Earl Monroe
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
Born
November 21, 1944
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position
Shooting guard
Point guard
College
Winston-Salem State (1963–1967)
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe was one of the most electrifying guards in NBA history, known for his dazzling ball-handling, creativity, and playground style. Drafted second overall in 1967 by the Baltimore Bullets, Monroe quickly became one of the league’s most prolific scorers, earning Rookie of the Year honors and multiple All-Star selections.
After being traded to the New York Knicks in 1971, Monroe formed a dynamic backcourt partnership with Walt Frazier. He helped lead the Knicks to the 1973 NBA championship, blending flair with clutch scoring.
Monroe’s improvisational style influenced generations of guards and helped bridge street basketball creativity with professional play. Over his 13-season career (including ABA time), he averaged 18.8 points per game and became one of the sport’s most entertaining performers. Monroe was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Monroe's Awards and Honors
- NBA champion (1973)
- 4× NBA All-Star (1969, 1971, 1975, 1977)
- All-NBA First Team (1969)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1968)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1968)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Teams
Baltimore Bullets (1967–1971)
New York Knicks (1971–1980)
NBA Draft
1967: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Baltimore Bullets
Number Worn
33, 10, 15
NBA Stats
Seasons Played:
13 (1967-1980)
Game Played:
926
Points:
17,454 (18.8 ppg)
Rebounds:
2,796 (3.0 rpg)
Assists:
3,594 (3.9 apg)
Steals:
473 (1.0 spg)
Blocks:
121 (0.3 bpg)
Field Goal %:
46.4%
Free Throw %:
80.7%