George McGinnis
A dynamic scorer who bridged the ABA-NBA gap with the Sixers from 1975 to 1978.
George McGinnis joined the Philadelphia 76ers in July 1975 after a complex legal battle involving the New York Knicks. Though the 76ers held his NBA rights after selecting him as the 22nd overall pick in the second round of the 1973 NBA draft, McGinnis was already under contract with the Indiana Pacers of the ABA at the time. He signed a six-year, $3.2 million guaranteed contract with Philadelphia on July 10, 1975. During his three seasons there, he earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 1976 and was selected to two NBA All-Star games. McGinnis played alongside fellow ABA alumni Julius Erving and Caldwell Jones, helping the team reach the 1977 NBA Finals.
- Draft Status
- 22nd overall pick in the second round of the 1973 NBA draft (NBA rights held by 76ers; McGinnis was already under contract with the ABA's Indiana Pacers)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
McGinnis's arrival in Philadelphia followed a dramatic saga. In October 1974, the 76ers attempted to trade his rights to the New York Knicks, but McGinnis chose to remain with Indiana. After signing a $2.4 million deal with the Knicks in May 1975, NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien disapproved it days later, forcing a return to negotiations. The resulting six-year, $3.2 million contract with the 76ers was groundbreaking for its no-cut, no-trade, and no-option clauses. Once on the court, McGinnis faced immense pressure; he noted that "most of white America thought of us as a bunch of bigmouth, cocky, high-priced niggers." Despite this, his partnership with Julius Erving created a formidable duo. In the 1976 playoffs, McGinnis scored 34 points in one game during a series loss to the Buffalo Braves.
In Their Own Story
The 1977 NBA Finals tested McGinnis's resilience and skill. He helped propel the 76ers past deep playoff hurdles, averaging 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. However, a severe groin pull struck during the series against the Portland Trail Blazers. To continue playing, he required cortisone and xylocaine shots to numb his left leg from hip to knee, which significantly affected his jumping ability. In Game 6, he scored 28 points but missed a crucial shot at the end of a close contest that saw the Trail Blazers clinch the championship. Defending himself against criticism, McGinnis admitted he had "played poorly the whole series" due to the injury, yet his willingness to endure pain underscored his commitment to the team's push for the title.
Reader's Guide
Fans should understand that McGinnis's tenure in Philadelphia was a brief but pivotal chapter defined by both high achievement and physical adversity. His time there began with a massive contract negotiation that challenged league norms, resulting in historic guarantees. On the court, he served as a key support to Julius Erving, though his role shifted under injury duress during the 1977 Finals. McGinnis made the All-NBA First Team in his debut season (1976) but was traded at the end of the 1977–78 season due to practice habits and a desire by management to move on. His legacy with the Sixers includes two All-Star selections and a Finals appearance, marking him as one of the few players to successfully transition from ABA stardom to an NBA contender.
Did You Know?
- McGinnis signed a six-year, $3.2 million contract with the 76ers that included no-cut, no-trade, and no-option clauses.
- He was involved in a legal dispute where he sought an injunction against the NBA to negotiate with any team before ultimately signing with the 76ers.
- During the 1977 NBA Finals, McGinnis received cortisone and xylocaine shots to numb his leg from hip to knee due to a severe groin pull.
- He scored an NBA career-high of 43 points on January 9, 1980, while playing for the Denver Nuggets, though he previously scored 58 in the ABA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George McGinnis in the context of Philadelphia 76ers history?
He was a dynamic forward who played for the franchise from 1975 to 1978 after transferring from the Indiana Pacers. Known for bridging the gap between the ABA and NBA, he became a key part of the team's transition era roster.
How did George McGinnis eventually join the Philadelphia 76ers?
Although drafted by Philadelphia in 1973, he remained with Indiana until resolving a legal dispute involving his contract rights. He officially signed a six-year deal with the Sixers on July 10, 1975, following a buyout process.
What were George McGinnis's major achievements during his time in Philadelphia?
During his three seasons in town, he earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1976 and was selected to two NBA All-Star games. His scoring prowess included a career-high 43 points in a single game against the Houston Rockets.
Which notable teammates did George McGinnis play alongside on the Sixers?
He formed a formidable frontcourt unit with fellow ABA alumni Julius Erving and Caldwell Jones. This trio helped establish Philadelphia as a competitive force during the mid-1970s.
What position did George McGinnis play for the franchise?
McGinnis operated primarily as a small forward or power forward, utilizing his size and skill to score and rebound effectively. His versatility allowed him to adapt quickly to the NBA style of play after arriving from the Pacers.
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