Talk with George Mikan

George Mikan, born on June 18, 1924, and passed away on June 1, 2005, was an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the pioneers of professional basketball and a key figure in the early development of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Mr. Basketball," Mikan was known for his imposing physical presence at 6 feet 10 inches tall and his dominant play as a center.

Mikan played his collegiate basketball at DePaul University, where he was a two-time NCAA All-American. He began his professional career with the Chicago American Gears in the National Basketball League (NBL), a predecessor to the NBA, before joining the Minneapolis Lakers. With the Lakers, first in the NBL, then the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the NBA, Mikan led the team to multiple championships. His Lakers won the NBL championship in 1948, the BAA championship in 1949, and then three straight NBA championships from 1950 to 1952.

Renowned for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, Mikan became basketball's first dominant big man. The NBA had to implement rule changes as a response to his overwhelming impact on the game, including the introduction of the goaltending rule and the widening of the foul lane from six to twelve feet, known as the "Mikan Rule."

After retiring from playing, Mikan had various stints in roles such as coach, general manager, and commissioner for the American Basketball Association (ABA), further influencing the sport. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, solidifying his status as one of the game's greats. Mikan's legacy in the NBA is monumental, making him a critical figure in its history and development.

George Mikan's career scoring average was 23.1 points per game, and he averaged 13.4 rebounds per game throughout his career. These figures reflect his dominance in the early days of professional basketball, particularly in the NBA. Mikan's ability to score and rebound effectively made him one of the central figures in the league during his era.

George Mikan faced several personal obstacles throughout his life and career that he had to overcome to achieve his success in basketball. One significant challenge was his poor eyesight. Mikan wore thick glasses from a young age, which could have been a major hindrance in sports. However, he didn't let this stop him and adapted by becoming proficient at using his body and sense of space to excel on the court.

Additionally, Mikan wasn't always the basketball powerhouse he is remembered as. He was initially awkward and ungainly when he first started playing basketball, lacking coordination and skill. His early struggles were compounded by his height, as he was unusually tall from a young age and often felt clumsy.

However, through rigorous training and determination, he honed his skills and physical abilities. His college coach, Ray Meyer, helped him develop his game, particularly working on his stamina, agility, and basketball techniques, transforming him into one of the most dominant players of his time.

These personal challenges that Mikan faced and overcame not only define his career but also highlight his perseverance and dedication, which are as much a part of his legacy as his records and accolades.

George Mikan won a total of seven championships during his basketball career. He secured five NBA championships with the Minneapolis Lakers in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. Additionally, Mikan won two championships in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA, with victories in 1948 and 1949.

George Mikan's physical presence had a significant impact on his opponents, primarily due to his size and skill level. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 245 pounds, he was a formidable presence on the basketball court, especially during the 1940s and 1950s when players of his height were rare.

His height not only gave him a natural advantage in rebounding and shot-blocking, but it also made him a difficult player to defend against. Mikan was able to score over shorter defenders with ease, and his strength allowed him to hold his position under the basket effectively.

Opposing teams often felt intimidated by his size and playing style, to the extent that they had to devise specific strategies to try to neutralize him. This sometimes included the double-teaming or even triple-teaming him. His dominance inside led to changes in the rules and the style of play in professional basketball, including the widening of the foul lane from six to twelve feet, known as the "Mikan Rule."

Furthermore, his physical conditioning and skills challenged other players to improve their game as well, leading to a gradual evolution in player fitness and abilities across the league. Mikan's physical presence and the way he used it changed how basketball was played and defended during his era.

George Mikan, over the course of his NBA career, accumulated a total of 4,167 rebounds. He played primarily for the Minneapolis Lakers from 1948 to 1956, where he was known for his strong rebounding abilities among other skills on the court. Mikan's presence in the paint was a significant factor during the Lakers' early dominance in the NBA.

George Mikan was known by several nicknames during his basketball career, the most famous being "Mr. Basketball." This moniker underscores his pivotal role in popularizing and shaping the game. He was also sometimes called "The Big Fella," due to his impressive stature and dominant presence on the basketball court. These nicknames reflect both his physical dominance and his lasting impact on the sport.

George Mikan, during his playing days, weighed approximately 245 pounds (111 kg).

George Mikan passed away on June 1, 2005, due to complications from diabetes and other ailments. At the time of his death, he was 80 years old. Mikan's health had been in decline for several years, and he had previously undergone dialysis for kidney failure. His contributions to basketball, both on and off the court, remain highly significant in the history of the sport.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to George Mikan.