I recently came across this video called Top 5 Strongest NBA Players Ever, and just like Shaq's controversial All-Time Lakers vs Bulls post, ABA/NBA great Artis Gilmore was a milk carton.
If you want to see some testimonials about The A-Train's strength (second to none or maybe just to Wilt Chamberlain), then watch the video above.
If you want to read a few bullets on what made the 7'2" unappreciated center so special and memorable, then keep reading.
* Averaged over 20 points & 20 rebounds a game in college and holds the record for highest rebound average (22.7) in NCAA Div 1 history.
* Entered the ABA as the highest-paid player in the league
* Won the ABA ROY and MVP in the same year (1972)
* ABA championship (1975)
* 5x ABA All-Star and 6 x NBA All-Star
* Was a 7th round pick for the Chicago Bulls in 1971 (1st in the 1976 ABA dispersal draft)
* 5 All-NBA First Team appearances
* Played 82 games in 11 of his first 12 pro seasons
And here's an unofficial stat: He's one of maybe only two or three players who could guard Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and block his skyhook, aka the most unstoppable shot in NBA history.
For all of those official and unofficial reasons, that is why he is in the Basketball Hall of Fame (although it took 11 years longer than it should have), and that is why I'm talking about him today...and because it's his birthday.
Also worth mentioning is the Chicago Bulls trading him to the Spurs in 1982 for Dave Corzine and Mark Olberding! Gilmore was named an NBA All-Star twice during his time in San Antonio.
HBD ARTIS GILMORE
The Hall of Famer is one of the strongest players in NBA history and one of the few who could block Kareem's skyhook! pic.twitter.com/VEoKex2nFf— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 21, 2024
