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7. Kevin McHale

7. Kevin McHale

An occasional visitor at Cheers, Kevin McHale, would play his entire NBA career with the Boston Celtics where he was as selfless as he was popular.  McHale was drafted in third overall in 1980, and he would become part of Boston's "Big 3" of the 1980s with Larry Bird and Robert Parish.  McHale was excellent in the paint both on offense and defense, showing off excellent shooting skills and blocking ability.  The quintessential Power Forward, McHale regularly abused his opponents whether he was starting or coming off of the bench, the latter of which often occurred and he rewarded the Celtics with that decision by winning the Sixth Man of the Year in both 1984 and 1985.  

In addition to his three titles with Boston, he was a First Team All-NBA Selection in 1986-87 and a three-time First Team All-Defensive Selection.  McHale retired with a 17.9 PPG and would enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, with his number 32 having already been retired by the Celtics.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Acquired: Selected in the 1st Round, 3rd Overall 6/10/80.
  • Departed: Retired after the 1992-93 Season.
  • Games Played: 971
  • Per Game Averages: 31.0 MP
    .555 eFG%
    .806 FT%
    17.9 PTS
    7.3 RB
    1.7 AST
    0.4 STL
    1.7 BLK

    169 Playoff Games
    33.8 MP
    .553 eFG%
    .788 FT%
    18.8 PTS
    7.4 RB
    1.6 AST
    0.4 STL
    1.7 BLK
  • Advanced Stats: 20.0 PER
    .605 TS%
    33.9 VORP
    113.0 WS

    169 Playoff Games
    19.4 PER
    .618 TS%
    7.8 VORP
    20.7 WS
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NBA Champion (1981, 1984 & 1986)
    First Team All-NBA (1987)
    First Team All-Defensive (1986, 1987 & 1988)
    Second Team All-Defensive (1983, 1989 & 1990)
    All-Star (1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 & 1991)
    Sixth Man of the Year (1984 & 1985)
    First Team All-Rookie (1981)
    Highest Field Goal Percentage (1986-87 & 1987-88)
    Highest Offensive Rating (1987-88)

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