George McGinnis

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

George McGinnis joined the Pacers in 1971 after a standout college career at Indiana University, where he became the first sophomore to lead the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding, averaging 29.9 points per game. In the ABA, he immediately became one of the marquee players, playing a key role on the Pacers' championship teams in each of his first two seasons. His best season came in 1974–75, when McGinnis scored a career-high 29.8 points and also recorded a career-high 6.3 assists per game en route to ABA MVP honors. In the 1975 ABA Playoffs, he nearly averaged a triple-double (32.3 points, 15.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 18 games), but the Pacers fell short of the title, losing to Kentucky in the ABA Finals. McGinnis recorded the first 50+ point triple-double in NBA/ABA Playoff history with 51 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists against the San Antonio Spurs on April 12, 1975. He also became the first player in NBA/ABA history to record 200+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 50+ assists in a single playoff series, which he accomplished twice in back-to-back series. McGinnis became the first player in NBA/ABA history to lead the playoffs in total points (581), total rebounds (286), and total assists (148). After the ABA-NBA merger, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets before returning to the Pacers for two final NBA seasons. His jersey number 30 was retired by the Pacers, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

In Their Own Story

The Market Square Arena crowd roared as McGinnis backed down his defender, the worn hardwood creaking under his weight. With a sudden pivot and a powerful two-hand jam, he silenced the Kentucky Colonels' bench. Later, in the locker room, he sat with ice packs strapped to his knees, grinning as teammates recounted his 30-point, 20-rebound masterpiece. 'This is what we do,' he said, his voice low and steady. 'For Indiana.'

Reader's Guide

George McGinnis defined the Pacers' ABA dynasty from 1971 to 1975. Playing as a power forward, he combined a bruising post game with exceptional ball-handling and court vision for his size. His greatest achievements include leading the Pacers to back-to-back ABA championships (1972, 1973), winning ABA Finals MVP in 1973, and earning the ABA MVP award in 1975. He was a three-time ABA All-Star and two-time All-ABA First Team selection. After the merger, McGinnis continued his career in the NBA, notably with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he made two NBA All-Star teams. He returned to the Pacers for the 1980–81 and 1981–82 seasons, providing veteran leadership. His legacy endures as one of the most dominant forwards of the ABA era, with his number 30 hanging in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. McGinnis was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing his place in Pacers lore.

Did You Know?

• McGinnis set an Indiana state tournament scoring record with 148 points in his final four games of high school.
• He was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Indiana in 1969.
• McGinnis became the first sophomore to lead the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding in the 1970–71 season.
• He recorded the first 50+ point triple-double in NBA/ABA Playoff history with 51 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists on April 12, 1975.
• McGinnis became the first player in NBA/ABA history to lead the playoffs in total points (581), total rebounds (286), and total assists (148).