Jamaal Wilkes
Inducted:
2012
Personal Stats:
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
May 2, 1953
Berkeley, California, U.S.
Position:
Small forward
College:
UCLA (1971–1974)
Jamaal Wilkes, born May 2, 1953, in Berkeley, California, was one of the smoothest and most reliable forwards in NBA history. Nicknamed “Silk” for his effortless style, Wilkes built his game on precision shooting, intelligent defense, and unselfish play. Drafted in 1974 by the Golden State Warriors, he won Rookie of the Year and helped lead the team to the NBA championship that same season.
He later became a key piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Showtime dynasty, playing alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Over 12 NBA seasons, Wilkes scored 14,644 points (17.7 PPG), collected 5,117 rebounds, and earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable two-way players. He was a three-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, contributing both scoring bursts and steady defense in clutch moments.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, Wilkes remains celebrated as one of the most consistent and quietly brilliant forwards in the game’s history.
Wilkes's Awards & Records:
- 4× NBA champion (1975, 1980, 1982, 1985)
- 3× NBA All-Star (1976, 1981, 1983)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1976, 1977)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1975)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1975)
NBA Records:
- Scored 37 points in 1985 NBA Finals Game 6 clincher
- Key contributor to Warriors’ 1975 championship run
- One of few players to win titles with two franchises
NBA Teams:
Golden State Warriors (1974–1977)
Los Angeles Lakers (1977–1985)
Los Angeles Clippers (1985)
NBA Draft:
1974: 1st round, 11th overall pick
Golden State Warriors
Number Worn:
41, 52
NBA Stats:
Season:
12 (1974-1986)
Games Played:
828
Game Started:
245
Points:
14,644 (17.7 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,117 (6.2 rpg)
Assists:
2,050 (2.5 apg)
Field Goal %:
49.9%
Free Throw %:
75.9%
Point Per Game:
17.7