George McGinnis, a basketball player who was a key player for the ABA’s Indiana Pacers and then the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, passed away in Indianapolis at the age of 73. McGinnis played in basketball-crazy Indiana at the high school, college, and professional levels, where he made a significant impact. At 6 feet 8 inches and 235 pounds, he was known for his unique combination of size and agility.
He began his career by winning two ABA titles with the Pacers, but he joined the 76ers in 1975 in search of a championship. Despite playing alongside Julius Erving, the team was unable to secure a title and McGinnis was eventually traded to the Denver Nuggets. While his career was not as lengthy as some of his contemporaries, his impact on the game of basketball, particularly in Indiana, was significant.
Outside of basketball, McGinnis was an entrepreneur and broadcaster and remained active in the Indiana basketball community. His survivors include his sister Bonnie McGinnis and he was posthumously inducted into the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame in September.
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