George Mikan: The Story of Mr. Basketball

In a time where the game was struggling to catch on with the American public, George Mikan emerged as the the first player to bring about the modern age of basketball. In the 40s, it was widely believed that taller players were too clumsy, but the 6 '10 Mikan destroyed those claims immediately. He was a solid 245 pounds, but he was mobile for his size . He was an excellent rebounder, an excellent shot blocker, and he had a deadly hook shot with either hand. He could even bring the ball down the court after a rebound and set his teammates up for easy baskets. George was so dominant that he inspired multiple rule changes, and he generated enough interest in the sport to facilitate the BAA and the NBL merging to create the NBA. Due to the lack of medical advancements at the time, George’s injury issues forced him to retire at 29. But he was busy after the NBA, pursuing a political career before serving as the ABA’s first commissioner, coming up with the idea of the multicolored ball, and later helping with the start of the expansion Timberwolves. George’s impact on the game was immeasurable, but because he played so long ago, people tend to downplay his legacy as the NBA’s first superstar. https://www.basketball-reference.com/...