Nate Archibald, the one we nicknamed “Tiny” (tiny in French) because he was 1m83 tall, is the only one to date to have won the titles of best scorer and best passer in the same year! James Harden and Russell Westbrook have come close to emulating it in recent years, but they haven’t succeeded…
Originally from the Bronx, Nate Archibald is gifted for basketball but his size is a handicap. Despite the obstacles, he manages to get a place in a university and his career can finally start.
Drafted in 1970 by the Cincinnati Royals, he played under Bob Cousy and achieved a unique feat in his third season. A performance never equaled in the history of the NBA since he finished top scorer (34 points per game) and passer (11.4 assists per game) in the league.
Champion with Boston, All-Star Game MVP
But we especially know the Nate Archibald of the Celtics between 1978 and 1984, with whom he won the title in 1981. Alongside Larry Bird, Dave Cowens and Cedric Maxwell, he became the perfect leader for this constellation of stars.
Entering the Hall of Fame more than twenty years ago, Nate “Tiny” Archibald also made history, notably with an All-Star Game MVP trophy in 1981, when he was a substitute (like Glen Rice in 1997 ). To his credit also, three nominations in the best team of the season and six selections to the All Star Game.
Suffering from serious heart problems, he underwent a heart transplant in June 2018.
Matches : 876
Points : 16,481 (18.8 per game)
Bounces : 2,046 (2.3 per game)
passes decisive: 6,476 (7.4 per game)
Article originally published on September 2, 2019
