Ask most basketball fans to name a dominant big man and you will likely hear the names of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, or Shaquille O'Neal. George Mikan came before all of them and was one of the original dominant big men. Mikan revolutionized the sport and influenced changes in the rules that still stand today. He passed away June 1 at the age of 80 from complications from diabetes and kidney failure.
Mikan burst on the scene at DePaul University after being turned down at Notre Dame for being too clumsy. He led DePaul to the 1945 NIT Championship, was a part of Ray Meyer's first Final Four team in 1943, and was the collegiate player of the year in 1945 and 1946. After college, he was one of the early pioneers of professional basketball in North America. Mikan was 6-10, 245 in an era that was perimeter-oriented. His professional career spanned from 1946-56.
Mikan began his professional career with the Chicago Gears of the National Basketball League. He led the Gears to the league titles in 1946 and 47. After the Gears folded following the 1947 season, Mikan migrated to the Minneapolis Lakers. He led the league in scoring, earned the league's most valuable player award, and led the Lakers to the NBA title. In 1948, Mikan was the marquee player as the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America to form the NBA. Mikan was the face of the Lakers as they captured five of the league's first six titles.
Mikan's influence on the NBA will stand forever. While at DePaul and in the NBA, Mikan played defense like a goalie. Their defense was similar to the modern day box and one, with the exception that Mikan would guard the basket instead of another player. Mikan has been quoted as saying that when the other team took a shot, he would just tap it out. To counteract that practice, the NCAA banned goaltending in 1944.
In the NBA, Mikan's dominance led to two major rule changes. Mikan was able to dominate on offense by standing one step away from the basket. Once he received the ball, it was a virtual guarantee that he would score. To combat Mikan's scoring ease, the NBA widened the lane from six to 12 feet. The other rule change that had Mikan's play stamped on it was the 24-second shot clock. In a 1950 game against the Lakers, the Fort Wayne Pistons figured the only way to beat Mikan's Lakers was to hold the ball. The Pistons prevailed 19-18 and by 1955, the 24-second shot clock was introduced.
Mikan's skills set the standard for the future of basketball. He used a big hook shot with either hand to score. The drill he used to work on his ambidextrous shot is still known as the "Mikan drill." Through hard work and dedication, Mikan proved that big men could have an impact on basketball. He led the NBA in scoring three times, rebounding twice and finished his career with 11,764 points. His 22.6 per game scoring average came during an era where points were at a premium.
Mikan was destined for the hardwood. He was already 5-9 by age eight, 6-0 by his 11th birthday, and 6-8 by the time he finished high school. When he arrived at DePaul, Meyer put him through a tough regimen to become a dominant player. In addition to perfecting his shooting from either hand, Mikan would jump rope, shadow box, and run three hours per day, five days a week.
Mikan was so important to the NBA's early success that the league often sent him to the next city a day early to publicize his next game. He only earned $12,000 per year, less than players now make per game. Mikan retired at 29, still the preeminent player on the NBA. His reasoning was that he wanted more time with his family and that it was time to enter the professional world outside of basketball.
Two years later, the Lakers coaxed him back to a struggling team. Mikan was a shadow of his former self. Mikan then tried his hand at coaching two seasons later. After a 9-30 start on the bench, Mikan resigned. The Lakers were unable to sustain their success at the box office without Mikan and by 1960, the Lakers headed to Los Angeles.
After his playing and coaching careers concluded, Mikan still had an influence in Minneapolis and throughout basketball. He became a corporate and real estate attorney and also lost a tight race as a republican for Congress. His legal background became helpful when he was the first Commissioner of the American Basketball Association and helping to bring the expansion Timberwolves to the Twin Cities. Mikan's brother, Ed, who passed away in 1999, also played in the NBA.
Mikan's legacy will live on long past his death. He was voted the best player during the first half of the 20th century, was a member of the NBA's 50 greatest players during the league's Golden Anniversary and the first inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many great big men after him have paid their respects to him. Bill Russell claimed Mikan as his hero, Wilt Chamberlain said Mikan showed that big men weren't freaks, and Shaquille O'Neal acknowledged he wouldn't be in the NBA without Mikan. O'Neal also paid for Mikan's funeral.
All of Mikan's accolades and accomplishments can be summed up by the marquee at Madison Square Garden while he was a player:
Wed Basketball
Geo Mikan
Vs. Knicks
June 14, 2005
John Matits jr.:
A good summary of Mikan’s career. Some points to consider: 1) Mikan’s defensive and passing abilities 2) Mikan’s ‘attack’ by the referees-spurred by jealous owners 3) Mikan’s rebounding and point total (amazing) in an era of fewer shots and lower scores-helped also by very unfriendly basket rims 4) Mikan’s foul shooting and team play
Just some thoughts.
Thank you!