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25 Greatest Players in ABA History

By Maxwell Ogden

SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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13. George McGinnis

Position: Forward
Years Active: 1971-1975
Team(s): Indiana Pacers
ABA Averages: 38.2 MPG, 25.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.2 SPG
Accolades: 2x ABA Champion, ABA Playoffs MVP, ABA MVP, 2x All-ABA First Team, All-ABA Second Team, 3x ABA All-Star, 1975 Scoring Champion

George McGinnis is one of the most phenomenal talents in the history of professional basketball. A dominant scorer and rebounder, McGinnis was just as skilled as he was physically imposing—a rare combination that made him a star during both his ABA and NBA careers.

A gifted passer who expanded his range to beyond the 3-point line in the mid 1970s, McGinnis is one of the most under-appreciated talents to ever grace the hardwood.

McGinnis put his talents to great use, achieving enough to warrant a Top 10 ABA ranking all-time. He thrived during the playoffs, won prestigious accolades, and carved out a legacy as one of the most complete forwards in the history of the sport.

Calling him the original LeBron James might be a bit of a stretch, but McGinnis was the quintessential do-it-all forward.

McGinnis helped lead the Indiana Pacers to back-to-back ABA championships, winning the Playoffs MVP award in 1973. Two years later, McGinnis was named ABA co-MVP with Julius Erving, and made his second consecutive All-ABA First Team appearance.

Coupled with his winning the 1975 scoring title, McGinnis put together one of the most impressive resumes in ABA history. It’s hard to believe that he isn’t a Hall of Famer.

Next: No. 12