Breaking: NBA Birthday Bonanza – Spotlight on May 9-th Birthdays; Murphy and Smith Highlight an Impressive List!
Buckle up, sports fans! We’ve just unpacked an NBA history lesson for you, focusing on one special day: May 9th. As it turns out, this day has brought forth some of the league’s most formidable talents. Leading the pack are legends like Calvin Murphy, who sparked life into the San Diego (now Houston) Rockets with his dazzling play, and Elmore Smith, the phenomenal shot-blocker who earned the iconic nickname "The Rejector." Murphy, an 18th overall pick in 1970, etched his name in history by ranking top 3 in points, rebounds, and assists for the Rockets, while Smith towered over opponents, setting the single-game block record (17) that still stands today. So, mark your calendars for May 9th, folks, because it’s been one heck of a birthday in the NBA!
Legends Born on May 9: A Look into the Careers of NBA’s Iconic Players
With over 5,000 players in NBA history, each day of the calendar year has at least one player born on it. Today, we celebrate the talented individuals born on May 9, featuring notable players who have left indelible marks on the game.
Calvin Murphy: The rockets’ Iconic Point Guard
One of the most recognizable faces in NBA broadcasting, Calvin Murphy’s impact as a player is often overshadowed by his charismatic personality off the court. Born in 1948, Murphy was the 18th overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, selected by the San Diego Rockets. When the franchise moved to Houston the following season, Murphy stayed loyal to the team and spent his entire 13-year career with them.
His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. Murphy finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, averaging 15.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He solidified his place as the starting point guard for the next decade, with his best season coming in 1977. That year, Murphy averaged a career-high 25.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His performance earned him an All-Star nod the following season.
Did you know? Murphy is one of only five players in NBA history to averaged at least 1.5 steals per game for their career, joining elite company that includes Clyde Drexler, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and George Gervin.
Elmore Smith: The Rejector And His Elite Rim Protection
Nicknamed “The Rejector,” Elmore Smith was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Born in 1949, the 7-foot-2 center was drafted third overall by the Buffalo Braves in the 1971 NBA Draft. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, averaging a staggering 17.3 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. Blocks were not officially recorded during his first two seasons, but many believe Smith led the league in that category during that span.
Smith’s impact on the game is exemplified by his single-game record of 17 blocks against the Trail Blazers in October 1973. Although injuries shortened his career, he still managed to average 13.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game over eight seasons.
Other Notable Players Born on May 9
- Howard Komives (1941) – A two-time NBA champion with the Minneapolis Lakers, Komives was known for his defensive prowess.
- George Wilson (1942) – Wilson played for seven teams over his 12-year career, averaging 12.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
FAQs: Unanswered Questions About Our NBA Legends
- Who was the first player born on May 9 to win an NBA championship?
- Howard Komives won his first championship in 1952, just two years into his career with the Minneapolis Lakers.
- Which player on this list has the most career blocks?
- Elmore Smith accumulated 968 blocks over his eight-year career, ranking him 13th all-time when he retired.
Pro Tip: Look for These Traits in Today’s NBA Players
When scouting today’s NBA players, keep an eye out for the following traits that our beloved legends from May 9 exhibited:
- Consistency: Both Murphy and Smith established themselves as reliable contributors in their rookie seasons and maintained that throughout their careers.
- Versatility: These players excelled in multiple aspects of the game, from scoring and rebounding to passing and defending.
- Loyalty: Murphy spent his entire career with one franchise, and Smith played for three teams, spending his final two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Join the Conversation: Share Your Favorites
Now that you’ve learned about some of the greatest players born on May 9, we want to hear from you! Which legend from this list is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to explore more articles on 247Sports.new.