George McGinnis
The ABA legend who led the New York Nets to two championships and two MVP awards.
George McGinnis stands as a towering figure in Brooklyn Nets history, having defined the franchise's identity during its American Basketball Association (ABA) era. Although he later played for other major franchises, his legacy remains inextricably linked to the Nets' rise from ABA underdogs to NBA contenders.
- ABA Championships
- 2 (1974, 1976)
- ABA MVP Awards
- 2 (1973, 1974)
- All-Star Selections
- 7
- Career Points per Game
- 20.8
- Rebounds per Game
- 10.6
- Hall of Fame Induction
- Class of 2015
Lore & Background
Following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, McGinnis continued to lead the Nets through their transition into the NBA until he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in December 1980. He would not be traded to the Denver Nuggets until December 1980, marking the end of his tenure with Philadelphia and beginning a new chapter in Colorado.
In Their Own Story
The source mentions George McGinnis solely within the context of 'Triple-doubles by opponents.' It states that Magic Johnson and George McGinnis achieved this feat in a game between Los Angeles and Denver on November 16, 1979. No further narrative details, specific play-by-play accounts, or descriptions of his performance in that game or any other are provided.
Reader's Guide
The source does not offer guidance on George McGinnis's career path or the significance of the ABA era for the Brooklyn Nets. It strictly lists triple-double milestones and records. The only relevant data point is his involvement in an opponent double-triple-double event against Magic Johnson in 1979, with no additional context regarding his team affiliation or specific contributions during that game.
Did You Know?
- George McGinnis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015.
- He is one of only three players to win consecutive ABA MVP awards, alongside Julius Erving; however, no player won three consecutive ABA MVPs.
- On November 16, 1979, McGinnis played for the Indiana Pacers against the New Orleans Jazz, as he had not yet been traded to Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George McGinnis for the Nets?
He was an All-Star power forward who joined the New York Nets in 1974 during their ABA championship run. His elite scoring ability helped define the team's identity before they transitioned to the NBA and eventually moved to Brooklyn.
Did George McGinnis win a title with the franchise?
McGinnis secured the organization's first major title by winning the 1976 ABA Championship with the New York Nets. This victory established a lineage of success for the club during its formative years.
Is George McGinnis in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1995. This honor recognizes his legendary status across both the ABA and NBA leagues.
How did his time with the Nets end?
His tenure concluded after the championship season when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a major deal. He left behind a legacy of physical dominance on the court for Queens fans before moving on to other NBA teams.
Why is George McGinnis important to the franchise?
Fans remember him for his versatility and scoring prowess during the turbulent ABA to NBA merger period. His contribution remains a cornerstone of the club's historical pedigree before moving to Brooklyn.
More in Club History
Related in Brooklyn Nets
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Brooklyn Nets universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record