And impressive video at that
Here’s a great trivia question: between 1957 and 1969 - the Celtics dynasty - only one coach not from Boston won titles. He won them in 1958 and 1967. Who was it?
Alex Hannum - first with the St. Louis Hawks in 1958 and then the Philadelphia 76ers in 1967.
This video from the 1967 Finals is unbelievably crisp and it features some unbelievable talent, too. For Philly we see Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Costello, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer and Chet Walker. For Golden State there’s Rick Barry and Nate Thurmond. All of these players are now in the Hall of Fame.
Also playing: Duke legend Jeff Mullins, #23.
As noted, the video, though black and white, is really well preserved. You can see some elements of modern basketball with some slick drives and passes, but you can also see that these guys were born in the 1940’s and learned the game in the 1950’s. Big men stay inside, forwards don’t necessarily handle the ball much and of course there was no three point shot, much less positionless basketball.
Even so, the talent is pretty obvious. It’s a privilege to see video this clear that shows how the game was played then, not least of all because you get to see prime Wilt and Thurmond, and a young Rick Barry.
And for Duke fans, a chance to see video of Jeff Mullins as he was getting his feet under him during an outstanding NBA career. He started with St. Louis in 1964. He was traded to San Francisco in time for the run to the Finals and spent the rest of his career with the Warriors.
Barry ultimately left for the ABA in 1968 and returned to the NBA in 1972. After he got back, he and Mullins helped the team win its third championship in 1975.
