Jim Pollard
Inducted:
1978
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
Born
July 9, 1922
Oakland, California, U.S.
Died
January 22, 1993
Stockton, California, U.S.
Position
Small forward
College
Stanford (1940–1942)
Jim Pollard was the NBA’s first true high-flyer and a cornerstone of the league’s first dynasty. Standing 6'4" with extraordinary leaping ability, Pollard earned his nickname, "The Kangaroo Kid," for his ability to dunk from the free-throw line and touch the top of the backboard—feats that were nearly mythical in the 1940s and 50s. As the starting small forward for the Minneapolis Lakers, he provided the perimeter athleticism that complemented George Mikan’s interior power.
Pollard was a versatile, selfless star who could score, rebound, and defend at an elite level, helping lead the Lakers to five NBA/BAA championships in just six years. Despite his explosive physical gifts, he was known as a refined "pro’s pro" who prioritized team success over individual statistics. For his role in establishing the Lakers' championship tradition, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Pollard's Awards & Records
- 5× BAA/NBA champion (1949, 1950, 1952–1954)
- 4× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952, 1954, 1955)
- 2× All-NBA First Team (1949, 1950)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (1952, 1954)
- ABA All-Star Game head coach (1968)
- NBL champion (1948)
- All-NBL First Team (1948)
- NCAA champion (1942)
NBA Teams
Minneapolis Lakers (1948–1955)
BAA Draft
1947: 7th round, 62nd overall pick
Chicago Stags
Number Worn
17
NBA Stats
Seasons:
7 (1948-1955)
Games:
438
Points:
5,762 (13.2 ppg)
Rebounds:
2,487 (7.8 rpg)
Assists:
1,417 (3.2 apg)
Field Goal(%):
36.0
Free Throw(%):
75.0
Playoff Game:
72