Zaza Pachulia biography, wife, married, nationality, injury, kevin garnett

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<p>Zaza Pachulia, a Georgian professional <a href="/biography/zaza-pachulia">basketball player</a>, was born as <a href="/biography/zaza-pachulia">Zaur Pachulia</a> on February 10, 1984, in Tbilisi, which was then part of the Georgian SSR in the Soviet Union. His name was later legally changed to Zaza Pachulia. Although he has played professionally in Turkey and holds dual citizenship, Pachulia represents Georgia at the international level. Known for his role as a center, Pachulia captained the Georgian national basketball team in several international tournaments. Standing at six feet eight inches tall by the age of 13, he had a notable physical presence early in life. His professional basketball journey began with the Turkish club Ulkerspor, marking his first appearance in international leagues.</p>

<h2>Early Career in Basketball</h2>

<p>Pachulia demonstrated exceptional skill in basketball from a young age, becoming a member of the Georgian Junior National Basketball Team during his adolescence. His professional career started when he played for Ulkerspor, one of the leading teams in Turkey’s top basketball league. As a center, his performances were strong enough to draw attention from talent scouts, especially for his ability to compete against European opponents such as Belarus and Bulgaria. Though he played professionally in Turkey, he continued to represent Georgia internationally, where he consistently served as a team leader and was often the focal point of the Georgian national squad.</p>

<h2>NBA Career and Professional Achievements</h2>

<p>Pachulia entered the NBA in the 2003 Draft, selected in the second round with the 42nd overall pick by the Orlando Magic. After his rookie season, he was picked by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004 expansion draft but was quickly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 2004–05 season with Milwaukee, he averaged 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game—solid numbers that highlighted his potential as a dependable center.</p>

<p>In 2005, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks, where he experienced one of the most productive stretches of his NBA career. Starting most games in the 2005–06 season, Pachulia averaged 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. His physical and aggressive play earned him a reputation as a tenacious competitor. During the 2006–07 season, he had a notable on-court confrontation with <a href="/biography/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a> of the Boston Celtics, after which fans jokingly referred to him as “Balboa,” a nod to the Rocky film series character.</p>

<p>Pachulia also returned briefly to Turkey during the 2011 NBA lockout, playing for Galatasaray. However, he rejoined the NBA and continued his career with several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and eventually the Golden State Warriors. Over the span of his NBA career, Pachulia appeared in 1,098 regular-season games, starting 465 of them. He recorded averages of 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Contrary to outdated reports, he was no longer with the Dallas Mavericks in 2015–16; that season, he averaged a career-best 9.4 rebounds per game while playing with Dallas. A leg injury temporarily sidelined him in January, but he returned later in the season.</p>

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<h2>Stint with Golden State Warriors and NBA Championship</h2>

<p>After his tenure with the Mavericks, Pachulia joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He played an integral role in the Warriors’ championship-winning teams in 2017 and 2018. While not a high scorer, Pachulia's strength, experience, and basketball IQ provided critical support to the team's rotation during their playoff runs. His leadership and toughness complemented the Warriors' fast-paced, skill-driven playing style, and he became a valued veteran presence in the locker room.</p>

<h2>Post-NBA Career and Contributions</h2>

<p>Following his retirement from professional basketball, Pachulia transitioned into a leadership role with the Golden State Warriors, serving as a team consultant and later as a basketball operations liaison. He has also remained active in promoting sports in Georgia, contributing to basketball development programs and youth initiatives in his home country. His impact on and off the court has made him one of the most prominent Georgian athletes of his generation.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>

<p>Zaza Pachulia has been married to Tina Pachulia since 2008. Together they have three children: a son named Davit and two daughters named Saba and Maryam. Despite his demanding career, Pachulia has prioritized family life and continues to balance his professional commitments with time spent with his loved ones. He is also involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on youth development and sports education.</p>

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