Pacers Great George McGinnis Passes Away At 73

Pacers Great George McGinnis Passes Away At 73

There are only four Indiana Pacers players that have their jersey retired. Hall of Famer George McGinnis is one of those four. He passed away Thursday at the age of 73-years-old, the team announced. McGinnis has an amazing career as a basketball as he achieved success across his whole career and was a blessing to the state of Indiana throughout his life.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Hall of Famer George McGinnis.

"[George] was the very definition of an Indiana basketball legend, a champion, and Hall of Fame athlete. But he was more than that. George was family."https://t.co/EKs4rs4Ljb pic.twitter.com/UDPSl1fgm9

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 14, 2023

McGinnis had a terrific high school basketball career in Indiana before deciding to play at Indiana University. The talented big man led the Big Ten in points and rebounds as a sophomore. He averaged a magnificent 30 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. Next, McGinnis would play for his home state Indiana Pacers in 1971-72, but it was in the ABA.

He had a modest rookie year before truly breaking out in his sophomore season. McGinnis was a three-time All-Star and was Co-MVP with Julius Erving in the 1974-1975 season. He helped the Pacers win two ABA Championships in his three-year ABA career.

The next chapter of McGinnis’ basketball career was in the NBA. He spent his first three years on the Philadelphia 76ers and he was named an all-star twice. McGinnis would then play for the Denver before bringing it back home and finishing his career with the Indiana Pacers.

He had all-time performances in high school, college and as a professional. McGinnis is truly one of the legends when it comes to the game of basketball. Unfortunately, he passed away due to complications from cardiac arrest.

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Now, fans will have to look back on his excellent career. The Hall of Famer did a lot for the Pacers organization in both the ABA and NBA so it is good that his jersey will forever be in their rafters. George McGinnis was an Indiana legend who will always be remembered for the good he did on and off the court.

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