Artis Gilmore

Full Name: Artis Gilmore

Nickname: The A-Train

Position: Center

Height: 7’2″

College: Jacksonville University

NBA Draft: 1971, Drafted by the Chicago Bulls (also the first overall pick in the 1971 ABA Draft)

Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2011)

College Career (Jacksonville University, 1969–1971)

Led Jacksonville to the NCAA Championship Game (1970), where they lost to UCLA.

Two-time NCAA rebounding leader (1970, 1971)

Averaged 22.7 points and 22.2 rebounds per game during his college career.

Regarded as one of the most dominant players in college basketball history.

ABA and NBA Career (1971–1988)

Teams:

Kentucky Colonels (ABA, 1971–1976)

Chicago Bulls (NBA, 1976–1982, 1987–1988)

San Antonio Spurs (1982–1987)

Boston Celtics (1988)

Career Achievements:

ABA Champion (1975)

ABA Most Valuable Player (1972)

5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976)

6× NBA All-Star (1978–1982, 1986)

ABA Playoffs MVP (1975)

ABA Rookie of the Year (1972)

4× ABA All-Defensive Team (1973–1976)

NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)

2× NBA All-NBA Second Team (1978, 1979)

ABA All-Time Team Member

Career Points: 24,941 (18.8 PPG)

Career Rebounds: 16,330 (12.3 RPG)

Career Blocks: 3,178 (2.4 BPG)

Highest Career Field Goal Percentage (59.9%) in NBA History

Signature Moments:

ABA Dominance: Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in ABA history, dominating with his scoring, rebounding, and defense.

1975 ABA Championship: Led the Kentucky Colonels to their only title with a Finals MVP performance.

Transition to the NBA: Maintained his status as an elite big man, becoming one of the most efficient scorers and defenders in the league.

Consistent Greatness: Known for his double-doubles and ability to anchor both the offense and defense.

Playing Style:

Artis Gilmore was known for his towering presence, shot-blocking ability, and dominance in the paint. His strength and agility made him a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the court. Despite his imposing frame, he was remarkably agile and had a soft touch near the basket.

Hall of Fame Induction (2011)

Gilmore’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recognized his extraordinary achievements in both the ABA and NBA. His consistent excellence and contributions to the game made him a deserving inductee after years of being overlooked.

Other Hall of Fame Inductions:

College Basketball Hall of Fame (2012)

ABA Hall of Fame

Legacy:

ABA Legend: One of the greatest players in the league’s history, earning a place on the ABA All-Time Team.

NBA Trailblazer: Set the standard for big men with his efficiency and dominance in the post.

Record Holder: Still holds the record for the highest career field goal percentage in NBA history.

Respected Gentle Giant: Renowned for his sportsmanship and professionalism throughout his career.

Artis Gilmore remains one of the most underrated yet impactful centers in basketball history, a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the ABA, NBA, and the sport as a whole.