NBA's Greatest Players in History: Dolph Schayes

• First player to score 15,000 points in NBA history
• 12 consecutive All-Star selections from 1951-1962
• Led Syracuse Nationals to 1955 NBA Championship
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Dolph Schayes was a pioneering power forward who changed the position with his outside shooting and versatile offensive game during the NBA's formative years.

Overview

Dolph Schayes stood as one of the NBA's first true superstars, dominating the league throughout the 1950s with his unique blend of size, skill, and toughness. Standing 6'8", Schayes possessed an offensive repertoire far ahead of his time, combining a reliable outside shot with strong drives to the basket. His career spanned from the NBA's inaugural 1949-50 season through 1964, allowing him to bridge multiple eras of the game's evolution.

Career snapshot

Schayes spent the entirety of his 16-year NBA career with the Syracuse Nationals franchise (which later became the Philadelphia 76ers). He was selected to 12 consecutive All-Star teams from 1951-1962 and earned 12 All-NBA team selections, including six First Team nods. Schayes led the league in free throw percentage three times and finished his career as the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 19,249 points.

Playing style

What set Schayes apart was his ability to score from anywhere on the court - a rarity for big men of his era. He possessed a deadly two-handed set shot from the outside, which he could unleash quickly and accurately. This outside threat opened up driving lanes, where Schayes excelled at finishing with either hand around the basket.

Schayes described his own playing style:

"I was kind of unique for my size. I could dribble and shoot from the outside, which was unusual for a big man in those days. I had a good two-handed set shot, and I could drive to the basket and finish with either hand. I was also a good free throw shooter, which helped me score a lot of points."

His versatility made him nearly impossible to defend, as he could punish smaller defenders inside or take bigger opponents away from the basket.

Why Dolph Schayes is on our list

Schayes earns his place among the NBA's most dominant players for several reasons:

1. Statistical dominance: He was the first NBA player to surpass 15,000 career points and retired as the league's all-time leading scorer.
2. Consistency and longevity: His 12 consecutive All-Star selections and All-NBA team nods demonstrate sustained excellence over a long period.
3. Championship pedigree: Schayes led the Syracuse Nationals to the 1955 NBA title, cementing his legacy as a winner.
4. Revolutionising the power forward position: His outside shooting and ball-handling skills for a big man were well ahead of his time, foreshadowing the modern stretch-four.
5. Toughness and durability: Schayes once held the NBA record for consecutive games played at 706, often playing through significant injuries.

Five Fast Facts

1. Schayes scored the first points in NBA All-Star Game history in 1951.
2. He led the league in rebounding during the 1950-51 season, averaging 16.4 boards per game.
3. Schayes was named to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971.
4. He briefly served as player-coach for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1963-64 season.
5. Schayes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973.

Career Highlights Timeline

1949: Drafted by both the New York Knicks (NBA) and Tri-Cities Blackhawks (NBL), ultimately signing with the Syracuse Nationals

1950: Named to the All-NBA Second Team in his rookie season

1951: Selected to his first All-Star team and named to the All-NBA First Team

1952: Played through a broken wrist, wearing a cast for much of the season

1955: Led the Syracuse Nationals to the NBA Championship

1957: Finished second in MVP voting behind Bob Cousy

1958: Became the first player in NBA history to reach 15,000 career points

1962: Played in his 12th and final All-Star Game

1964: Retired as the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 19,249 points

Dolph Schayes' impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He was a trailblazer who helped shape the modern power forward position and set a standard for toughness and longevity in the NBA. His ability to excel in multiple eras of the game's development cements his legacy as one of the most dominant and influential players in league history.

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