George Mikan Dynasty Era (1950-1954)

Lore & Background

Mikan was so dominant that he prompted several significant rule changes in the NBA, including the introduction of the goaltending rule, the widening of the foul lane—known as the "Mikan Rule"—and the creation of the shot clock. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 and named to the 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th NBA anniversary teams.

Reader's Guide

Mikan played for the Minneapolis Lakers from 1947 to 1954 and again in 1956. During his tenure, the Lakers won NBL titles in 1947 and 1948, the BAA title in 1949, and NBA championships in 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. He led the league in scoring multiple times and was named an All-Star in the first four NBA All-Star games.

Did You Know?

• Mikan wore thick, round spectacles during his playing career.
• He used the underhanded free-throw shooting technique long before Rick Barry made it his signature shot.
• Mikan was one of the founders of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and served as its commissioner.
• He was instrumental in forming the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves expansion team.