I remember Bill Russell telling a story about how he met Big George at the 50 greatest NBA players during the 50th anniversary ceremony and Russell was next to Mikan who was sandwiched in between Bill and Wilt - and Russell told Mikan that he was the reason he got into basketball and how he looked up to him and Wilt turned and said that he felt the exact same way. For THOSE two guys to be in awe of the man speaks volumes. And go back and watch his highlights - the man was years ahead of his time with a beautiful hook shot and even a one leg fade away jumper - and he was not afraid to use his size to great advantage, but he never played dirty. He could have grown up and developed as a player in any era and been great. The first ambassador of the game who was always out there promoting the game and always took out the time to sign autographs and talk to his fans and always had a smile on his face for them. By all accounts he was a very nice family man - and actually a really funny dude. Pure legend.
He was the game's original NBA Superstar, plus he (along with Oklahoma State's 7-foot center Bob Kurland) helped open the doors for the big men (Russell, Wilt, Thurmond, Jabbar, Shaq etc...) to play the game too.
The Mikan drill created Kareem lol and he lives through us trying to put a ball in a hundred times in a row before we have a stroke or heart attack or blow something out. 😂 you could get so in shape just doing that one drill and he lives through it
Mikan's skill set and moves became the template and the foundation of the Centers after him. He was influential in the careers of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain on a personal level, as explained by Russell , he encouraged them to pursue college ball and go pro.
@Ma1q444 you mean the 70s right. That even julius couldn't save or kareem and pete maravich and dave cowens and wes unseld and adrian dantley and moses malone and micheal ray richardson and jerry west and elvin hayes.
I remember Bill Russell telling a story about how he met Big George at the 50 greatest NBA players during the 50th anniversary ceremony and Russell was next to Mikan who was sandwiched in between Bill and Wilt - and Russell told Mikan that he was the reason he got into basketball and how he looked up to him and Wilt turned and said that he felt the exact same way. For THOSE two guys to be in awe of the man speaks volumes. And go back and watch his highlights - the man was years ahead of his time with a beautiful hook shot and even a one leg fade away jumper - and he was not afraid to use his size to great advantage, but he never played dirty. He could have grown up and developed as a player in any era and been great. The first ambassador of the game who was always out there promoting the game and always took out the time to sign autographs and talk to his fans and always had a smile on his face for them. By all accounts he was a very nice family man - and actually a really funny dude. Pure legend.
Wow. A true pioneer!
He was the game's original NBA Superstar, plus he (along with Oklahoma State's 7-foot center Bob Kurland) helped open the doors for the big men (Russell, Wilt, Thurmond, Jabbar, Shaq etc...) to play the game too.
The Mikan drill created Kareem lol and he lives through us trying to put a ball in a hundred times in a row before we have a stroke or heart attack or blow something out. 😂 you could get so in shape just doing that one drill and he lives through it
MIKAN JE LEGENDA!
Mikan underated
Mikan vs Chamberlain/Russell?
Wilt was different
Mikan was the template for "Centers/Bigs" , he was like Version 1.0 ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
Mikan's skill set and moves became the template and the foundation of the Centers after him. He was influential in the careers of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain on a personal level, as explained by Russell , he encouraged them to pursue college ball and go pro.
And they left TMAC out? Who makes these lists?
There wouldn't be a Tracy McGrady without George Mikan. The NBA wouldn't be what it is today without Mikan
@@apierre6the nba was going to die bird and magic saved it, mikan didn’t.
They left out the guy that never passed 1st round in playoffs!? Outrageous!
@Ma1q444 you mean the 70s right. That even julius couldn't save or kareem and pete maravich and dave cowens and wes unseld and adrian dantley and moses malone and micheal ray richardson and jerry west and elvin hayes.
@@Ma1q444 its not just the on court impact. mikan played a part in a lot of the rule changes that allowed guys like bird and magic to flourish