Basketball Hall of Famer George McGinnis passes away at age 73

Hall of Fame forward George McGinnis, who won two ABA titles and made three NBA All-Star teams, died at age 73.

George McGinnis, a basketball legend, passed away at the age of 73. The Indiana Pacers announced that his cause of death was complications from cardiac arrest. McGinnis had an illustrious career, starting with his time at Indianapolis George Washington High School, where he was part of the unbeaten basketball team that won the 1969 Indiana state title. He was named the state's Mr. Basketball that same year.

After high school, McGinnis attended Indiana University, where he led the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding during his only varsity season. He then signed with the ABA's Indiana Pacers before the 1971-72 season, winning back-to-back titles. He later joined the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets before returning to the Pacers (now in the NBA) for his final three seasons.

McGinnis made the All-Star team three times in the ABA and three more in the NBA. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2017. The Pacers described him as a champion and Hall of Fame athlete and emphasized his role as a passionate advocate for his fellow ABA players.

George McGinnis was more than just a basketball legend; he was family. He was known for his present, smiling face around the franchise and was synonymous with the Pacers franchise. George is survived by his sister, Bonnie, after his high school sweetheart, Lynda, passed away in 2019.