Tag Archives: 1970s NBA

John Shumate’s Roughest Opponent is Death, 1976

[When John Shumate played for the Phoenix Suns, fans chanted, “Shu . . . Shu . . . Shu     . . . Shu,” But the chant lasted only briefly. Shumate’s rookie season was delayed for health reasons. Then, after Shumate made an impressive comeback during the 1975-76 season, the Suns brass dealt “Shu”Continue reading “John Shumate’s Roughest Opponent is Death, 1976”

The NBA’s War on ABA, 1970

When superstar Connie Hawkins jumped from the American Basketball Association to the National Basketball Association, it was hailed as a major triumph for The Establishment (NBA) over the Young Rebels (ABA). Actually, it was a strategic move motivated by expediency and economy.

Big Lew—Already Great, 1971

Fast or slow, the game is usually Alcindor’s. He leads the NBA in scoring with 31-plus points a game, he ranks one-two in shooting accuracy, and he is among the leaders in rebounding. There really isn’t anything he can’t do.

The Unbearable Pressures Facing Lew Alcindor, 1970

Milwaukee will not win a pennant or championship this season. But next season or the season after, the Bucks will be boosted to the top by the first truly dominant force to move into professional basketball in a decade.

‘Earl, Earl, Earl The Pearl,’ 1975

It’s difficult to describe the bedlam he generates in the arena. Little kids scream. Mothers and fathers forget their dignity and roar their delight over a sweating individual in short pants. The Pearl becomes their bauble.

Three Days in the Life of Walt Frazier, 1971

Dribbling and driving, dancing and defending, passing and penetrating, Frazier is the equal of any guard in the NBA. Stealing the ball, he has no equal. He has the fastest hands in the East . . . or in the West.