” The first iconic interior in basketball history. Such was the description given by James Worthy in speaking of George Mikan whose jersey was retired on Sunday evening, on the occasion of the arrival of the Nuggets. The franchise’s first legend number 99 now occupies the heights of the Crypto.com Arena.
This ceremony was an opportunity to recall the prize list of this player who worked in the 1950s. Pioneer of the pivots, Hall of Famer and four times All-Star, he is a member of the list of the 75 greatest players of the story.
For the record, the Lakers won the very first NBA title, at the end of the 1949/50 season, then three of the following four trophies. The team was then led by the legendary interior, three times top scorer in the league. In six seasons in the Big League, and another in the BAA (ending with a title), “Mr. Basketball” had posted an average of 23 points and 13 rebounds in 439 games.
The next will be Pau Gasol
James Worthy, who recalled that he had been commissioner of the American Basket Association (ABA) in 1967, made particular reference to the ” mikan-drill “.
” Every basketball player knows this drill (shooting). I remember meeting George and he was like, ‘You really know how to use your left hand. And I said, ‘Of course, Mr. Mikan. I’ve been doing the ‘Mikan Drill’ all my life. He really had an impact on so many players “, explained the Hall of Famer.
” Shaquille O’Neal, who was very close to my father, told him, ‘Mr. Basketball, Number 99, without you I wouldn’t be here “, Completed Patrick Mikan, the son of the former legend, who died at the age of 80 in 2005. His father is the 11th player to see his jersey retired by the Lakers, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Jamaal Wilkes and James Worthy.
We recall that the Californians have planned to withdraw that of Pau Gasol next March.
Photo: DR / Sports News
