Dick McGuire

The premier guard of the 1950s who set a rookie assists record and earned seven All-Star selections with the Knicks.

Richard Joseph McGuire (January 26, 1926 – February 3, 2010) was an American professional basketball player and coach who defined the guard position in the 1950s. McGuire was a premier playmaker who led the league in assists during his rookie season with a then-record 386 assists and remained among the top ten in that category for ten of his eleven seasons. The Knicks retired his number 15 jersey in 1992, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

Quick Facts

Born: 25 January 1926
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died: 3 February 2010
Place of death: Huntington, New York, U.S.
High school: La Salle Academy (New York City, New York)
College: St. John's (1943–1944, 1946–1949); Dartmouth (1944)
Draft league: BAA
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

McGuire's career was marked by consistent excellence as a playmaker. As a rookie, he shattered expectations by leading the entire league in assists with 386, a then-record that highlighted his immediate impact on the game. For ten of his eleven seasons, he remained among the top ten assist leaders in the NBA, showcasing remarkable longevity and skill. His All-Star appearances spanned from 1951 through 1959, with only two gaps during his prime years, reflecting his status as one of the league's elite guards. In 1951 alone, he secured a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, cementing his reputation as a top-tier talent. Off the court and beyond playing, McGuire transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He served as the player-coach for the Detroit Pistons during his final season in 1959–60, continuing to coach them until 1963. He later returned to New York to lead the Knicks for three seasons starting in 1965, compiling a career coaching record of 197 wins and 260 losses. His family legacy in basketball is equally notable; his brother Al coached Marquette University to the 1977 NCAA championship, making them the only pair of brothers ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, his nephew Allie played in the NBA.

Reader's Guide

For fans looking to understand Dick McGuire's specific achievements, focus on his assist records and longevity. He led the NBA in assists as a rookie with exactly 386 assists, a record at the time. He maintained top-ten status for ten out of his eleven seasons, demonstrating consistent playmaking ability throughout the 1950s. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1951. His coaching tenure is also a key part of his biography. He began as a player-coach for the Pistons in 1959–60, coached Detroit until 1963, and then coached the Knicks from 1965 to 1968 (three seasons), finishing with a 197–260 record. The family connection is unique: he and his brother Al are the only brothers inducted into the Hall of Fame. Al's 1977 NCAA title with Marquette complements Dick's professional accolades. His nephew, Allie, also played in the NBA. McGuire's jersey number 15 was retired by the Knicks in 1992, joining Earl Monroe as the second recipient of this honor for that number.