Basketball Hall of Famer George McGinnis passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday, the Indiana Pacers announced. McGinnis had been struggling with complications from a cardiac arrest he suffered at his home the previous week. Additionally, he had been facing mobility issues due to multiple back surgeries related to a hereditary condition. McGinnis, known for his deep voice, warm personality, and love for the sport, had a strong connection with fans in his home state of Indiana.

McGinnis' basketball career began as a standout player in high school, where he won the state's Mr. Basketball Award and led his team to an undefeated state championship in 1969. He then went on to have a legendary college season at Indiana University, where he became the first sophomore to lead the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding. Despite sitting out his freshman season due to NCAA rules, McGinnis earned third team All-American honors.

In 1971, McGinnis took advantage of the Supreme Court victory that allowed underclassmen to turn pro based on a hardship case, and he signed with his hometown team, the Indiana Pacers. His signature one-handed jump shot quickly made him a cornerstone of the team, and he played a crucial role in leading the Pacers to two ABA championships. McGinnis' success continued in the NBA when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers, where he reached the NBA Finals in 1977 alongside Julius Erving.

Throughout his career, McGinnis earned multiple All-ABA and All-NBA honors and was named the ABA playoff MVP in 1973. In the 1974-75 season, he won the ABA scoring title and shared the league's MVP Award with Julius Erving. McGinnis' impressive playoff performances, including a 51-point triple-double, solidified his status as one of the game's greats.

In 1980, McGinnis returned to the Pacers after being traded by the Denver Nuggets. He finished his career in Indiana and retired with impressive statistics, including 17,009 points, 9,233 rebounds, and 3,089 assists. McGinnis was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017 and is also a member of the Indiana Athletic Hall of Fame. The Pacers retired his jersey number, making him one of only four former players to receive this honor.

McGinnis' impact extended beyond his on-court accomplishments. He was known for his advocacy for fellow ABA players and his presence around the Pacers franchise. His warm smile and passion for the game made him synonymous with the Pacers, and he will be greatly missed by the entire organization.

The Philadelphia 76ers also paid tribute to McGinnis, acknowledging his instrumental role in leading the team to an NBA Finals appearance in 1977 alongside Julius Erving. They expressed their condolences to McGinnis' family and friends, highlighting his Hall of Fame career and his impact both on and off the court.

As news of McGinnis' passing spread, condolences poured in from fans, fellow players, and the basketball community at large. His legacy as an Indiana basketball legend, champion, and Hall of Fame athlete will be remembered for generations to come.