Drafted by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft, Zaza Pachulia evolved from a teenage recruit in Turkey into a two-time NBA champion. Born in Tbilisi in 1984, he eventually transitioned from an active floor career spanning seven professional teams into an administrative role within the Golden State Warriors organization.
Early Development and Professional Entry
Standing 6 feet 8 inches by age 13, Pachulia began his formal training in Georgia before moving to Turkey. He joined the professional team Ülkerspor in 1999, remaining with the organization until 2003. His performance during this period caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by Orlando. After a trade, he spent his initial NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 6.2 points per game.
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Pachulia signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2005, serving as the starting center. During his initial stint, he secured two long-term contracts and earned the nickname Balboa following an incident with Kevin Garnett. After a brief 2011 spell at Galatasaray during the NBA lockout, he returned to Atlanta. In 2015, he joined the Dallas Mavericks, where he recorded a career-high 22 double-doubles in a single season.
Golden State Championship Years
Joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016, Pachulia played a role in the team's 2017 and 2018 championship runs. His tenure was marked by high-profile physical altercations, most notably a 2017 playoff incident involving Kawhi Leonard that resulted in a league rule change. Despite controversy, he remained a key contributor, appearing in the 2017 Finals where he became the first Georgian player to secure an NBA title.
Retirement and Executive Transition
Following a final playing season with the Detroit Pistons, Pachulia retired in 2019. He re-joined the Warriors as a basketball operations consultant. In this capacity, he secured a third NBA championship ring following the team's victory over the Boston Celtics in 2022. Outside of his professional basketball activities, he received the Order of Honour from Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 February 1984, Tbilisi
- Primary citizenship: Georgia and Turkey
- First NBA team: Orlando Magic
- NBA championships won as a player: Two
- NBA championships won as an executive: One
- Professional debut: 1999
Questions readers ask
What is the Zaza rule?
The term refers to an NBA rule change implemented following Pachulia's closeout foot slide on Kawhi Leonard during the 2017 playoffs.
Did Pachulia play for any teams outside the NBA?
Yes, his early professional career took place with Ülkerspor in Turkey, and he played for Galatasaray during the 2011 NBA lockout.
