Gallatin's professional career began when he was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1950 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he played as a forward and center. His physicality and relentless effort on the court quickly earned him the nickname "The Horse." Gallatin was known for his exceptional rebounding ability, a skill that became his trademark throughout his career.
During his time with the Knicks, Gallatin became a cornerstone of the team's frontcourt. He played alongside other talented players such as Dick McGuire and Carl Braun, helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals three times in the early 1950s. Although the team fell short of winning a championship, Gallatin's performances were consistently strong. He was selected to seven consecutive NBA All-Star Games from 1951 to 1957, a testament to his skill and consistency.
One of Gallatin's most remarkable achievements came during the 1953-54 NBA season when he led the league in rebounding. He averaged 15.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate the boards against taller opponents. Gallatin's rebounding prowess was not just about his physical attributes; it was also a result of his strategic positioning and anticipation.
In 1957, Gallatin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he continued to play at a high level. He spent two seasons with the Pistons before retiring as a player in 1958. Over his nine-year NBA career, Gallatin played in 682 games, averaging 13 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. His durability was another hallmark of his career, as he never missed a game, setting an NBA record for consecutive games played at the time.
After retiring as a player, Gallatin transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career at Southern Illinois University, where he served as the head coach from 1958 to 1962. Gallatin then returned to the NBA as a coach, leading the St. Louis Hawks from 1962 to 1964. Under his guidance, the Hawks made the playoffs both seasons, but they were unable to advance past the first round.
Gallatin's coaching career continued with a stint as the head coach of the New York Knicks during the 1964-65 season. Although his time with the Knicks was brief, he remained involved in basketball, later serving as an assistant coach and scout for various teams.
In recognition of his outstanding career, Harry Gallatin was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
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