George McGinnis, a basketball legend, faced health issues recently, sparking concern and discussion across the internet.
The basketball community is hopeful for Indiana’s great player, but there’s been no health update since that day.
Meanwhile, there are few sources that have declared him dead without any official confirmation.
George McGinnis is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He played college basketball at Indiana University and later transferred to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
He gained prominence for his exceptional skills on the court, particularly his scoring ability and rebounding prowess.
McGinnis had a successful professional career in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA. He began his professional career with the Indiana Pacers in the ABA in 1971.
George played a crucial role in the Pacers winning the ABA championship in the 1972-1973 season. He was a three-time ABA All-Star and two-time All-ABA Team selection.
After the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, McGinnis continued his career in the NBA. He played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers.
Over his NBA career, McGinnis was a two-time NBA All-Star and was known for his scoring and rebounding abilities.
The NBA legend was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
His impact on both the ABA and NBA cemented his legacy as one of the most notable players in the history of professional basketball.
George McGinnis Health And Illness
In the final chapter of his impressive basketball career, George McGinnis faced a tough opponent off the court – not an opponent with a basketball, but a persistent health issue affecting his once-strong body.
This story began after he was honored in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, just as he was about to undergo back surgery.
He hesitated to make this decision until his wife, Lynda, who was battling terminal cancer herself, encouraged him to go through with it.
By early 2021, McGinnis was going through rehabilitation, using a walker instead of his powerful strides.
Despite these physical challenges, he showed resilience by working with the former Pacers trainer David Craig in weekly sessions to regain some of his athletic abilities.
McGinnis faced a significant athletic challenge in navigating life without assistance due to spinal stenosis, a genetic condition worsened by his 11 seasons in professional basketball.
The decision to have surgery wasn’t easy, especially after a past infection. But Dr. David Schwartz offered a promising solution involving titanium discs to straighten and strengthen McGinnis’s spine.
The surgery took nine hours one day and seven hours three days later, followed by a few days of recovery in the hospital.
Determined to return to his former self, McGinnis met with Dr. Schwartz on October 31, 2021, preparing for surgery later that year.
The city anxiously awaited the comeback of one of its athletic legends. McGinnis expressed optimism, looking forward to a future where his body would reflect the strength and grace of his basketball days.
Therefore, the stage was set for a triumphant return, a symbol of overcoming physical challenges.
What Was His Cause of Death?
As of December 8, 2023, reports suggest that the Indiana basketball legend has encountered a serious health complication.
According to information shared on Only The Ball Was Brown’s Facebook page, George McGinnis had been on life support for the past three days.
No official confirmation of his death despite social media rumors; his status remains unverified as of now.
The situation seems uncertain, and those close to McGinnis are awaiting further updates on his condition.
