NBA's Greatest Players in History: Hal Greer

• Scored over 21,000 career points as a 6-foot-2 guard
• Won NBA championship with the 1967 Philadelphia 76ers
• 10-time NBA All-Star and 7-time All-NBA Second Team selection
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Hal Greer was a prolific scoring guard who defied expectations for smaller players, becoming one of the NBA's most consistent and impactful stars during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Overview

Hal Greer's career was defined by consistency, longevity, and an uncanny ability to score from all areas of the court. Standing at just 6-foot-2, Greer overcame the size limitations of his era to become one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. His smooth jump shot, excellent driving ability, and underrated defensive skills made him a cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers franchise for over a decade.

Career snapshot

Greer spent his entire 15-year NBA career with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers franchise, from 1958 to 1973. During this time, he established himself as one of the league's premier guards, earning 10 consecutive All-Star selections from 1961 to 1970. Greer's scoring prowess was remarkable, as he averaged over 20 points per game for eight straight seasons, with a career-high of 24.1 ppg in 1967-68.

Playing style

What set Greer apart was his versatile offensive game. He possessed a lethal mid-range jumper that became his signature shot, but he was equally adept at driving to the basket. Greer's unique free-throw technique, where he would jump while shooting, underscored his unorthodox yet effective approach to scoring. His ability to pile up points quickly and efficiently made him a constant threat on the court.

Why Hal Greer is on our list

Greer's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by several factors:

1. Scoring Prowess: He was the first player under 6-foot-3 to score over 20,000 career points, a feat that wasn't matched until Allen Iverson in 2007.
2. Consistency: Greer's eight seasons averaging over 20 points per game demonstrate his reliability as a scorer.
3. Playoff Performance: He elevated his game in the postseason, averaging 27.7 ppg during the 76ers' championship run in 1967.
4. Longevity: At the time of his retirement, Greer had played in more NBA games than any other player in league history.
5. Franchise Impact: He remains one of the Philadelphia 76ers' all-time leaders in several statistical categories.

Five Fast Facts

1. Greer was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996.
2. He holds the record for most points in a quarter in an NBA All-Star Game with 19.
3. Greer's jersey number 15 was the first number retired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
4. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.
5. Greer is the all-time leading scorer in Philadelphia 76ers franchise history.

Career Highlights Timeline

1958: Drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in the second round

1963: Makes his first NBA All-Star team

1964: Franchise relocates to Philadelphia, becoming the 76ers

1967: Wins NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers

1968: Scores career-high 24.1 points per game

1970: Makes his 10th and final NBA All-Star appearance

1973: Retires as the NBA's all-time leader in games played

Hal Greer's legacy as one of the NBA's most dominant players is often overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries, but his impact on the game cannot be overstated. As the original prototype for smaller, score-first guards, Greer paved the way for future generations of NBA stars. His consistency, longevity, and ability to perform at the highest level make him a worthy inclusion among the league's all-time greats. The statue erected in his honor outside the 76ers' arena in 2017 serves as a permanent reminder of Greer's enduring impact on the franchise and the sport of basketball.

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