For most of us, the NBA’s historical figures begin with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his Laker years, and, of course, Michael Jordan. While older basketball fans may dismiss that as naivete, the truth is that not everyone who began watching basketball 15 years ago knows all the big names.
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One of those “forgotten” members is George Gervin. A part of both the 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, The Iceman played an integral part in the Spurs’ ascendancy to the NBA. The Spurs went from a poor ABA team to an exciting NBA team, under his stewardship.
Gervin did not win any titles as a player with the Spurs, nor did he play for the Bulls when Michael Jordan was in his prime. But what he did for the game was monumental. He mentored future Laker great Magic Johnson and a few others as a Michigan native.
Johnson, who is about 7 years younger than the Spurs player, recalls playing with the pro in an interview. Magic, who would not be drafted until 1979, seven years after Gervin’s professional debut, stated that he would go play pickup games with the pro.
While he would get beaten pretty easily, The Iceman advised him to stay focused. He spotted the work ethic and talent needed and continued to work to get himself into the league. And the rest, of course, is history.
It was this motivation that made Magic a better prospect than others more talented. Talent beats hard work, but a talented hard worker beats everybody.
George Gervin was a bonafide superstar – don’t let the lack of titles fool you
George, a 13-year-vet in the league averaged 26.3 points with the Spurs and 16 points on the Bulls. He did not play as long as some other players did, but his impact was great. A 9 time All-star in the NBA, plus a 3-time-star in the ABA, Gervin was a pure guard.
The Iceman earned his nickname because of his ability to stay cool. In crunch-time scenarios, more likely than not, Gervin had the ball. With game highs that people still strive for to this day, Gervin is a forgotten legend.
It is no wonder why Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan looked up to him. He started showing the world what a shooting guard could do. He played at a time when the position was important to the role of the team.
Magic Johnson took that inspiration, and in turn, was an inspiration to many
Athletes draw inspiration from one place and unknowingly become a source for another. In an ever-evolving scenario like sports, motivation needs to come from all places, but the place closest to your vision works best. Magic Johnson was a prime example of how basketball should be played: fun, boisterous, and with “magic.”
When you’ve made it to the license plate of an up-and-coming athlete, you know you’ve achieved the highest ranking in their mind. Michael Jordan in his college days had Magic Jordan on his car, an ode to his idol and soon-to-be mentor.
And in the same manner that Magic inspired him, Jordan carried the tradition on. He’s motivated countless players who’ve gone on to have Hall-of-Fame careers. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and LeBron James are just a few names who have carried this age-old tradition forward.
Remember that George Gervin was your favorite player’s favorite player. Sort of your Grand-Favorite player, if you will.
