Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about George Mikan:

Full Name: George Lawrence Mikan Jr.
Nationality: American (Joliet, Illinois)
Age: Born June 18, 1924 – Passed away on June 1, 2005, at the age of 80
Hometown: Joliet, Illinois, USA
Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight: 245 lbs (111 kg)
Wingspan: 7 ft 1 in (2.15m)
Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
Number: Wore #99 during his career
Position: Center
High School:

  • Quigley Preparatory Seminary (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Joliet Catholic High School (Joliet, Illinois)

College:

  • DePaul University (1942–1946)
    • Led DePaul to the NIT Championship in 1945
    • Twice named Consensus First-Team All-American (1945, 1946)

Teams Played For:

  • Chicago American Gears (1946–1947, NBL)
  • Minneapolis Lakers (1947–1956, BAA/NBA)

Career Highlights:

  • 5× NBA Champion (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954)
  • NBA All-Star Game MVP (1953)
  • 4× All-Star (1951–1954)
  • 6× All-BAA/NBA First Team (1949–1954)
  • 2× NBL MVP (1947, 1948)
  • NBA Scoring Champion (1949, 1950, 1951)
  • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 (as part of its inaugural class)

Career Statistics:

  • Averaged 23.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during his professional career.
  • Mikan’s dominant style of play led to rule changes, including the widening of the lane (known as the “Mikan Rule”) to 12 feet to reduce his impact near the basket.

Post-Playing Career:

  • After retiring, George Mikan worked as a lawyer and was involved in basketball administration.
  • He played a key role in the formation of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and served as its first commissioner from 1967–1969.
  • Mikan was instrumental in the merger of the ABA and NBA.

Championship Rings: 5 NBA Championships with the Minneapolis Lakers (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954), establishing the Lakers’ dynasty long before the team’s move to Los Angeles.
Kids: George Mikan had six children, including his son Larry Mikan, who briefly played professional basketball.
Siblings: George Mikan had a brother, Ed Mikan, who also played professional basketball in the NBA for a few seasons.