Norm Nixon is an acclaimed American retired professional basketball player whose talents illuminated the NBA during the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for his court vision, electrifying pace, and leadership with championship teams, Nixon amassed a celebrated legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers. As of 2025, Norm Nixon and his wife of many years, the renowned actress and dancer Debbie Allen, share a combined net worth of $14 million. Nixon’s journey from a small-town Georgia upbringing to NBA glory and beyond is a compelling tale of athleticism, business acumen, and enduring influence in both sports and entertainment.
## Norm Nixon Biography Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|——————-|—————————————-|
| Full Name | Norman Ellard Nixon |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Macon, Georgia, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Position | Point guard |
| College | Duquesne University (1973–1977) |
| NBA Draft | 1977, 1st Round, 22nd Pick (Lakers) |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers, San Diego/LA Clippers |
| NBA Career | 1977–1989 |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1980, 1982, with Lakers) |
| All-Star Games | 2 |
| Spouse | Debbie Allen |
| Net Worth (2025) | $14 million (combined with wife) |
## Early Years: A Georgian Prodigy in the Making
Norm Nixon was born on October 11, 1955, in Macon, Georgia, a city steeped in athletic tradition. Gifted with natural quickness and an uncanny sense for the game, Nixon honed his craft at Southwest High School, where his performances on the basketball court drew the attention of collegiate scouts across the country. His decision to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marked the beginning of a stellar ascent that would soon reach the grandest stages of professional basketball.
## Collegiate Excellence at Duquesne University
From 1973 to 1977, Nixon emerged as a standout at Duquesne University. As a point guard, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership and ability, powering the Dukes to notable showings in NCAA competition. His four-year college career solidified his status as a top NBA prospect. Nixon’s statistics at Duquesne reflected a dynamic floor general capable of scoring, creating opportunities for teammates, and anchoring defensive stands, attributes that would become trademarks of his professional play.
## 1977 NBA Draft: Entry into the Big Leagues
The 1977 NBA Draft was transformative not only for Nixon but also for the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Selected with the 22nd overall pick in the first round, Nixon intriguingly joined a team that had already chosen another point guard, Brad Davis, earlier in the draft. This decision would soon bear fruit as Nixon’s game rapidly translated to the NBA, undeterred by competition for playmaking responsibilities.
## Ascendancy with the Los Angeles Lakers: The Showtime Era
Nixon’s arrival in Los Angeles coincided with a period of rebuilding and renewal for the Lakers. By his second season, he had established himself as one of the league’s premier point guards. In the 1978–79 season, Nixon tied for the NBA lead in steals, showcasing a mix of anticipation and defensive tenacity that would frustrate opponents throughout his career.
During the 1979–80 season, Norm Nixon led the league in minutes played (3,226) and minutes per game (39.3). He was also third in the NBA in assists with 642—testament to his productivity and endurance. Perhaps most impressively, this era saw Nixon sharing playmaking duties with Magic Johnson, the 6-foot-9 rookie whose presence redefined the possibilities for point guards in NBA history. Despite the arrival of Johnson, Nixon remained indispensable, averaging at least seven assists per season over four years alongside Magic, a remarkable feat that exemplified his unselfishness and adaptability.
Nixon played a pivotal role for the Lakers in the postseason, facing off against formidable Western Conference rivals. Disappointment struck in the playoffs of 1978, 1979, and 1981, with the Lakers falling to eventual conference champions each time. However, these setbacks only strengthened the team’s resolve.
## Championship Years: The Glory of 1980 and 1982
The Lakers’ perseverance culminated in two NBA championships during Nixon’s tenure. In 1980, the Lakers bested the Philadelphia 76ers in six games, with Nixon a key orchestrator on offense and defense. Two years later, the Lakers faced the 76ers again in the 1982 Finals, emerging victorious in another 4–2 triumph.
Norm Nixon’s standout performance in the 1982 playoffs was particularly noteworthy—he led the Lakers in scoring with an average of 20.4 points per game, outshining even the luminaries that surrounded him. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations cemented his reputation as a clutch performer and a core member of the “Showtime Lakers.”
## Trials and Transition: The Move to the Clippers
After a third appearance in the NBA Finals in 1983—a series that saw the Lakers swept by the 76ers—Nixon’s time with the Lakers came to an end. The transition to the San Diego Clippers (later Los Angeles Clippers) in 1983 marked a new phase in his career, one characterized by personal leadership and statistical production.
Nixon continued to excel individually, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His 1983–84 season was particularly impressive; he averaged 17.0 points and an astounding 11.1 assists per game, a career high. Nixon remained a model of consistency even as the Clippers struggled to achieve team success. Despite injuries that eventually impacted his on-court activity, Nixon’s professional approach and competitive drive endured through his final seasons.
## Legacy of Consistency: Career Statistics and Achievements
Nixon concluded his NBA career in 1989 with a stat line that reflects his all-around brilliance:
– 768 regular season games played
– 12,065 points (15.7 PPG career average)
– 2,668 rebounds (2.6 RPG)
– 6,386 assists (8.3 APG)
– Two-time NBA Champion (1980, 1982)
– Two NBA All-Star selections
These achievements underscore Nixon’s standing as one of the premier point guards of his era. His ability to balance scoring, facilitating, and defense made him an essential piece of every roster he joined.
## Life Beyond the Hardwood: Media, Business, and Family Success
Nixon’s impact has extended well beyond his playing days. After retiring from basketball, he remained active in the sport as a broadcaster and analyst, drawing on his deep understanding of the game to offer insights to fans and aspiring players alike.
Nixon also found success in business, leveraging his public profile and connections to build a solid post-NBA career. By 2025, his financial standing, combined with that of his wife Debbie Allen, has reached a reported $14 million. Together, Nixon and Allen represent a dynamic power couple—she a multiple award-winning actress, dancer, and choreographer, and he a champion athlete and businessman.
## Commitment to Community and Next Generations
Through philanthropic work, Nixon has continued to inspire and uplift the next generation. Whether through basketball camps, mentoring programs, or his support for community initiatives in Los Angeles and beyond, he remains a visible and influential figure for those who seek to leverage sports as a platform for personal growth.
Debbie Allen, too, has had a profound impact on arts and culture, and together, the couple has fostered a family built on shared values of determination, resilience, and service. Their collaboration extends to charitable endeavors and mutual support of each other’s professional and personal initiatives.
## The Nixon-Allen Family: An Enduring Hollywood and Sports Legacy
Being married to Debbie Allen, a formidable entertainer in her own right, placed Nixon alongside one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. The couple have thrived in their marriage for decades, balancing high-profile careers, parenthood, and community service. Their union symbolizes the synergy between sports and the performing arts and stands as a testament to mutual respect and enduring partnership.
Their children, including Vivian Nixon, have followed in their parents’ footsteps, achieving success in their respective fields. The Nixon-Allen family is often cited as a paragon of excellence, both in public achievements and in private life.
## Nixon’s Lasting Influence on Basketball
Sports historians continue to regard Norm Nixon as one of the most underrated yet crucial contributors to the Lakers dynasty of the 1980s. His tenure with the team directly preceded and overlapped the rise of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, helping to usher in the fast-paced, high-scoring “Showtime” style that remains legendary within NBA history.
Nixon’s blend of quickness, skill, and court intelligence set a template for future generations of point guards. His career is instructive not only for aspiring professionals but also for analysts and coaches looking to understand the intricate balance of leadership and self-sacrifice required for team greatness.
## Net Worth: The Fruits of Dedication and Savvy
As of 2025, the combined net worth of Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen stands at an estimated $14 million. This value encompasses not only Nixon’s NBA earnings—over $3 million during his playing career—but also his business ventures and Allen’s extensive work in entertainment. Their wealth reflects decades of sustained effort, wise investments, and an unwavering commitment to their crafts.
## Conclusion: Realizing the American Dream On and Off the Court
Norm Nixon’s story is emblematic of the American dream realized through grit, intelligence, and a will to succeed. Rising from Macon, Georgia, to the summit of professional basketball, then carving out successful ventures in media, business, and community work, Nixon has crafted a legacy that resonates far beyond box scores and stat lines.
Supported in life and career by his wife Debbie Allen, Nixon remains respected and admired in 2025, a figure whose contributions to sport, family, and society are deeply intertwined. Their combined net worth, now $14 million, is not simply a measure of financial prosperity but a symbol of enduring relevance, resilience, and impact across the worlds of athletics and entertainment.
