Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Mike Glenn was a reliable NBA shooting guard and small forward whose efficient scoring, perimeter shooting, and steady veteran play benefited the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks during the 1970s and 1980s. His complementary wing archetype, polished mid-range offense, and dependable secondary scoring made him a valuable contributor on playoff-caliber teams.

Here is the detailed profile of Mike Glenn:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Michael Theodore Glenn
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on September 10, 1955
  • Hometown: Rome, Georgia, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)
  • Weight: 175 pounds (79 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 3 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 12 (US)
  • Number: 10, 14
  • Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
  • High School: Coosa High School (Rome, Georgia)
  • College: Southern Illinois University (1973–1977)
  • NBA Draft: 1977, 2nd round, 23rd overall pick by the Chicago Bulls
  • Teams Played For:
    • Buffalo Braves (1977–1978)
    • New York Knicks (1978–1979)
    • Atlanta Hawks (1979–1984)
    • Milwaukee Bucks (1985)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Information about his children is not widely publicized
  • Siblings: Information about his siblings is not widely available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Mike Glenn’s player archetype was that of a scoring combo guard, a compact backcourt weapon who could handle either guard spot while bringing efficient offense and steady perimeter play. Defensively, he fit best as a point-of-attack and backcourt defender rather than a switch-heavy stopper, while offensively he operated as a shot-making guard who could score within the flow, play on or off the ball, and add secondary playmaking. At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Glenn relied more on quickness, balance, and skill than size, and his overall play style leaned toward smart, controlled guard play built on scoring touch, clean decision-making, and dependable all-around backcourt production. (NBA)

Scouting Report

Mike Glenn always looked like a scorer who preferred to attack the spaces a defence accidentally created rather than forcing openings that weren’t there. He had a smooth offensive rhythm, catching the ball ready to shoot, using one or two controlled dribbles to reach his spots and playing with the kind of balance that made contested mid-range jumpers feel less rushed than they should have. The interesting thing is that he didn’t rely on explosive separation. Instead, he used subtle hesitations, changes of pace and intelligent cuts off the ball to arrive where the defence was weakest. When he came off pin-downs or curled toward the foul line, he flowed naturally into his jumper without wasting motion, and if defenders chased too aggressively, he was capable of putting the ball on the floor for a straight-line drive before the help defence fully settled. He wasn’t a primary initiator who consistently manipulated weak-side defenders out of pick-and-rolls, though. The trade-off was that his passing generally came after his scoring options had been exhausted rather than before, making him more of a finisher than an offensive organiser. Defensively, he competed with discipline, staying connected through off-ball actions and showing enough awareness to rotate toward the nail before recovering to shooters, but bigger, stronger wings could gradually move him off preferred defensive angles and limit his effectiveness around the glass. That’s why his best fit is beside a playmaking guard who attracts extra attention, allowing Glenn to spend more possessions attacking tilted defences instead of creating them himself. It’s easy to overlook how efficient that role can be because players like him rarely dominate the ball, yet they punish every defensive mistake with quick decisions and clean shot preparation. To me, his offensive style shares similarities with Phil Smith in the way he scored within the flow of an offence, while there are also flashes of Mike Mitchell’s smooth pull-up game, albeit without the same physical strength and isolation emphasis.

Sources:

NBA.com — Mike Glenn | Guard | Atlanta Hawks
Southern Illinois University Athletics — Mike Glenn (1983) – Saluki Hall of Fame
The Draft Review — Mike Glenn
West Kentucky Star — SIU retires jersey of Mike Glenn