Last Updated on July 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Long before point forwards became fashionable, George McGinnis was grabbing a defensive rebound and leading the break himself, overpowering smaller defenders while still spotting teammates when the defense collapsed. An American forward who starred in both the ABA and NBA, McGinnis built his career on bruising drives, relentless rebounding, confident shot creation, and an attacking style that constantly forced opponents to adjust their matchups.

Here’s the detailed information about George McGinnis:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: George F. McGinnis
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born August 12, 1950
  • Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Height: 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m)
  • Weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet (2.13 m)
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 30 and 35 during his career
  • Position: Power forward / Small forward
  • High School: George Washington High School (Indianapolis, Indiana)
  • College: Indiana University (1970–1971)
  • NBA/ABA Draft:
    • ABA: 1971 by the Indiana Pacers
    • NBA: 1973, Round 2, Pick 22 by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Indiana Pacers (ABA: 1971–1975, NBA: 1980–1982)
    2. Philadelphia 76ers (1975–1978)
    3. Denver Nuggets (1978–1980)
  • Championship Rings: 2 (ABA Championships with the Indiana Pacers in 1972 and 1973)
  • Kids: Has children, though specific details are not widely disclosed
  • Siblings: Not publicly disclosed

Player Archetype / Play Style

George McGinnis’s player archetype was that of a powerful point-forward style scorer, a big wing-forward hybrid who could bully defenders inside, rip down rebounds, and still initiate offense with sharp passing. Defensively, he was more of a physical, activity-based forward than a pure stopper, using his strength, length, and mobility to battle on the glass, disrupt plays, and hold his own across the frontcourt. Offensively, he operated as a forceful interior scorer and transition weapon, but what made him unusual for his era was how comfortably he handled the ball and created for teammates. At roughly 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, McGinnis paired long strides, upper-body power, and uncommon agility with a one-handed jumper that helped define his game. His play style blended bruising power with surprising finesse, making him an ahead-of-his-time offensive hub who could score, rebound, pass, and push the pace in ways few forwards of the 1970s could match. (The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame)

Fun Facts

  • George McGinnis was a dominant force in both the ABA and NBA, known for his scoring, rebounding, and physical style of play.
  • He won the ABA MVP in 1975 and was a 6-time All-Star (3 in the ABA, 3 in the NBA).
  • McGinnis led the Indiana Pacers to two ABA Championships and was a key figure in the league’s history.
  • In college, he was a standout player at Indiana University, where he averaged an incredible 29.9 points and 14.7 rebounds in his lone season.
  • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
  • Post-retirement, McGinnis has been involved in community work and basketball events in Indianapolis.

Sources:
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — George McGinnis
Indiana Pacers — Pacers Legend George McGinnis Has Passed Away
Indiana Pacers — At the Top of his Career, McGinnis Remained Down to Earth
AP News — NBA All-Star George McGinnis dies at 73 after complications from a cardiac arrest