Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary: All-Decade Team, 1967-77
George McGinnis
Statistics: 19.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 APG
George McGinnis’ connection with basketball and the state of Indiana started at a very early age. McGinnis is an Indianapolis native, won a high school state championship and played one season for Indiana University before joining the pro ranks.
McGinnis possessed a rare combination of speed, power and finesse that made him a force during his years in the ABA and NBA. “Big Mac” was a very young player during the Pacers’ championship years, but he was a key component of their last two ABA title teams.
After his stellar career with Indiana in the ABA, McGinnis signed with the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA in 1975. He and Julius Erving, another former ABA superstar, led a deep and talented 76ers squad that made it to the NBA Finals in 1977.
Super Congrats to 1975 ABA MVP George McGinnis, who today was FINALLY elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame!! pic.twitter.com/QXvWs65HJB
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) April 1, 2017
Over the course of his 11-year career in professional basketball, McGinnis made a tremendous impact on both pro leagues, making the ABA and NBA All-Star teams three times each.
When the 2017 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was announced recently, George McGinnis’ name was deservedly included among the 11 inductees. McGinnis will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sept. 8.