Another Pacers legend is in the Hall of Fame. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Saturday that George McGinnis has been elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
An Indianapolis native, McGinnis starred at Washington High School, where he was named Mr. Basketball in 1969 after leading to the team to an undefeated season and state championship. He then played at Indiana University, where he was named earned third-team All-America honors in his sophomore season after averaging 30 points and 14.7 rebounds.
McGinnis signed with the Pacers in 1971 and played four seasons with the Pacers in the ABA, helping lead the team to championships in both 1972 and 1973. He was co-MVP of the league in the 1974-75 season (sharing the honor with Julius Erving), when he averaged 29.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
McGinnis spent five seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia and Denver, making three All-Star teams. He returned to the Pacers in 1980 and finished his career with the team, retiring in 1982. The Pacers have since retired his number 30.
McGinnis the fifth Pacers player or coach to be elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Roger Brown, Mel Daniels, coach Bob "Slick" Leonard, and Reggie Miller. Prior to Saturday's election, McGinnis was the only eligible ABA or NBA MVP not to have been enshrined in Springfield.
PHOTOS: George McGinnis Career Gallery »
Also elected to the Hall of Fame were NBA great Tracy McGrady, University of Kansas head coach Bill Self, women's basketball legend Rebecca Lobo, Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw, Texas high school coach Robert Hughes, former Chicago Bulls executive Jerry Krause, former NCAA vice president Tom Jernstedt, European star Nikos Galis and two Harlem Globetrotters legends — Zack Clayton and Mannie Jackson.
More details to follow.