NBA's Greatest - Jim Pollard

From 1947-55, Jim Pollard was an integral member of the NBA's first real dynasty, the Minneapolis Lakers. After winning titles in the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Basketball Association of America, the Lakers then went on to win 4 more titles in the newly formed NBA. They were the first champions of the league, the first repeat champions as well as the first team to win three titles in a row. From 1949-55, the Lakers won 5 titles in six years. The starting front court of George Mikan, Jim Pollard and Vern Mikkelsen was unstoppable.

Pollard was the first star for the Minneapolis Lakers. He was the first player to dunk the ball and play most of his game above the rim. In his time, dunking was considered an insult, and players would try to hurt the dunker on purpose. But, Pollard with his grace, finesse and grit, powered on. He was known to be able to dunk from the free throw line, a feat achieved rarely thereafter. Due to his amazing leaping ability, Pollard was nicknamed as "The Kangaroo Kid".

He spent his college years at Stanford University, becoming a hero for the college basketball team. He would later enroll in services during the WW II, cutting short his glittering career. But Pollard always remained an excellent all around player. When the Lakers signed on George Mikan, the two front court players could not immediately find chemistry. After a few losses, the duo formed a partnership that would serve them well over the next 5 years. As both players were ball dominant, it was Pollard who took the step back. Because he was so versatile in his game, it was easier for Pollard to adjust his game to Mikan's than the other way around. An exceptional ball handler, dribbler and rebounder, he could do it all.

When Pollard retired in 1955, he finished with averages of 13 ppg, 8 rpg and almost 4 apg. The Kangaroo Kid helped form the modern game as we know it, and along side George Mikan helped build the NBA from scratch. He was one of originals and pioneers of the game, who helped make it the global phenomena it is today.