George Mikan
George Mikan: The Original Giant
Early Life/High School
George Mikan was born on June 18, 1924, in Joliet, Illinois. He was the son of Croatian immigrants, and he grew up in a working-class family. Mikan was a tall and athletic child, but he was also clumsy and shy. He developed an interest in basketball at a young age, but he did not play on his high school team.
Mikan was cut from his high school basketball team because the coach thought he was too clumsy. However, Mikan continued to play basketball, and he eventually became one of the best players in the country.
College
No one showed much interest except DePaul’s Ray Meyer, who had a vision and a plan. He got Mikan into the gym working relentlessly on improving his footwork and agility. He’d have Mikan run to try to keep up with the guards. He’d have him move side-to-side, up-and-back.
Mikan played basketball for the Blue Demons. He quickly became a star player, and he led DePaul to two national championships in 1945 and 1946. Mikan was also named the NCAA Player of the Year in 1945.
Mikan was a dominant force on the college basketball court. He was a skilled post player with a powerful shot. He was also a great rebounder and defender. Mikan’s success at DePaul helped to popularize the game of basketball.
Professional
After graduating from DePaul, Mikan joined the Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball League (NBL). The Lakers were a struggling team at the time, but Mikan quickly turned them into a powerhouse. He led the Lakers to five NBL championships in six seasons.
In 1949, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Lakers were one of the founding teams of the NBA, and Mikan continued to dominate the league. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships in seven seasons.
Mikan was a six-time NBA scoring champion and a four-time NBA MVP. He was also named to the NBA All-Star team nine times. Mikan retired from the NBA in 1956, but he remains one of the greatest players in league history.
Mikan vs Russel
Bill Russell did play against George Mikan. Russell entered the NBA in the 1956-57 season, the same year that Mikan retired. They played against each other 14 times, with Russell winning 13 of those games.
Mikan was already past his prime when Russell entered the league, but he was still a formidable opponent. Russell was a rookie and had a lot to learn, but he was also a natural talent. He was quick and athletic, and he had a great instinct for the game.
Russell and Mikan had a lot of respect for each other. Mikan once said that Russell was the best defensive player he had ever seen. Russell also had a lot of respect for Mikan, and he said that he was one of the most influential players in NBA history.
Even though Mikan was past his prime, he and Russell had some memorable matchups. In one game, Russell blocked Mikan’s shot 10 times. In another game, Mikan scored 61 points, but Russell still led his team to victory.
Russell and Mikan are two of the greatest players in NBA history. They were both pioneers of the game, and they helped to make the NBA the global league it is today.
NBA Legacy
George Mikan is one of the most important figures in NBA history. He was one of the first dominant players in the league, and he helped to popularize the game of basketball. Mikan was also a great role model for young players. He was a hard worker and a dedicated teammate.
George Mikan’s Influence in the NBA After Retirement
George Mikan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, continued to exert a significant influence on the NBA after his retirement in 1954. His impact extended beyond the court, as he became a vocal advocate for players’ rights and a pioneer in professional basketball administration.
Rule Changes and the Influence of the Big Man
Mikan’s dominance as a center during his playing career prompted the NBA to implement several rule changes, including the widening of the lane and the introduction of the shot clock. These modifications were aimed at reducing Mikan’s dominance and making the game more competitive. Despite these adjustments, Mikan’s legacy as a revolutionary center remained firmly established.
A Pioneer in Professional Basketball Administration
Mikan’s influence extended beyond rule changes into the realm of professional basketball administration. He served as a commissioner of the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967 to 1969, playing a crucial role in the development of the rival league and its eventual merger with the NBA in 1976.
Championing Players’ Rights and Financial Fairness
Mikan also became a staunch advocate for players’ rights, particularly in the area of financial compensation. He recognized the growing popularity and revenue generated by the NBA and believed that players deserved a fair share of the profits. His advocacy helped pave the way for more equitable player contracts and improved working conditions.
A Legacy of Influence and Innovation
George Mikan’s influence on the NBA extended far beyond his on-court accomplishments. His advocacy for players’ rights, his role in professional basketball administration, and his impact on the game’s rules cemented his legacy as a true pioneer of the sport. His impact continues to be felt today, as the NBA operates under many of the rules that were introduced to counter his dominance, and the players enjoy better working conditions and financial compensation thanks to the efforts of those who followed in his footsteps.
2023 Update
George Mikan passed away in 2005 at the age of 80. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. Mikan is also one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.