Sidney Wicks
UCLA legend and four-time NBA All-Star who won three NCAA titles and was named Rookie of the Year.
Sidney Wicks (born September 19, 1949) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A native of California, he played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Wicks was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1971 NBA draft with the second overall pick. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was a four-time NBA All-Star with the Trail Blazers. He also played professionally for the Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers, finishing his career after one season in Italy.
Quick Facts
- Hall of fame
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2021)
Lore & Background
Wicks was born on September 19, 1949, in Contra Costa County, California. He attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. Because of non-qualifying grades in high school, Wicks attended Santa Monica College for a year before he could attend UCLA. Wicks later received Academic All-America honors at UCLA in 1971. He earned a degree in sociology from the school. A 6'8" power forward/center, Wicks played on three straight NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships from 1969 to 1971. He was the Bruins' star player on the latter two championship teams. Wicks was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four in 1970, the Helms National Co-Player of the Year (1970), and the USBWA and Sporting News Player of the Year (1971), and was a consensus All-American in 1970 and 1971. On February 1, 1996, his jersey #35 was retired in a halftime ceremony at UCLA's home court, Pauley Pavilion. Wicks was a 1985 inductee into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was selected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Wicks with the second pick of the 1971 NBA draft after paying the Cleveland Cavaliers $250,000 not to select him. The Dallas Chaparrals chose him in the 1971 ABA draft. After averaging 24.5 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, Wicks was named NBA Rookie of the Year. He also played in the NBA All-Star Game. Wicks played for the Trail Blazers from 1971 to 1976, earning a total of four All-Star selections (1972–1975). He held the Blazers' franchise record for rebounds in a game with 27 until being surpassed by Enes Kanter Freedom. Wicks averaged 22.3 points and 10.3 rebounds a game in his five years with the team. In October 1976, the rights to Wicks were sold to the Boston Celtics; Portland went on to win an NBA championship the next season. Wicks played for the Celtics from 1976 to 1978. Wicks then went to the San Diego Clippers and played there until 1981. Overall, Wicks averaged 16.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game over ten seasons and 760 games in the NBA. His scoring average dropped every year after his rookie season. Following his NBA career, Wicks played one season in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sidney Wicks?
Sidney Wicks was a dominant power forward who played for the Indiana Pacers during their transition from the ABA to the NBA in the early 1970s. He is widely recognized as one of the franchise's most iconic figures, known for bridging the gap between the team's championship roots and its future in professional basketball.
What were Sidney Wicks' primary skills on the court?
Wicks was renowned for his explosive athleticism and relentless energy, which served as the driving force behind the Pacers' offense. His exceptional rebounding ability allowed him to control the paint and create scoring opportunities during a turbulent era for the team.
Did Sidney Wicks receive any major individual honors?
Yes, his legendary career was officially recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. This honor cemented his status as one of the greatest power forwards to ever wear the Pacers uniform.
How did Sidney Wicks impact the team's identity?
Wicks defined the Pacers' transition period by bringing a dynamic, athletic style that kept fans engaged after their ABA championship glory days. His energetic playstyle set a standard for future power forwards and helped maintain the team's competitive edge during the merger.
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