George Mikan

George Lawrence Mikan Jr., nicknamed "Mr. Basketball," was an American professional basketball player who lived from June 18, 1924, to June 1, 2005. He played for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League (NBL) and for the Minneapolis Lakers across the NBL, the Basketball Association of America (BAA), and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 245 pounds, and invariably playing in thick, round spectacles, Mikan was one of the pioneers of professional basketball. Through his size and play he redefined a game then dominated by big men. His prolific rebounding, shot blocking, and ability to shoot over smaller defenders with his ambidextrous hook shot all helped change the sport. He also used the underhanded free-throw technique long before Rick Barry made it his signature shot.

Mikan won seven NBL, BAA, and NBA championships in nine seasons, along with an NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy and three scoring titles. He played in the first four NBA All-Star Games and was a member of the first six All-BAA and All-NBA Teams. He was so dominant that he prompted several significant rule changes in the NBA.