Does He Belong?...

[@jonnyarnett]

Mikan is a guy I’ve always had a hard time ranking when it comes to the Greatest Bigs… is he top 5 all time? Top 10, 20 or 50??

[@Hatedvarii]

Top 10

[@Abujabnil.1]

@@Hatedvariijust stop

[@Abujabnil.1]

Not even top 50 bro boi boi could beat him in his prime

[@Hatedvarii]

@@Abujabnil.1 😂bros at least top 10-15ish

[@elijahmorris9864]

To me he is one of the 20 most important players in NBA history. As far as Centers go he’s right up there with: Chamberlain, Russell, Jabber, Hakeem, and Shaq.

[@Nightwing6422489]

George Mikan’s contribution to the game is second to none. He is the George Washington of pro basketball. There are no Jordan drills, Kareem drills, or Kobe drills, but there are Mikan drills. These drills are done at all levels of basketball. His influence on the game will never die.

[@wizard1687]

Perfectly stated!

[@akeme25]

“The George Washington of pro basketball” could never be truer.

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

I hate to say it but the NBA screwed up, the regular season MVP title should be named after him who never had the opportunity to win it, like the Finals MVP title is named after Russell. I love MJ but I think that also for marketing reasons he had this honor, and that the most improved player award was named after Mikan, when as a rookie he won the NBL title and was also the best scorer in the league, it doesn't make much sense

[@bakasussy447]

​@@stevenmichienzi9833 I never thought about naming it for him, but that's a good idea.

[@baseupp12]

​@@stevenmichienzi9833Personally I feel Kareem should have the award named after him as he has the most MVPs like Bill has the most rings

[@JerKingg]

Shaquille O'Neal once said "without George Mikan there is no me." When he offered to pay for Mikan's funeral

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

💙 greats recognize other greats

[@shorteststraw417]

Like Shaq said "without no.99 there is no.34." Mikan is a pioneer of the fundamentals. The Mikan drill was utilized by Kareem to develop the Skyhook. His influence is still felt in every kid learning to play the game today.

[@DINGDONG12344]

It's so frustrating that people tend forget who was the 1st NBA superstar. If not for the players before, the NBA wouldn't be here today.

[@averyce2]

Since GM was 6'10", many people say his height was a huge advantage. That's really not the case; we need to also consider average height of players hasnt changed much in 70 years: 1952 - 6'4" 1992 - 6'6.5" 2022 - 6'6" George was just that damn good!!

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

if we talk about height, Mikan played against taller centers, Bob Kurland 7-0 (college), Don Otten 6-11, Arnie Risen 6-9, Elmore Morgenthaler 7-0, Ray Felix 6-11

[@devondawkins5492]

​@@stevenmichienzi9833and tbh the play style now is similar to the 50's & especially the 70's

[@RG-ct6qz]

Does this factor in the fact that the measurements were without shoes back then and with shoes now. I know there was at least a 1 inch discrepancy.

[@jaydlytning]

​@@RG-ct6qz It does not. Mikan would be billed as 6'11" or 7ft today.

[@johnthree1611]

The average height has been 6'6" since 1974, and 6'5" since 1955, nice try on making the numbers look much different.

[@HOGISIMJAYUN]

The thing is, newer players had the luxury of copying and improving or taking inspiration from the older generation players. Guys like George Mikan didn't have that. They solely need to rely on their sheer imagination and creativeness to be that good.

[@facelessandnameless]

Great point!

[@trackcoachmac]

Which is also a great argument as to Cousy's greatness!! I went back and watched some of his game film and was blown away by the no look passes and ballhandling, especially considering the rules in that day!

[@merckmaguddayao6814]

@@trackcoachmac imagine the Cooz playing in today's era, where lifting is tolerated and the gather step is not counted.

[@MrE_]

But doesn't this argument actually hurt Mikan's case? You're basically admitting that modern players are better but using the excuse that Mikan didn't have the same luxuries. In my opinion, whatever advantage you have is fair game, and we should just judge a player by how good they were. Not "good for their era" not "good if we ignore everything that makes modern players good"...

[@rocbot9479]

⁠​⁠@@MrE_This point is basically saying whoever has more skill is a better player. In this instance, mj wouldn’t even be top 10 all time, and the others like magic, Bird, wilt, Kareem would be lower because the “modern era is more skilled.” That’s not how it works

[@alibulushi]

As a lakers fan I have huge respect for George Mikan because he is the leader for the lakers first dynasty

[@ashamael]

When comparing shooting across eras, the best we can do is compare TS+ (True Shooting vs League Average). So in the 48-49 season, he had a TS+ of 127, which would have meant he as about the equivalent of Daniel Gafford last year, ie .739% true shooting, which would historically be the greatest shooting season ever had he (Gafford) made enough attempts to qualify. Career wise, Mikan's TS+ is 114, which in the modern era comes out to about .664, which is historically great. So, yeah, Mikan could shoot the shit out of the shot. (Wilt also has some absurd TS+ numbers through his career)

[@celtics17banners84]

I wish George played 1 decade later. Seeing him against Wilt and Bill Russell would give us a better idea how he stacks up

[@Abujabnil.1]

No he won’t he retired because of the shot clock rule why you think he could survive in the 60’s

[@lilfreddy5129]

@@Abujabnil.1he retired because of injuries

[@Abujabnil.1]

@@lilfreddy5129and also shot clock he even said it

[@onlyfacts3178]

he also played in a no SHOT CLOCK ERA...people dont understand how hard was to score points in that ERA...

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@Abujabnil.1 SHOT CLOCK RULE made players look worse...DO you understand what shot clock RULE was???

[@ScottieDPOYY]

Just saying "ambidextrous hook shot" made me respect him more, and I already respect the old days. Basically a large Kyrie Irving ya know?

[@kostastube2010]

Nope, Mikan was a leader and a winner.

[@ScottieDPOYY]

@@kostastube2010 Lucky for me, comparing them as ambidextrous super ballers has nothing to do with that

[@camaradiop3731]

"Ambidextrous hook shot" My man Ralph Sampson!!!!

[@aqua_serene]

Another thing is if you were to put Mikan in 2024, it's not like he would just continue to play 1950's basketball, he would adapt. Making him still an all time great. This is the mindset I believe we should use when comparing players from across different eras in general. How well could they adapt their game across the generations?

[@SmashixMetal4Evah]

Exactly! The top players of any era are the top players mostly not because of their physical gifts, but because they work hard and figure out how to win, no matter what the competition is.

[@RageManRegg]

Absolutely! He’s eighth on my personal top ten centers list. Modern hoops are not; 5 chips, a three peat, bringing bigs to hoops, being the commissioner of the ABA, he’s earned it

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

He was also the first NBA player to score over 10k points.

[@davidmartinez52420]

After him playing days, he also came up with the 3 point line

[@wizard1687]

Yes, he was a pioneer as original commissioner of the ABA

[@robharrison8139]

Thank you for this video, Jonny. 5 NBA championships (one was technically BAA but it's the same thing), 3 scoring titles, and a rebounding title (and possibly more if they counted rebounds earlier). Thats a truly impressive resume. Mikan was the first star of professional basketball, and he should be regarded as such, and his name should be revered. Yet for whatever reason, the basketball community mocks, belittles, and derides those who came before, so naturally Mikan is hardly known today, or if he is, he is disregarded. Such a shame.

[@TheDesisgarf]

In terms of the gap between the best and 2nd best player in the NBA at any given time, I think Mikan created by far the largest gap between him and the 2nd greatest player of his era

[@fortynights1513]

No knock on him, but could it be possible that a gap like that is impossible in the league in later decades or now?

[@samuelperezgarcia]

What about Wilt?

[@TheDesisgarf]

@@fortynights1513 I wouldn’t say impossible but it is pretty far fetched to think it’s going to happen, I mean the odds are probably the closest thing to 0

[@TheDesisgarf]

@@samuelperezgarcia I’d say the gap between Wilt, and then either Russell, West or Oscar wasn’t as large as the gap between Mikan and Dolph Schayes

[@gibtherockeryt]

I find it difficult to rank Mikan exactly, due to the huge difference in game style and skills between his era and the rest. But there's NO DOUBT he was one of the greatest ever, given his accomplishments. He was also the first superstar - I'm surprised you didn't mention the "Mikan vs Knicks" episode 😂 😂

[@inteligentidiot7233]

The guy is up there with standardizing how the game is played. Bob Cousey did it for ball handling, Bill Russell did it for defense, and George Mikan showed what a dominant big man could do. Even if you don't put those three guys in the top five of their positions, they revolutionized what could be done and deserve credit as such.

[@7XDDM]

I love these videos about old players that modern people forget about

[@TheIcemanthomas]

Anyone who played this game at the highest level of their era and DOMINATED deserves respect

[@cadecrusader]

Thanks Jonny! I respect George Mikan for being one of the first superstars in basketball but not sure if his accomplishments is recognized as there are more talented centers since then.

[@Reklesspat]

Ty Ty Ty! For this video me being a lakers fan and George being from my hometown he’s my all time favorite laker! There a statue out side the high school dedicated to him as well! You’re already one of my favorite content creators and this made me an even bigger fan of yours! Thank you!

[@nickelpickle69]

Been saying this! Mikan deserves more respect like the other great bigs!

[@wizard1687]

He is the OG NBA GOAT. Short but dominating career

[@74205gb]

Great Video Jonny, Sir. These are the videos that real basketball fans want. History...with context. As a long time NBA fan who grew up in the 80's, these older players are the ones I know that I am the most curious about. Some people consider this an era of "plumbers" on the court, but I believe the greats would absolutely be great in any era. #MambaForever

[@vicentecampos2893]

Didn't know the guy. His numbers and accolades are amazing. A forgotten legend.

[@Recovery305]

It’s very hard to gauge guys from the 40s and 50s. The game was still so unpolished back then. For Mikan, his status would’ve been better defined if he played in the 60s.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Yes, which is why it is much easier to consider Russell and Wilt in the GOAT conversation. For Mikan, I have to play the "What if?" game and imagine him in the 1960s. It isn't pretty...

[@nvm9040]

So true and that’s a good point about him playing in the wrong era

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

I always repeat it, there are only 3 dynasties in the history of pro basketball, Minneapolis Lakers (1947-1954) 6 titles in 7 seasons Boston Celtics (1956-69) 11 titles in 13 seasons Chicago Bulls (1990-98) 6 titles in 8 seasons and Mikan was by far the best player of those Lakers, also in his rookie season he won the title with the Chicago American Gears, if this is not enough to elevate him to the status of generational talent I don't think it is an honest assessment compared to the others great players of all time

[@Christmas-gw1lu]

@@stevenmichienzi9833not gonna count the 80s lakers who got 5 rings?

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

@@Christmas-gw1lu everyone has their own point of view, but if we talk about dynasty, in my opinion we are talking about a team that is better than all the others, Mikan won 7 titles in 8 seasons, 6 with the Lakers, and the only year he missed was when he broke his leg, the Celtics lost against the Hawks in 1958 in the only final during which Russell was injured, and in 1967 when Russell played his first season as a player/coach, and the Bulls lost in the season without MJ, and the following when MJ returned only during mid-season. the Showtime Lakers were indeed the most successful team of that era, but they lost to Houston in '81 and '86, Sixers in '83, Celtics in '84, Detroit in '89, Portland in '90 and Chicago in '91, too many defeats to consider that team superior to all the others, same thing goes for the Warriors, they were the most successful team of the last ten years, but I don't consider it a dynasty, they lost too much to be elevated to this status

[@Time_Lapse_Master.]

Do a video for Joe Fulks, Bob Pettit, Dolph Schayes, Neil Johnston, Paul Arizin, guys who most people know about but have no idea how they look and play...

[@jupitervideos7702]

Don't forget Jim Pollard

[@cratwinterz200]

2:45 On the topic of the basketballs, one of the big things that points to this is the change to the 8 panel ball. Where we saw the single largest increase in FT% in NBA history. There are of course other factors that play into the lower efficiency of the era. A preference for tip-ins over dunks, and the fact that early nba was played on plywood covered ice in temperatures to keep the ice frozen.

[@aaronsherman91]

Mikan would still score on other centers today. And he was well versed in having to defend fast paced perimeter oriented offenses. You have to remember, Mikan invented the dominant post scoring offense. Bigs before him like LeRoy Edwards, Ed Dancker, and others were fine scorers, but they were bruising defenders first and foremost. He was also a great passer for his position.

[@jujuju948]

From being the first superstar and first dominant big ever in NBA history, to the man who helped create the 3 point line. It’s actually crazy how much he contributed to the game both as a player and as the ABA commissioner. Rules were changed to hinder him, yet he is the main reason the game is why it is today.

[@fredflux2738]

All games have origins, and Mr Basketball really is the origin.

[@tomfurey9062]

Considering the game was genuinely in its infancy its understandable that he doesn't really make anyone's lists bit je should still be acknowledged as one of the greats. The general consensus when people talk about other players in pretty much any sport is that the greats would shine regardless of era and i agree. The cream always rises. And i do think that someone who was clearly so much better than all of his contemporaries, if given the advantages of the sport 20, 30, or even 60 years later, would still have come through as a fantastic player. Maybe not an all time great considering the expansion of the talent pool, but still elite.

[@toemasmeems]

the George Mikan drill was almost something i'd practice growing up for developing my conditioning

[@ikedatike2533]

Honestly it's stuff like this is why I don't compare eras because it was so such a different time when George competed but that doesn't mean we should diminish his legacy whatsoever. He is legendary for a reason

[@mr.longjohn0014]

Definitely the goat of his era so he absolutely deserves his flowers. Kinda hard to judge players from the 40’s/50’s but nun the less he deserves respect for what he did in his time. I’m sure his game could translate to later eras.

[@yvancarbuccia6596]

He was an executive of the ABA and he was the one enforcing the 3 point line on his league.

[@gabrieldesennacorrea3611]

I think goat debates are about how dominant and good you were compared to the competition, you cant compare stats from diferentes eras. And when you talk dominance and ability in context, Mikan is up there with Bill, Mj, Bron, Kareem, Bird and Magic

[@jellybeans336]

George Mikan's skills are what literally defined the rules of basketball, yet still his rank is impossible to define with numbers

[@derekmartin2817]

He formed the mold and tradition of dominant big men that lasted for decades.

[@TwentyGrand]

Oh my goodness how do you know all of this? This is amazing and to answer your question he does belong He's a all-time great

[@willg3220]

I remember cranking up the Ford to go watch him play. Back then, a giant could put a grown man on their on thier shoulders. No worries about what's poking or slithering on the back of the head. I have no idea how dominant he would be now. I do know it was a different game in a different world. ( even if I wasn't really there)

[@wildnight8776]

Pioneering the game without big contracts, analytics, film, trainers, facilities or advanced sports medicine. Mikan brought eyes to the product. I'm sure he wouldn't sniff the NBA today, but it's an evolution.

[@chrisbrooks6756]

You almost have to break these GOAT conversations down, decade by decade, even then it's iffy.

[@HighWoody]

One of the best 2k players to use in the game. He did it in chuck Taylor’s.

[@paulzollinger6343]

As always, great job, young man. Being born in '61, I'm old enough to have heard from fans older than Bill Russel, that saw him play, about how he was their GOAT. In the case of Geo. Mikan, I can't ever remember talking to someone that saw him play, even as a youngster. But in examining roundball history, how can we not call him an all-time great? Knowing he could only be born when he was, I'm wondering how he could have done better? Could any player ever born have stepped in and been more effective, if they shared his birthday of 6/18/24? Any foreigner or person of color would have faced too many obstacles. Probably Bird, maybe Mchale or Barry? All that said, don't we have to call him top 10 or 12?

[@CarbonCabron]

Mikan is one of the GOATS

[@kostastube2010]

He had the most rules changed, behind only Wilt. Definitely a top-5 Center of All Time.

[@codyeble0713]

I remember one starting center got hurt so his back up said he sat on the bench and studied Mikan so he could stop him.. said well all hes got is a post up hook and getting rebounds... Ill just shut down his hook shot and hit him on every box out and he wont be able to do anything, imma have his number.. that night i went out and held him to 40 points and 20 rebounds

[@samjacob1310]

He’s definitely the GOAT of his era. For his time, he dominated in every aspect and was winning. Like you said Jonny, precedents were set during his career as well. I think my bigger concern is giving him proper respect for his contributions to the game. I feel like Mikan doesn’t get it from either lack of knowledge or his era gets dissed. I believe in 2022, his jersey was finally retired. That’s way too late for the man who helped paved the way for many of the future greats. While I’m happy he got the jersey retirement but so sad that it took this long for the ceremony to happen. I’m sorry for venting but I just want to see the early players like Mikan get respected.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

The issue was he wanted everyone who was part of the Minneapolis Lakers championships retired the Lakers org just wanted to retire him. Nobody ever wore his jersey # in LA that I know of either.

[@samjacob1310]

@@CrazyxEnigma ok, I see. I didn’t know that. I do respect that he wanted his teammates numbers retired as well. I still believe his jersey should have been retired much earlier.

[@jeortiz-luis4288]

greatest of ALL TIME of his era? u hear how stupid u sound? all time but his era only? people with smart phones don't think before they type acronyms

[@Rodanguirus]

The NBL in general is an extremely fascinating part of basketball history to me, and the NBA's erasure of it is really frustrating. It had a longer history than the BAA, it was the birthplace of the Lakers, 76ers, Pistons, Kings, and Hawks, it was integrated, and it didn't seem drastically outclassed by the BAA in terms of talent (judging by the World Professional Basketball Tournament prior to their merger, and the first several years of NBA playoffs following the merger). Also, the insane ambition behind the Chicago American Gears owner attempting to start a 24-team league (a wild prospect in the 1940s in general; even more ridiculous when you consider the BAA and NBL were already operating) is just so funny to me.

[@jordanlopez1438]

I don't know that much about George Mikan but he needs to be respected & people need to talk about him more.His stats looks better compare to most players.Also his '48-'54 run was crazy especially point wise.

[@jamespuso1627]

Weird side note on Mikan I always thought was odd was that he was actually a surprisingly good free throw shooter, possibly the best in the pantheon of greatest centers. He's a bit like Bob Cousey in that it's REALLY hard to compare him to those that followed because shooting techniques, post move and such weren't as developed but they're as accomplished as almost anyone at their position. He's definitely minimum 3rd greatest Lakers of all time

[@Hogtownboy1]

One other thing he got the league to chang jersey numbering. Rules. Until then you could only have numbers from 1-5, so the refs could signal the scorer's table using a single hand e.g. 25 was two fingers left hand five finger right hand then signal the foul. with mikan wearing 99 he had to get special per mission. he agree to raise his arm like in college ball.

[@jordanjenkins1671]

George Mikan is an example of why it's so hard to compare players across eras. Everything was different then vs now -- no free agency, much shorter road to the Finals, different rules, lesser quality of equipment and apparel, etc.

[@johnwingate8799]

Mikan wrote an instructional book on the "sky hook" that was recomended by Jabar.

[@marceloasensiofilho3833]

Most people have a dificulty in ranking this guy all-time. He was clearly very good but it is hard to tell if he is GOAT level

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

GOAT LEVEL George Mikan Bill Russell Wilt Chamberlain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Julius Erving Larry Bird Magic Johnson Michael Jordan Shaquille O'Neal Tim Duncan Kobe Bryant LeBron James Stephen Curry ... not hard at all....

[@itachi-kun7736]

definitely GOAT level in his time

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

@@itachi-kun7736 thanks bro 😄

[@FunkWithMagic611]

Real ball fans respect the ppl who made the way and study the rule changes and nuances that caused influxes of stats over time respect to mikan

[@11rchitwood]

I do the Mikan drill (and reverse) as a warm-up every time I play.

[@jellybeans336]

George Mikan is byfar the greatest Beta tester of all time. thanks for patching out the infinite posetion glitch for us George

[@big8dog887]

Jesse Owens' times probably couldn't win a high school track meet today, but he still has to be considered among the greatest sprinters of all time due to his dominance in the conditions he ran under. Same with Mikan. His story kind of reminds me of a pro football contemporary of his, Otto Graham, who won championships at a rate that even puts Tom Brady to shame. (7 in 10 seasons, made to the finals in all 10, but some weren't technically in the NFL so he doesn't get credit.)

[@jaceking5938]

He'd be a top 5-10 center today

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Mikan was the Goat of his era. He shouldn't be forgotten and talked about more but comparing him to today's era is pointless the league was so different.

[@serkankaratepe9305]

He was the original GOAT. In my opinion he is top 10 center of all time alongside Kareem, Bill Wilt, Shaq, Hakeem, Moses Malone, Jokic, Robinson and Reed.

[@ForceOfWill100]

The reason it's difficult to rank players from this era is the same reason why Mikan was great: no one yet knew what "basketball" was supposed to look like. Skill evolution happens because it's easier to learn an established skill than invent it yourself, and Mikan invented a lot of skills that are still instrumental in the game today.

[@stevenelson3515]

When you’re talking about GOAT, context is extremely important. Is Mikan a Top 5 center based on today’s standards? Of course not. But his contributions to the NBA in its infancy make him one of the all time greats.

[@onlyfacts3178]

NBA changed a lot of rules to make it harder for him...

[@camaradiop3731]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got the idea of the hook shot from Mikan, then took it to another level as the sky hook.

[@hshaughnessy17]

I think it is both. Mikan is obviously not as skilled as the players of today so if someone wants to say no he isn't, I can see that argument. But he is also the best player of his era and in that context then yes he is one of the best centers of all time. I think it is just a matter of whether or not you choose to honor each era or try to compare each era against each other, which to me is almost impossible to do fairly. I think he is one of the NBA's greatest centers based on his impact on his era.

[@tonevays]

Based on this video it now feels you ranked him a bit low in your Top 50 / Top 75 players of all time videos :) - It'd say top 40 player all time and Top 10 Center (between David Robinson and Patrick Ewing)

[@Says_me]

I look at players like Mikan and Jim Thorpe in football as “Titans” of the game… using the metaphor of “pantheon of great players” which evokes the image of deities from Greek Mythology… the predecessors to the Greek gods were the Titans. Forces of nature that shaped the world and the heavens before the gods came to rule. Mikan is a titan of basketball… who built the league and shaped its foundations.

[@Maximillian200HP]

It's hard to give him credit for "what ifs" but I do feel like he'd be one of those older players who in a more modern era would've benefited from improvements to the game as well as more modernized training.

[@williamcorliss3664]

Greatest of all time implies across eras you would rise above the competition.

[@andrewcook1246]

Johnny stays with the heat. At 6'10 240lbs Mikan could likely play today and as a finesse player he wasn't just Shaq'ing people in the paint. So its not unrealistic to imagine he'd develop as more than a bruiser. It wouldn't be a stretch like some players from the past such as Bob Cousy. Sorry Bob, Dad loved you. Add some modern training and shooting and voila. Stretch 4 at worst. His numbers were without question the best during his time and a lack of accolades and stats hide how dominant he was. Between rule changes, winning and being the best player every season he has the best resume in basketball history. It really is Mikan and Russell if youre looking at winning.

[@arch8748]

I am not a believer in past players keeping up with todays game, but there is no way Daniel Theis is better than this guy

[@dylanolson4600]

I actually think Bob Cousy would be better in todays league than Mikan would be

[@andrewcook1246]

@@arch8748 Theis catching strays out here xD

[@andrewcook1246]

@@dylanolson4600 Idk. Cousy was short, unathletic by todays standards, short wingspan and was a pretty bad shot. He'd have to get Mac McClung levels of athleticism and steph curry efficiency and range. Best I can see him be is like a 10/3/7/0.1/1.0 guy with 35/45/75 splits. I can see Mikan avg like 18/9/3/2/1 on 30/50/70 splits. I'm all ears since I got a lot of respect for 60's Boston teams and what they achieved.

[@arch8748]

@@dylanolson4600 bob cousy is an unathletic, undersized point guard, that can’t shoot. In what world would any team sign him? He’s not making a G league try out

[@Michael-v1z9c]

Mikan served his purpose in NBA history, but in today's game, I think we can all unanimously agree that he would be a Kelly Olynyk caliber, 10 minutes off the bench player at best.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

no, we don't unanimously agree

[@sidwalker4194]

Mikan absolutely belongs in the conversation. Personally I rank him as high as 9th. Centers in the NBA, unlike any other position in any other sport, are heavily rated by their ability to deliver titles. It's basically impossible to realistically name an NBA top 10 list in which at least 80% have NOT been the #1 or #2 guy on their team to win at least one title. It's the reason why Bowie & Olajuwon were drafted before Jordan & Oden before Durant. My top 10: the big 3: Kareem, Wilt, & Russell, the next 2: Olajuwon & Shaq. Followed by The Admiral & Moses. Then The Joker, Mikan, & Walton. Won't argue with those who want Ewing in that 9th or 10th spot. He'll stand out as the only one to fail in his title runs. Note: I've been a fan since I was 11 in 1963.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

that's where I have him, #9 all time

[@high-defRJ]

He is the first player to patent the fundamental skills of basketball and dominate the game all together, while winning the titles and being the first superstar of the league. Regardless of how many years since his time, I would believe that George Mikan is the top 20-30 player of all time. I grew up watching and loving the game from 1990, but always had interest in knowing the players that shaped the league from the start. Snoop Dogg said it the best while being on Undisputed when he was talking about owning the Ottawa Senators, but it's not just the influence of having black players in the league, but as the game has evolved in all sports, handful of players have added flash to the fundamentals of the game to appeal to the fans, as I would think Maravich and ABA also brought style and flair to the basketball. And I think George Mikan would still be a great solid to a superstar level big if he played today. He'd be like Tim Duncan and Kevin McHale type.

[@fakecomedyandtheabsurd2527]

After Shaq, so about 6th, this is due to injuries, it is only that the five before him had amazing careers each in their own right, so he would be the sixth in that group, ahead of great centers such as Moses, Ewing and Reed simply because he was "the man" for longer than most as he owned his era.

[@CharizardMaster69]

if Mikan had access to everything from today’s game. He’d no doubt be one of the top guys.

[@markjackson6431]

George Mikan will always hold the 10th spot for me in the best centers ever. 1: Chamberlain 2: Abdul-Jabbar 3: Olajuwon 4: Russell (I rank Russell higher than Olajuwon in the GOAT listing) 5: Duncan 6: Shaq 7: Malone 8: Robinson 9: Jokic 10: Mikan 11: Ewing

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

I have a high level of agreement with this list. I'd have to think hard about the quibbles.

[@MaxHutchings31]

Ewing is better than Jokic.

[@yusufyilmaz6623]

Era, position, playing style, individual requirements etc. can all vary heavily and make it impossible to put the greatness of two players in relation to each other. Even when comparing MJ to LeBron it becomes obvious, but trying to rank a superstar big man from the 50s/60s is many times more complicated.

[@Eniggma39]

The first nba superstar

[@briansam2524]

Mikan deserves merit, he was the original G.O.A.T, as Bob Cousy once said "He's (Mikan) was the one who saved the league." Mikan was also the one (along with Oklahoma State's 7-0 Bob Kurland) who helped open the doors for the big man to play the game.

[@Xcoming2]

of course. he was the nba's first legend.

[@simonhughes4934]

Milan did end up playing in the shot clock era, he can out of retirement in 1956 and played 37 games.

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Jonny, this is one of the reasons why the Lakers are the best franchise in the NBA!

[@bobjacobs3018]

I think he deserves way more respect. LA Lakers count the championships they won in Minneapolis towards their championship totals because it is the same organization. But, the LA Lakers won't retire his jersey number, my guess is because he didn't play for the LA Lakers. Disrespectful.

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

Hey but they will count his championships

[@beenizz5102]

He’s got the skills of Jokic but with far harder rules to show case them in a far more physical era but lacked the diverse competition that 1967-2024 saw When u just take him as is and drop him in any era, you see that he’s easily top 11 centers ever battling for that 10th spot against David Robinson and behind Wilt Russell Kareem Hakeem Moses Reed Thurmond Shaq and Bellamy edging out Walton Lanier Robinson and Cowens for that 10th spot rather than being top 15

[@centerofstar]

Might be a hot take but I think Mikan might be ranked 4th greatest Lakers of all time behind Shaq, Kobe and Magic if we use the no time machine argument. He won 5 championship (6 if we include NBL) and dominated the league so badly the rules change around him. He is the Original goat of the NBA

[@hiphophead4891]

He's in my top 10.

[@thengyang5537]

If jokic can play in this era..Mikan would do just fine..facts..

[@igloostu]

5:09 George Mikan being boxed out by John Mulaney

[@anonymike8280]

The closet comparable to Mikan, I think, is Tim Duncan. If anything, Mikan's had more flash to his game. Entertainment is part of the sell. He would do well in any era. That's one of the measure of a great in the history of the big four North American sports. How does that does athlete rate as an any era player? That some of the greats in every sport have crossed eras and continued to succeed reinforces the argument.

[@zarathustrasserpent1850]

The Pistons. Making up rules to bring down great players since 1950.

[@devondawkins5492]

Luka & Jokic ended the athleticsm argument. Big George also had a good jumper and was an elite passer and free throw shooter. If he wasn't skilled, he wouldn't have been the threat he was

[@MP-tf7cc]

On the Mt Rushmore of centers - top 4.

[@jonnuanez7183]

When you have a fundamentals drill named after you, yeah you can say you're great.

[@zombiekiller9707]

I wonder how different each NBA record numbers would be if they actually started counting the stats the player had before the years of 1969 only had 31,000 something. My grandpa watched Chamberlain pretty much every day and off what he said he had a well over 50 to 40,000 points if they counted stats since the beginning of basketball, I wonder where George Mikan would be

[@kofia6403]

What happened to the greatest team series???!!!!!! The fans need it.

[@RaysDad]

There would be no Lakers today without George Mikan.

[@wayneenglish17]

Fr