American · Hillister, Texas · Born 25 October 1939American basketball center who starred in both NBA and ABA, winning 1971 ABA Championship and Finals MVP with Utah Stars before Hall of Fame induction.
Zelmo Beaty was born in Hillister, Texas in 1939 and attended Prairie View A&M University — a historically Black institution. St. Louis Hawks selected him third overall in the 1962 NBA Draft. His combined NBA and ABA career produced 16.0 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team selection. He was one of the most physically dominant centers in the NBA before leaving for the ABA in 1970. His ABA career with the Utah Stars was productive — he was named to multiple ABA All-Star games and won the ABA championship in 1971. His career bridged the two leagues' coexistence and is representative of many players of the era who had to choose between the established NBA and the upstart ABA — often choosing the ABA for better contracts. He returned to the NBA after the leagues merged but his professional prime had passed.
Dominant center in NBA and ABA, exceptional shot-blocking
How They Played
Defensive anchor with strong rebounding and shot-blocking
Lasting Impact
Pioneer who helped legitimize ABA, one of best centers of 1960s
Career Honours
- All-Star 4x
- All-NBA Second Team 2x
- ABA All-Star
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks | 1962–1969 | 526 |
| Utah Stars | 1970–1974 | 288 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 1974–1975 | 39 |
American Athletes