Dick McGuire
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born
January 25, 1926
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died
February 3, 2010
Huntington, New York, U.S.
Position
Point guard
College
St. John's (1943–1944, 1946–1949)
Dartmouth (1944)
Dick McGuire was one of the NBA’s first elite playmakers, setting the standard for point guard play during the league’s formative years. Known for his slick ball-handling, pinpoint passing, and defensive toughness, McGuire was the engine behind the New York Knicks in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He led the NBA in assists four times and helped guide the Knicks to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 1951 to 1953.
McGuire combined leadership with durability, rarely missing games in an era defined by physical play and minimal rest. After his playing career, he continued shaping the game as a head coach and executive, most notably with the Detroit Pistons. McGuire’s contributions as a player, coach, and ambassador made him a cornerstone figure in professional basketball history.
McGuire's Awards and Honors
- 15 retired by New York Knicks
- Second-team All-American – SN (1944)
- Third-team All-American – UPI (1949)
NBA Records
- 7× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952, 1954–1956, 1958, 1959)
- All-NBA Second Team (1951)
- NBA assists leader (1950)
- NBA 25th Anniversary Team
NBA Teams
New York Knicks (1949–1957)
Detroit Pistons (1957–1960)