Jason Maxiell

Jason Dior Maxiell (born February 18, 1983 in Chicago, Illinois) is a professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Detroit Pistons as a power forward.

A 6 feet 7 inches, 245 lb power forward, Maxiell was selected by the Pistons with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. He attended Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas. During his career at the University of Cincinnati, where he was coached by Bob Huggins, Jason earned All-Conference USA Second Team honors. He led Conference USA in blocked shots (2.8 bpg) and ranked 18th in the nation. His 91 blocks are the second-highest University of Cincinnati single-season total. He averaged 17.3 points in three postseason games and shot .607 from the field. Posted 22 points (8-of-11 shooting), nine rebounds and six blocks in NCAA Tournament opening round win vs. Iowa. Recorded a career-high eight blocks to go with 14 points and 10 rebounds vs. Houston. Scored a career-high 30 points and tallied seven blocks vs. Longwood. Tied his career with 15 rebounds and recorded 21 points and five blocks vs. Northern Iowa.

Maxiell finished 11th on Cincinnati's career scoring list with 1,566 points (13th in Conference USA history) and second on the Cincinnati career chart for blocked shots with 252 (4th in Conference USA). He played 129 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in Bearcats' history, and started the last 77 contests.

Maxiell is drawing comparisons with former Pistons forward Rick Mahorn due to his burly size and ability to create inside presence.

On October 30, 2008, Maxiell agreed to a four year, $20 million deal.