Paul Arizin
Key Career Moment of Paul Arizin
Paul Arizin, one of the NBA's early legends, had his defining moment in the 1956 NBA Finals with the Philadelphia Warriors. Facing the Fort Wayne Pistons, Arizin led his team to victory, averaging 26.5 points per game in the series. His clutch performances, including a 30-point explosion in Game 5, secured the championship and cemented his place among basketball's elite.
Paul Arizin, the cowlicked, asthmatic South Philadelphia native who wasn't good enough to make his high school team yet transformed himself into an NBA legend, died .
Arizin was unstoppable-his shooting was ahead of its time, said teammate Neil Johnston.This title run remains one of the most iconic in early NBA history.
Unique Skill of Paul Arizin
Paul Arizin was renowned for his deadly two-handed set shot, a rare and highly effective technique in his era.
His ability to shoot accurately from mid-range and beyond made him a scoring machine.
Unlike most players of the 1950s, Arizin could create his own shot off the dribble, blending finesse with power.
Paul Arizin's Stats
- 2-time NBA scoring champion (1952, 1957)
- Career average of 22.8 points per game
- 10-time NBA All-Star
Paul Arizin's Legacy in the NBA
Paul Arizin's impact on basketball extends beyond his stats-he helped shape modern scoring techniques.
Nicknamed Pitchin' Paul for his smooth shooting, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Paul Joseph Arizin (April 9, – Decem), nicknamed "'Pitchin Paul", was an American basketball player who spent his entire National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Philadelphia Warriors from to He retired with the third highest career point total (16,) in NBA history, and was
A unique fact: Arizin initially played in industrial leagues before joining the NBA, proving that talent could emerge from unexpected places. His influence lives on as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, inspiring generations of shooters.