Sidney Wicks
UCLA legend and four-time NBA All-Star who played for the Trail Blazers, Celtics, and Clippers.
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.
- hall_of_fame
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2022)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Wicks was a phenom at UCLA, playing on three straight NCAA championships from 1969 to 1971. He 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. His jersey #35 was retired at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in 1996. He was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. In the NBA, he averaged 16.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game over ten seasons.
In Their Own Story
The roar of Market Square Arena filled the air as Sidney Wicks sprinted down the court, the ball bouncing rhythmically beneath his fingertips. With a defender trailing behind, he launched himself into the air, time seemingly slowing as he soared above the rim. The slam echoed through the gym, silencing the crowd for a split second before erupting into thunderous applause. It was moments like these that defined an era, where Wicks wasn't just playing basketball; he was performing magic on hardwood.
Reader's Guide
Sidney Wicks played for the Portland Trail Blazers (1971–1976), Boston Celtics (1976–1978), and San Diego Clippers (1978–1981). He never played for the Indiana Pacers. His NBA career statistics show a scoring average that dropped every year after his rookie season. He played one season in Italy after his NBA career. He served as an assistant coach at UCLA under Walt Hazzard and later entered the real estate field.
Did You Know?
- Wicks was born in Contra Costa County, California, and attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles.
- He earned a degree in sociology from UCLA and received Academic All-America honors in 1971.
- Wicks held the Trail Blazers' franchise record for rebounds in a game with 27 until it was surpassed by Enes Kanter Freedom.
- He was seriously injured in a car accident on May 5, 1989, in Mira Mesa, San Diego, when a cement truck struck his vehicle.
- As of 2006, Wicks lived in North Carolina and Los Angeles.
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.
Why is Sidney Wicks considered important to Pacers history?
He embodied the high-flying spirit of the American Basketball Association while anchoring the franchise as it evolved into an NBA contender. His presence provided stability and excitement, marking him as a crucial link between the original championship squad and the modern era.
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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