American · Indianapolis, Indiana · Born 12 August 1950Two-time ABA champion and a dominant force across both leagues — the most powerful forward of the mid-1970s.
George F. McGinnis was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1950. He left Indiana University after one season to sign with the Indiana Pacers of the ABA in 1971. His combined ABA and NBA career produced 20.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. He won two ABA championships with Indianapolis (1972, 1973) and two ABA MVP awards. He was selected to four All-Star games across both leagues. He moved to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975 and averaged 21.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game in his first NBA season. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team. His combination of physical strength — he was considered the most physically powerful forward in the game during his peak — with scoring ability, rebounding and passing made him genuinely imposing. His NBA career was disrupted by the arrival of Julius Erving at Philadelphia in 1976, which ultimately led to his trade. He is one of the most decorated players in Indiana Pacers franchise history and a significant figure in the ABA era that preceded the NBA merger. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Dominant forward who led Indiana Pacers to ABA championships and was two-time league MVP
How They Played
Powerful forward with strong rebounding, scoring ability, and physical presence in the paint
Lasting Impact
ABA legend who helped establish the league's credibility before successful NBA transition
Career Honours
- ABA Champion 2x (1972, 1973)
- ABA MVP 2x
- All-Star 4x
- All-NBA Second Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 1971–1975 | 306 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1975–1978 | 230 |
| Denver Nuggets | 1978–1980 | 113 |
American Athletes