Sports History

Carl Braun, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, carved a remarkable career in the NBA spanning 13 seasons (1947-1962). Though often overshadowed by the flamboyant antics of his teammate, Wilt Chamberlain, Braun established himself as a scoring machine and a pivotal figure in the early years of the New York Knicks.

Braun, a Brooklyn native, played college basketball for Colgate before joining the Knicks as a sophomore. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, leading the team in scoring for seven consecutive seasons. His offensive prowess was showcased in his rookie season, where he torched the Providence Steamrollers for a then-franchise record of 47 points.

Beyond scoring, Braun was a well-rounded player, displaying an exceptional shooting touch, excellent ball handling skills, and a strong defensive presence. He earned five All-NBA Second Team selections and participated in five NBA All-Star Games, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite guards in the 1950s.

Born September 25, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, was Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Carl Braun. This legend was a five-time All-Star and part of the Boston Celtics 1962 NBA Championship. Carl spent most of his Pro Hoops career (12 of 13 years) with the New York Knicks.

Born May 25, 1932, in Taylor, Texas, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard, K.C. Jones. K.C. had the distinction of winning 12 NBA championships (eight as a player, one as an assistant coach, and two as a head coach). Eleven of those were with the Boston Celtics franchise. As a player, he is tied for third for most NBA championships in a career, and is one of three NBA players with an 8–0 record in NBA Finals series.

Born September 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Forward Chuck Cooper. In 1950, this legend was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1950 NBA draft, becoming the first African-American player to be drafted by an NBA team.
Cooper's rookie season with the Celtics was difficult. He was often subjected to racism and discrimination from fans and players alike. However, he persevered and played two seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

After leaving the Celtics, Cooper played for the Milwaukee Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He retired from the NBA in 1956.

Cooper's career was relatively short, but his impact on the NBA was significant. He paved the way for other African-American players to enter the league, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.

Andy Phillip, a point guard who played from 1947 to 1958, carved his name in basketball history not only for his exceptional skill but also for his role in revolutionizing the game. Here's a glimpse into his career:

-Early Accolades and Rising Stardom:

Drafted by the Chicago Stags in 1947, Phillip became the first player to record 500 assists in a single season just two years later. This record stood for 12 years, a testament to his innovative and unselfish playmaking style.

During his career, he led the National Basketball Association (NBA) in assists twice and was named to the NBA All-Star team five times.

-Championship Glory and Lasting Impact:

-Phillip enjoyed championship success, playing a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' 1957 NBA Championship victory.

-He retired in 1958 with impressive career averages of 9.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.

-As one of the first players to prioritize and excel in the role of a facilitating point guard, Phillip's impact extended beyond his own statistics. He paved the way for future generations of point guards who focused on orchestrating offense and creating opportunities for their teammates.

-Beyond the Stats: A Legacy of Innovation:

-Phillip's impact on the game goes beyond the box score. He was recognized for his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and leadership.

-He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961, solidifying his place among the game's greatest players and influencers.

Dave Bing carved out a successful 12-year career in the NBA, establishing himself as a scoring machine and a talented all-around player. Bing's iconic moves and shooting style made him a fan favorite. Take a moment to look back at his amazing basketball journey.

Born November 24, 1943, in Washington D.C., was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Dave Bing. This legend played for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, and the Boston Celtics over the span of his 12 seasons in the NBA. Bing was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection, and was chosen as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He averaged 20.3 points and six assists per game for his career.



Here's a quick rundown of his key achievements:

-College Stardom

-Before the NBA, Bing was a college legend at Syracuse University, averaging a whopping 24.8 points per game and setting a school scoring record that stood for over two decades.

-Scoring Champion and All-Star: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1966, Bing quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He won the scoring title in 1968 and was named an All-Star seven times throughout his career.

-Pistons Legacy

Bing spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Pistons, becoming a fan favorite and a key player for the team. While he didn't win a championship, he averaged over 20 points and 6 assists per game with the Pistons.

-Career Highlights

He finished his career with an impressive 18,327 points and 5,397 assists, solidifying his place as a talented scorer and playmaker.

-Beyond Stats

Bing was known for his smooth shooting style, his ability to get past defenders, and his leadership on the court.

-After retiring in 1978, Bing transitioned into business and even served as the mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2014.

-Dave Bing was a highly skilled player who left his mark on the NBA. While he may not have a championship ring, his scoring prowess, all-around game, and dedication to the sport earned him a place among the league's greats.

Born June 24, 1933, in Wilmington, North Carolina, was Naismith Memorial Basketball hall of Fame Guard, "Mr. Clutch," Sam Jones. Jones played the position of shooting guard for the Boston Celtics in the NBA, was a five-time NBA All-Star. Mr. Clutch has the second most NBA championships of any player (10), behind only his teammate Bill Russell (11). This pair of stalwarts along with K.C.Jones were the core of the Celtics Championship run from 1959 to 1966 where they won eight straight NBA Titles. Jones was originally drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers as the eighth pick of the 1956 NBA draft. Top NBA Jersey Number 24.

Charlie Scott's pro basketball career unfolded across two leagues, leaving a memorable mark in both:

1. ABA All-Star and Scoring Machine (1970-1972):

Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1970, Scott chose to sign with the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

He quickly established himself as a scoring sensation, winning ABA Rookie of the Year and setting a league record with a 34.6 points-per-game average in his second season.
Scott's dynamic playing style and flashy personality earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement," which helped popularize the ABA and made him a fan favorite.

2. Finding Success in the NBA (1972-1980):

Dissatisfied with the ABA's instability, Scott jumped to the NBA's Phoenix Suns in 1972. He continued to impress, making three consecutive All-Star appearances and contributing to the Suns' playoff success.
Although his scoring average dipped slightly, Scott became more well-rounded, showcasing his passing and defensive skills.
In 1976, Scott ultimately won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics; ironically, the team initially drafted him.

3. Beyond the Numbers:

Scott's significance extends beyond his stats. He was one of the first African-American scholarship athletes at the University of North Carolina and faced racial prejudice during his playing career.
His flamboyant style and outspoken personality challenged basketball's conservative culture, paving the way for future players to express themselves freely.

In conclusion, Charlie Scott's pro basketball career blended scoring exploits, league-switching drama, and social impact. He left his mark on both the ABA and NBA, earning accolades as a scorer, an All-Star, and a champion while also becoming a symbol of progress and individual expression.

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Ed Macauley NBA career numbers, stats, and more from Basketball-Reference.com. He wore the Number 50, Number 22, and Number 20 during his NBA career.

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Larry Bird on the court was intense and talented but pretty funny too