Who’s the GOAT Chicago native?

30. George Mikan

George Mikan, who is commonly known as Mr. Basketball, Big Mike and Mikan the Magnificent, had a bit of a professional basketball career after growing up in Chicago and its suburbs.

During the entirety of his career, Mikan was a Minneapolis Laker. He made his NBA debut in November of 1948.

Mikan was inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959. Among the accolades he’s garnered include four All-Star Game nods, three scoring championship titles and one MVP honor.

During his career, Mikan proved himself to be an above-average rebounder during his career. He ranked among the top 20 in total rebounds for four consecutive seasons.

As a big man, Mikan was also competent at finishing around the rim. He ranked among the top 20 in field goals for six consecutive seasons.

If there’s one knock against Mikan’s game, it would’ve been personal fouls. Mikan had a track record of ranking among the top 20 in personal fouls for six consecutive seasons.

Still, Mikan proved to be a bit of an efficient player when he was on the floor. He ranked among the top 20 in player efficiency rating for three consecutive seasons.

Mikan was born in Joliet, Illinois, a suburban community located approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago. He attended high school at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and went on to enroll in college at DePaul University in Chicago.