Artis Gilmore
Inducted:
2011
Personal Stats:
7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
September 21, 1949
Chipley, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Gardner–Webb (1967–1969)
Jacksonville (1969–1971)
Artis Gilmore, nicknamed “The A-Train,” was one of the most dominant big men in basketball history, excelling in both the ABA and NBA. Standing 7-foot-2, Gilmore was a force on both ends of the floor with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. A star at Jacksonville University, he led his team to the 1970 NCAA championship game before launching a professional career.
In the ABA, he won Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 1972, becoming a five-time All-ABA selection and leading the Kentucky Colonels to the 1975 ABA championship. Transitioning to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics, Gilmore continued his dominance, earning six NBA All-Star selections. Known for his consistency, he still holds the NBA’s all-time record for highest career field goal percentage (59.9%).
Gilmore's Awards & Records:
- ABA champion (1975)
- ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player (1975)
- ABA Most Valuable Player (1972)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1978, 1979, 1981–1983, 1986)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)
- ABA Rookie of the Year (1972)
NBA Records:
- Led Jacksonville University to the 1970 NCAA Final
- ABA career averages: 22.3 PPG, 17.1 RPG
- NBA career averages: 17.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG
- One of only a few players to dominate in both ABA and NBA
NBA Teams:
Kentucky Colonels (1971–1976)
Chicago Bulls (1976–1982)
San Antonio Spurs (1982–1987)
Chicago Bulls (1987)
Boston Celtics (1988)
NBA Draft:
1971: 7th round, 117th overall pick
Chicago Bulls
Number Worn:
53
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
17 (1971–1988)
Game Played:
909
Game Started:
804
Points:
24,941
Rebounds:
16,330
Blocks:
3,178
Field Goal %:
59.9%
FT%
71.3