Max Zaslofsky's journey in professional basketball began when he joined the Chicago Stags in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) during the 1946-47 season. Known for his scoring ability, Zaslofsky quickly became one of the league's top players. In his rookie season, he averaged 14.4 points per game, which was an impressive feat at the time. His performance helped the Stags reach the BAA Finals, although they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Warriors.
Zaslofsky's scoring prowess continued to shine in the following seasons. During the 1947-48 season, he led the league in scoring with an average of 21.0 points per game, earning him a spot on the All-BAA First Team. His ability to score from the field and the free-throw line made him a valuable asset to his team. Zaslofsky's consistent performance kept him among the top scorers in the league, and he was named to the All-BAA First Team again in the 1948-49 season.
When the BAA merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949, Zaslofsky continued to excel. He played for the Chicago Stags until the team folded in 1950. Afterward, he joined the New York Knicks, where he continued to be a leading scorer. During his time with the Knicks, Zaslofsky was selected to the All-NBA First Team in 1950 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1951 and 1952.
Zaslofsky's career saw him play for several other teams, including the Baltimore Bullets, Milwaukee Hawks, and Fort Wayne Pistons. Despite changing teams, he maintained his reputation as a reliable scorer and a skilled player. His ability to adapt to different teams and systems was evident throughout his career.
In addition to his scoring ability, Zaslofsky was known for his free-throw shooting. He led the league in free-throw percentage during the 1946-47 and 1949-50 seasons. His proficiency from the line added another dimension to his offensive game, making him a threat in close games.
Zaslofsky's career spanned over a decade, and he retired from professional basketball in 1956. Throughout his career, he was selected to the All-NBA First Team once and the All-NBA Second Team three times. His scoring achievements and contributions to his teams were recognized when he was named one of the NBA's 25th Anniversary Team members in 1971.
After retiring as a player, Zaslofsky briefly coached the New Jersey Americans in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 1967-68 season. Although his coaching career was short-lived, it demonstrated his continued involvement in the sport.
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