Nate Archibald

The first player to lead the NBA in both scoring and assists in the same season.

via Wikipedia: Nate Archibald · see source

Nathaniel "Tiny" Archibald (born September 2, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player. He spent 14 years playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA), most notably with the Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City–Omaha Kings and Boston Celtics. In 1991, he was enshrined into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Born: 2 September 1948
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
High school: DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, New York)
College: Arizona Western (1966–1967); UTEP (1967–1970)
Draft round: 2
Draft pick: 19
Drafted by: Cincinnati Royals
Career position: Point guard

Lore & Background

Archibald was a willing passer and an adequate shooter from midrange. However, it was his quickness, speed and shiftiness that made him difficult to guard in the open court, as he would regularly drive past defenders on his way to the basket. This versatility helped Archibald lead the NBA in scoring and assists in the same season (1972–73), making him the first of only two players in league history to achieve such a feat.

Reader's Guide

Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA draft (19th pick) by the Cincinnati Royals. He played for the Royals/Kings franchise from 1970 to 1976. He was traded to the New York Nets in 1976, then to the Buffalo Braves before the 1977–78 season, but tore his Achilles tendon and never played a regular-season game for the Braves. Buffalo traded him to the Boston Celtics as part of a seven-player deal before the start of the next season. He won his first and only NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in the 1980–81 season. After being waived by the Celtics, Archibald played the 1983–84 season with the Milwaukee Bucks; this was his final season.

Did You Know?

Archibald's scoring average of 34.0 points per game in 1972–73 broke the NBA record for a guard and, as of 2023, is still a record for point guards.
Archibald was named the Sporting News NBA MVP for the 1972–73 season.
Archibald was a seven-time NBA All-Star Game selection (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, and 1982).
Archibald was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.