When looking at players' accomplishments in their basketball careers, the late George Mikan was truly one of the best. Naturally, one might assume that, consequently, he was among the highest-paid athletes as well.
However, in an interview, the Hall of Famer shared that this was not true. Comparing George's salary to those who came after him, it was actually the opposite.
"Well, I was in the covered wagon days. The type of money they paid me, they use for tips today," joked Mikan, per CBS.
A true icon
Mikan, regarded as the first true star of the NBA, dominated the sport for years before ending his exceptional career in 1954, during which he averaged 22.6 points.
As a Los Angeles Lakers icon and essentially the savior of the historic franchise, the 6'10" big man won five BAA/NBA championship titles. Besides being a four-time All-Star, George also won the All-Star Game MVP in 1953 and the rebounding leader title. Furthermore, he was a three-time scoring champ and was part of the inaugural Basketball Hall of Fame class in 1959.
Despite these incredible achievements, the iconic number 99 sadly never reaped substantial financial benefits.
Mikan's greatness came in the wrong era
Mikan's opponents on the court rarely posed a challenge for the iconic center; money, however, did.
"There was no bonus [when I signed]. They didn't even know the word. My opening contract was for $12,000," Mikan added.
Given the amounts even average NBA players would later receive, this is truly hard to imagine, just as the fact that 'Mr. Basketball' was occasionally sent out to promote his next game on the street during his playing days. However, the league and its popularity were just in its early stages, with hardly any money involved.
Unsurprisingly, after his playing days ended, the then-29-year-old was not exactly in a position to throw money around. George first tried to secure a political office to provide for his large family, as these were well-paid positions. However, when that proved unsuccessful, he eventually became a lawyer. Years later, Mikan became the first commissioner of the ABA.
Perhaps there was at least one silver lining for the basketball icon. Although he certainly didn't receive money for his on-court greatness, he surely did get non-monetary benefits. Namely, 'Mr. Basketball' strongly influenced countless generations of centers that followed, something very few can claim.
Related: How Shaquille O'Neal paid his last respects to George Mikan: "I would like to pay for the funeral"
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