Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about George Kaftan, a former professional basketball player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: George A. Kaftan
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on February 22, 1928 (passed away on October 6, 2018, at the age of 90)
  • Hometown: New York City, New York, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
  • Weight: 190 pounds (86 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 4 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 13 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 7, 18, 22, and 24
  • Position: Forward
  • High School: Xavier High School in New York City, New York
  • College: College of the Holy Cross (1945–1949)
  • NBA Draft: Drafted in 1949 by the Boston Celtics
  • Teams Played For:
    • Boston Celtics (1949–1950)
    • New York Knicks (1950–1952)
    • Baltimore Bullets (1952–1953)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

George Kaftan’s player archetype was that of an undersized but highly skilled forward who functioned like a smart, scoring frontcourt connector, blending touch, feel, and toughness rather than relying on overwhelming size. Defensively, he fit as a positional team defender more than a pure stopper, using instincts and competitiveness to hold up around the interior despite standing 6-foot-3 in an era when he often played up front. Offensively, he brought real value as a scoring-minded forward with polished fundamentals, capable of finishing, working in close, and contributing as a reliable half-court piece instead of just a hustle specialist. His physical traits were modest by pro frontcourt standards, but his strength, balance, and basketball IQ helped shape a play style that was crafty, disciplined, and productive, which matched both his decorated Holy Cross career and his early pro years. (NBA)

Sources:

Holy Cross Athletics — Holy Cross Mourns the Loss of George Kaftan
Sports Reference — George Kaftan College Stats
NBA.com — George Kaftan | Forward | New York Knicks
StatMuse — George Kaftan – New York Knicks Small Forward