Slater Martin
The shortest player who anchored the first great NBA dynasty and won five championships.
Slater Nelson "Dugie" Martin Jr. (October 22, 1925 – October 18, 2012) was an American professional basketball player and coach who was a playmaking guard for 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A seven-time NBA All-Star, he won five championships. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Role
- Point Guard
- Franchise Era
- Minneapolis Lakers (1949–1956)
- Championships
- 4 (1950, 1952, 1953, 1954)
- All-Star Selections
- 7
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Martin was born on October 22, 1925, in Elmina, Walker County, Texas. His father gave him the nickname "Dugan" after a character in the Maggie and Jiggs comic strip; Martin did not realize his name was actually Slater for years. The nickname became "Dugie" when he went to Minneapolis to play for the Lakers. His grandmother got him interested in basketball and conducted review sessions after his high school games. He led Jefferson Davis High School to two state championships in 1942 and 1943, earning All-State honors both years. He played college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin, serving in the Navy during World War II. He was a three-time All-American and set UT and Southwest Conference scoring records. Martin was selected in the third round of the 1949 BAA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers. He played for the Lakers from 1949 to 1956, winning four NBA championships, and was traded to the St. Louis Hawks in 1956, winning a fifth championship in 1958. He retired in 1960 as the oldest and smallest player in the NBA and the last active player from the Lakers' early-1950s championship teams.
In Their Own Story
The 1950 NBA Finals against the Syracuse Nationals ended in victory for Minneapolis, but the celebration was short-lived. The team immediately embarked on a 20-game barnstorming tour across the country to capitalize on their championship status. Martin, however, chose not to join the road trip; as a married man, he returned directly to Texas while his teammates traveled. This decision highlighted the personal sacrifices and distinct priorities of the era's stars. Years later, during the 1959 Western Division Finals, Martin faced a career-altering moment when Laker Ed Fleming collided with him in what Hawks claimed were football-like tactics involving tripping and an elbow. Former Lakers coach John Kundla, still leading Minneapolis at the time, defended his former player, stating the injury was unintentional and that Slater was "one of the finest guys I know." Despite the injury sidelining Martin for the rest of the series, the incident underscored his reputation as a tough competitor who often drew the league's most aggressive defenders.
Reader's Guide
Martin was one of the NBA's best defensive players in the 1950s, often the shortest player in the league, typically assigned to guard the other team's best guard. The Naismith Hall of Fame describes him as a forerunner of the modern point guard. He was the first NBA player to be on five championship teams. Over his career, he scored 7,337 points in 745 games (9.8 points per game), with 3,160 assists and 2,302 rebounds. He was in the NBA top 10 in assists six times. He was a seven-time All-Star and four-time second-team All-NBA. He held out each season with the Lakers due to salary disputes. He was team captain of the Hawks. His final NBA game came in Game 5 against the Minneapolis Lakers on March 22, 1960.
Did You Know?
- Martin was the first NBA player to win five championships.
- He was at times the shortest player in the league.
- He was the only defender who posed a problem to Bob Cousy.
- He held a 311-consecutive-game playing streak for the Lakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Slater Martin and what was his role with the franchise?
Slater Martin served as the starting point guard for the Minneapolis Lakers from 1949 to 1956, acting as the floor general who guided the team through their transition from the NBL to the NBA. He secured five championships during this era, earned seven All-Star selections, and led the league in steals four times.
Why is Slater Martin considered essential to Lakers history despite never playing in Los Angeles?
Martin's time with the Minneapolis franchise created the winning culture and organizational foundation that carried over when the team relocated to California. As the engine behind George Mikan's dominance, his leadership and clutch play were vital in building the five-time championship dynasty that launched the Lakers' legendary status.
What made Slater Martin so effective on the court?
Martin was renowned for his tenacious defense, sharp ball-handling, and ability to deliver clutch shots under pressure. His playmaking stabilized the offense around center George Mikan, allowing the Lakers to dominate their opponents and secure multiple titles in the early NBA era.
How many championships and All-Star appearances did Slater Martin achieve?
Martin won five NBA championships with the Minneapolis Lakers in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. His excellence on the court also earned him seven consecutive All-Star selections during his tenure with the franchise.
Did Slater Martin lead the league in steals?
Yes, Martin was a defensive force who topped the NBA steal leaders list four separate times during his career. His ability to disrupt opponents complemented his playmaking duties and solidified his reputation as one of the most complete point guards of his generation.
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