Jim Pollard

The Kangaroo Kid: A leaping legend of the Minneapolis Lakers dynasty.

Jim Pollard (July 9, 1922 – January 22, 1993) was an American professional basketball player and coach. As a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Pollard was considered one of the best forwards in the 1950s and was known for his leaping ability, earning him the nickname 'The Kangaroo Kid'. A five-time NBA champion and four-time NBA All-Star, Pollard spent his entire eight-year professional career with the Minneapolis Lakers.

Quick Facts

Born: 9 July 1922
Birthplace: Oakland, California, U.S.
Died: 22 January 1993
Place of death: Stockton, California, U.S.
High school: Oakland Tech (Oakland, California)
College: Stanford (1940–1942)
Draft round: 7
Draft pick: 62

Lore & Background

Pollard attended Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, California, leading the basketball team to three consecutive conference titles from 1937–38 to 1939–40. He averaged 19.8 points per game in his senior year, setting a school record. He played college basketball at Stanford University for two seasons, helping the team win the 1942 national championship, though he did not play in the championship game due to illness. His college career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. After the war, he played amateur basketball for the San Diego Dons and Oakland Bittners, leading the AAU in scoring and earning MVP honors both years. He also played amateur baseball for Jordan, Minnesota's Town Team baseball club during his NBA career.

Reader's Guide

Pollard was renowned for his tremendous leaping ability, earning the nickname 'The Kangaroo Kid'. He could reportedly touch the top of the backboard, and was one of the few players in his era capable of dunking a basketball. He was also known for his corner jumpshot. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1949 and 1950, and Second Team in 1952 and 1954. After retiring as a player, he coached at La Salle University, then served as interim head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers in 1959–60, head coach of the Chicago Packers in 1961–62, and later coached the Minnesota Muskies and Miami Floridians in the ABA.

Did You Know?

Pollard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
He was a member of the Lakers' frontcourt alongside Hall of Famers George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, and Slater Martin.
He was selected as the best player of the era by the Basketball Association of America in 1952.