Jim McMillian

Jim McMillian was a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He last played for the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. He also played in Italy before he retired from professional basketball. In 1972, he became an NBA Champion. In 1980, he won the Italian League Championship with his team the Sinudyne Bologna.

Player Profile and Personal Life

James M. McMillian was born on March 11, 1948, in Raeford, North Carolina in the United States of America. He died on May 16, 2016, at the age of 68 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He stood 196 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 98 kg. He died of complications due to heart failure.

High School and College Career

He played high school basketball at Thomas Jefferson High School. While there, he was named to a 1966 Parade All-American. Late, he played collegiate basketball for Columbia University in New York City. He received the Haggerty Award three times from 1968 to 1970.

He also received several All-American honors while he played college basketball.

Professional Career

McMillian joined the NBA in 1970. He was selected 13th overall in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was instrumental in helping the team win the 1972 NBA Championship. In 1973, he was traded to the Buffalo Braves. From 1976 to 1978, he played for the New York Knicks.

The last NBA team he played for was the Portland Trail Blazers. His last season in the NBA was the 1978-1979 season. Before he retired, he played in Italy and won the Italian League Championship while playing with Sinudyne Bologna.

Career Highlights

• 1972 - NBA champion
• 1980 - Italian League champion
• 1969 - First-team All-American –

USBWA

• 1969, 1970 - Second-team

All-American – NABC

• 1969 - Third-team All-American – UPI
• 1970 - Third-team All-American – AP
• 1968–1970 - Haggerty Award
• 1966 - First-team Parade

All-American