 4.3 APG
San Antonio Spurs
2005–2006 • Final Run
5.5 PPG (Veteran Playoff Presence)

Selected Era: Los Angeles Lakers (1993–1998)

1998 All-Star

Drafted 37th overall out of Cincinnati. Teamed with Eddie Jones, Cedric Ceballos, and later Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Van Exel served as the heartbeat of the 'Del Harris Lake Show' era before the three-peat.

Games: 378 • 3-Pointers Made: 750 • Playoff Runs: 4