NBA: 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history

13. George Gervin, San Antonio Spurs

George “The Iceman” Gervin revolutionized the game with his ability to make acrobatic plays around the rim. He went down in history as one of the best San Antonio Spurs players in franchise history, as well as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA.

Gervin won four scoring titles across five seasons during his time in San Antonio, including three in a row from 1977 to 1980 as the off-guard in the backcourt. He is one of only three players to win four scoring titles in the history of the league.

Gervin produced a career-high 33.1 points per contest during the 1979-80 season, while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor. He put up a career-high 63 points in his second official season in the NBA, going 23-of-49 (46.9 percent) from the field.

He was quite an efficient playmaker with the ball in his hands in his time with the Spurs and became a fan favorite, making nine All-Star appearances as a member of the team. The Spurs never won a championship with “The Iceman” on the roster, but they came close with him leading the way.

Gervin led the playoffs in points per game from 1978 to 1982 and made seven postseason appearances with the Spurs, showing his loyalty despite his All-Star status. He averaged a career-high 33.3 points per game in a first-round loss in the 1980 NBA Playoffs to the Houston Rockets, 2-1.

Gervin changed the way guards attacked the basket with his wiry athleticism. It ultimately turned into a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nod for him in 1996.