Nathaniel "Nate" Archibald

When Nate Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, scouts just hoped the 6-foot-1-inch guard from the University of Texas-El Paso could handle the NBA game and stay in the league a few seasons. "Tiny" Archibald managed a lot more than that. Although shy and diminutive, Archibald proved to be unstoppable in the lane, a pinpoint passer with eyes everywhere and an outside shooter with unlimited range. He lasted 14 seasons, was a six-time NBA All Star, and was a three-time All-NBA First Team performer. Archibald's game, a potent mix of penetration, shooting, and passing, became the standard for players of his size and ability. In 1972, Archibald's first season with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, he averaged 34 points and 11.4 assists per outing, becoming the only player in NBA history to lead the league in those categories in the same season. Archibald established once and for all that the little man still belonged in professional basketball.