American · Oakland, California · Born 9 July 1922American basketball forward known as 'The Kangaroo Kid' for his exceptional leaping ability and key role in Minneapolis Lakers' early NBA dynasty.
James Clifford Pollard was born in Oakland, California in 1922. Minneapolis Lakers signed him in 1947 and he spent his entire eight-season career as a cornerstone of the dynasty. He won five NBA championships (1949 BAA, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954) alongside George Mikan. He was selected to four All-Star games and named All-NBA Second Team three times. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. His leaping ability — which earned him the nickname the Kangaroo Kid years before Billy Cunningham adopted a similar moniker — was the first truly athletic dimension introduced to professional basketball. He could leap over defenders and shoot over taller opponents in an era when such athleticism was essentially unknown. His combination with George Mikan was basketball's first great inside-outside partnership. He averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in an era when scoring was systematically lower. His coaching contribution after his playing career added another dimension to a basketball life that spanned three decades.
High-scoring forward and key member of Minneapolis Lakers dynasty
How They Played
Versatile forward with strong scoring ability and rebounding skills
Lasting Impact
One of the first great forwards in professional basketball, helped establish Lakers as dominant franchise
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 5x (1950,1952,1953,1954)
- All-Star 4x
- All-NBA Second Team 3x
- Hall of Fame (1978)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Lakers | 1947–1955 | 497 |
American Athletes