Alex Scales is not a name a basketball fan is going to instantly recognise unless you are a trivia-geek. He once held a rather infamous record — the shortest career in NBA history.
In 2005, Scales played just 9.2 seconds for San Antonio Spurs against Phoenix Suns before he was let go by the team and never played another match in the NBA.
However, Scales has managed to turn his popularity around and has found a legion of fans, thanks to social media. The 38-year old has built a brand thanks to his trick shots on the court that he posts on his instagram account (certifiedscales) every Tuesday called ‘Trick Shot Tuesday’.
He is here as part of the UBA, playing for Mumbai Challengers, and is the only player with NBA ‘experience’. “It started with me on a hoverboard in the gym and making jump shots. I just wanted to go viral online, and so far it has been okay, but I want to grow it,” says Scales, who also played for Real Madrid — in the Spanish basketball league.
Scales was once seen as a promising player, but never really got the opportunity to demonstrate his skills. The American was part of a star-studded line-up at Spurs with the likes of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
“It was a great experience. The coach said it was a sad situation, because he wanted to give more opportunity to show my talent, but I didn't get that because a lot of people who were injured started coming back into the team,” he says.
