George Mikan was the most famous basketball player in the United States in the late 1940’s and into the 1950’s. He was professional basketball’s first true ‘superstar’, and the most popular player in the first years of the NBA.
George did not begin his career playing in the NBA. He was a professional basketball player for the Ft. Wayne, Indiana Zoellner Pistons, (currently the Detroit Pistons of the NBA).
George Mikan
Mikan’s skill was so great that it led to rule changes
Players do not receive nicknames for nothing, and George Mikan’s nickname of “Mr. Basketball” was well-warranted. Playing for the Minneapolis Lakers, the 6-foot-10 Mikan graced the league with his rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but lit up the court offensively, averaging nearly 30 points per game (28.3) in 1949, unheard of for the time.
Mikan was instrumental in the Lakers’ first championship in 1949, over the Washington Capitols. He remained a staple of the team’s success, culminating in the franchise’s first dynasty, also winning titles in 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954
But perhaps most significant was that Mikan’s skill level was so high for the time that it prompted the NBA to introduce several rule changes. They added the goaltending rule and widened the foul lane (which became known as the “Mikan Rule”).
His offensive capabilities also led to the league implementing the shot clock in 1954. But as for the 1940s, there was no doubt a greater player than “Mr. Basketball” himself, George Mikan.
George Mikan – 1940s vs. Career Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
Category | 1940s | Career |
PPG | 28.3 | 23.1 |
RPG | N/A | 13.4 |
APG | 3.6 | 2.8 |
FG% | 41.6 | 40.4 |
FT% | 77.2 | 78.2 |
