"George F. McGinnis was a renowned American professional basketball player who enjoyed a successful 11-season career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). Before turning pro, he showcased his talent at Indiana University, earning All-American recognition. McGinnis's professional journey began with the Indiana Pacers in the ABA, where he clinched three ABA All-Star titles and was honored as the ABA Most Valuable Player in 1975, contributing significantly to the team's two ABA championships. His NBA journey with the Philadelphia 76ers led him to achieve three NBA All-Star titles. His legacy is cemented through his inclusion in the ABA All-Time Team and induction into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame."
August 12, 1950: Birth of George McGinnis
George F. McGinnis was born on August 12, 1950, in Harpersville, Alabama.
1969: McGinnis Leads Washington High School to State Championship
George McGinnis and teammate Steve Downing led Washington High School to an undefeated 31-0 record and a state championship in 1969. McGinnis also set a state tournament scoring record and was named Mr. Basketball for Indiana.
1970: McGinnis Makes History as a Sophomore
In the 1970-1971 season at Indiana University Bloomington, George McGinnis became the first sophomore to lead the Big Ten in both scoring and rebounding.
1971: McGinnis Earns All-American and All-Big Ten Honors
During his sole season with the Hoosiers, George McGinnis averaged 29.9 points per game, earning him All-American and All-Big Ten Honors in 1971.
1971: McGinnis Earns All-American Honors
In 1971, George McGinnis received All-American honors for his outstanding performance playing college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers.
1973: McGinnis Named ABA Playoffs MVP
In 1973, while playing for the Indiana Pacers, George McGinnis was named the ABA Playoffs MVP. He helped lead the team to their second consecutive championship that year.
1973: 76ers Draft McGinnis
The Philadelphia 76ers selected George McGinnis as the 22nd overall pick in the second round of the 1973 NBA draft.
October 1974: 76ers Attempt to Trade McGinnis' Rights
In October 1974, the Philadelphia 76ers attempted to trade George McGinnis' draft rights to the New York Knicks, but the deal fell apart when McGinnis opted to stay with the Pacers.
1974: McGinnis Achieves Career-High Season
George McGinnis had his best season in 1974-1975, during which he achieved a career-high 29.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. This performance earned him ABA MVP honors.
April 12, 1975: McGinnis Achieves Historic Triple-Double
On April 12, 1975, during Game 4 of the ABA Western Division Semifinals, George McGinnis recorded the first 50+ point triple-double in NBA/ABA playoff history. He achieved this feat while playing for the Indiana Pacers against the San Antonio Spurs.
May 23, 1975: McGinnis Seeks Injunction Against NBA
On May 23, 1975, George McGinnis sought a preliminary injunction and restraining order against the NBA to negotiate with any of the league's teams.
July 10, 1975: McGinnis Signs with Philadelphia 76ers
George McGinnis signed a six-year, $3.2 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 10, 1975, after a contract with the New York Knicks was disapproved by NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien.
1975: McGinnis Named ABA MVP
George McGinnis was named the ABA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975 while playing for the Indiana Pacers.
1975: McGinnis Sets Playoff Records
In 1975, George McGinnis became the first player in NBA/ABA history to record over 200 points, 100 rebounds, and 50 assists in a single playoff series. He accomplished this feat twice consecutively. McGinnis also became the first player to lead the playoffs in total points (581), total rebounds (286), and total assists (148).
1976: Knicks Forfeit Draft Pick
The New York Knicks had to forfeit their first-round pick in the 1976 NBA draft as a penalty for their contract dispute with George McGinnis.
1976: McGinnis Marries Lynda Dotson
George McGinnis married Lynda Dotson in 1976.
1976: McGinnis Makes All-NBA First Team
George McGinnis was named to the All-NBA First Team in his debut season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976.
1977: 76ers Reach NBA Finals
The Philadelphia 76ers, with the help of George McGinnis, reached the NBA Finals in 1977. However, they lost the championship series to the Portland Trail Blazers in six games.
1978: Nuggets Acquire McGinnis
The Denver Nuggets traded Bobby Jones to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for George McGinnis in 1978.
January 9, 1980: McGinnis Scores Career-High in NBA
George McGinnis achieved his NBA career-high score of 43 points, alongside 12 rebounds, on January 9, 1980, while playing for the Denver Nuggets against the Houston Rockets.
1980: Pacers Reacquire McGinnis
The Indiana Pacers traded away young forward Alex English to the Denver Nuggets to reacquire George McGinnis, who had previously played for the team in the ABA.
1981: Pacers' Playoff Loss and McGinnis' Declining Performance
George McGinnis was unable to prevent the Indiana Pacers from being eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1981 NBA Playoffs. McGinnis' performance had declined, and he only scored ten points in the two-game series.
April 1, 2017: McGinnis Elected to Hall of Fame
On April 1, 2017, George McGinnis was announced as an inductee to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2017: Westbrook Matches McGinnis' Historic Feat
In 2017, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder matched George McGinnis' 1975 record of achieving a 50+ point triple-double in an NBA/ABA playoff game.
2019: Death of Lynda Dotson
Lynda Dotson, George McGinnis' wife, passed away in 2019.
2022: Antetokounmpo Matches McGinnis' Record
In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks became the second player in NBA/ABA history to record over 200 points, over 100 rebounds, and over 50 assists in a single playoff series, matching a feat originally achieved by George McGinnis.
December 14, 2023: Death of George McGinnis
George McGinnis passed away on December 14, 2023.
2023: Jokic Matches McGinnis' Record
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets became the second player in NBA/ABA history to lead the playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists, matching the accomplishment of George McGinnis in 1975.