George Mikan Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 14, 2024
George Mikan Then
George Mikan was born on June 18, 1924, in Joliet, Illinois, USA. He attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he played under the guidance of Coach Ray Meyer.
Initially awkward on the court, Meyer transformed Mikan into a dominant force known for his hook shot—a skill that would define his playing career.
Despite his lanky frame and poor eyesight, Mikan stood out in an era marked by physical play and emerged as the first dominant big man in post-World War II professional basketball.
His distinctive thick protective goggles became a trademark, underscoring his resilience and determination to excel despite injuries and rough play.
George Mikan Career History
George Mikan’s professional career began with the Chicago American Gears in the National Basketball League (NBL) during the 1946–47 season before joining the Minneapolis Lakers.
He played a pivotal role as the Lakers transitioned from the NBL to the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and finally to the National Basketball Association (NBA).
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Over nine seasons with the Lakers, Mikan amassed 11,764 points in regular-season games, averaging 22.6 points per game.
His impact extended to championship games, where he maintained a 23.5-point average across 91 appearances.
Under his leadership at center, the Lakers secured six championships between 1947 and 1954, establishing Mikan as a cornerstone of their success.
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After retiring in 1956, he briefly coached the Lakers during the 1957–58 season before transitioning into a successful career as a lawyer and businessman in Minneapolis.
Mikan’s enduring legacy was further cemented with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping professional basketball’s early years.
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George Mikan Height
George Mikan, standing at 2.08 meters tall, revolutionized basketball as the first dominant big man in the post-World War II era, renowned for his scoring prowess and defensive presence.
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George Mikan Retirement
In the midst of the 1955–56 NBA season, George Mikan made a comeback to the Lakers lineup after a prolonged absence.
Despite his illustrious career and prior dominance, the long break had taken its toll on his performance.
In 37 games played, Mikan averaged just 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, reflecting a significant decline compared to his peak years.
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His reduced effectiveness was evident as the Lakers, once a powerhouse with Mikan at the helm, faltered and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
At the conclusion of the season, recognizing the impact of age and injuries on his abilities, Mikan decided to retire from professional basketball for good, marking the end of an era for one of the game’s pioneering figures.
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George Mikan’s Wife and Children
George Mikan, a towering figure in the history of basketball, is survived by his wife, Patricia, and a large family that includes his sons Larry, Terry, Patrick, and Michael, along with his daughters Trisha and Maureen.
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The Associated Press reported on his family’s breadth, underscoring the legacy and personal connections Mikan cultivated beyond his illustrious career in sports.
This acknowledgment highlights Mikan’s enduring impact not only on the court but also within his familial circle, reflecting a life enriched by both athletic achievement and personal relationships.
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George Mikan Now
George Lawrence Mikan Jr., affectionately known as “Mr. Basketball,” passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 1, 2005, at the age of 80 due to complications related to diabetes.
Mikan left an indelible mark on the sport as a pioneering figure in professional basketball.
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His career spanned different leagues, including the Chicago American Gears in the National Basketball League (NBL) the Minneapolis Lakers in the NBL, the Basketball Association of America (BAA), and finally the National Basketball Association (NBA).
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Revered for his dominant play at the center position, Mikan’s impact extended beyond his impressive statistics to shaping the very essence of how the game was played and perceived during his era.
His legacy as a transformative player and an ambassador of basketball remains firmly ingrained in the annals of sports history.
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FAQs
George Mikan is often credited as one of the first NBA superstars. His dominance as a center for the Minneapolis Lakers in the early years of the NBA helped establish him as a basketball icon.
Yes, George Mikan won the NBA’s first official Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1952. He was a dominant force in the league during its formative years.
George Mikan is famous for revolutionizing the center position in basketball with his skillful use of the hook shot and his imposing physical presence.
He was a key figure in the early success of the Minneapolis Lakers and the NBA itself.
George Mikan passed away on June 1, 2005, in Scottsdale, Arizona, due to complications related to diabetes. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
George Mikan was 80 years old when he passed away in 2005.
During his playing career in the 1940s and 1950s, salaries were significantly lower compared to modern standards.
Exact figures for Mikan’s earnings are not readily available, but he did not earn the multi-million dollar contracts seen in today’s NBA.
George Mikan retired from professional basketball primarily due to health issues and declining performance towards the end of his career.
After returning to play in the 1955-56 season, he struggled with injuries and his play was affected, leading to his final retirement.