Mikan changed the game. The three second rule in the lane was adopted because of him. Many teams adopted stall tactics to beat the Lakers, so the shot clock was introduced. I know there are some other items but they slip my mind. I hope another poster remembers. He was the great when I was a younster.

Some nice quotes from Shaq regarding the passing of Mikan... I know who what he was, and I know what he did. Without him there is no me. And then offering to pay for the big man's funeral, helping out the cash strapped Mikans. Nice story.

Voted the best player of the first half century.Was a dominate force in his time.

Died at age 80, he was probably the first great center in the NBA. He helped lead the Minneapolis Lakers to several titles, and his play helped the center position evolve into what it is today. He will be missed by many in the professional basketball community.