Mel Counts, a towering presence on the basketball court, played as a center and power forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during a career that spanned over a decade. Born on October 16, 1941, in Coos Bay, Oregon, Counts developed his skills at Oregon State University, where he became an All-American player. His college performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the 1964 NBA Draft.

Counts began his professional career with the Boston Celtics, a team renowned for its dominance during the 1960s. Joining the Celtics in the 1964-65 season, he was part of a squad that included legendary players like Bill Russell and John Havlicek. Although Counts played a supporting role, he contributed to the Celtics' championship victories in 1965 and 1966. His height and shooting ability made him a valuable asset off the bench, providing depth to the Celtics' roster.

In 1966, Counts was traded to the Baltimore Bullets, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills as a starter. His time with the Bullets was brief, as he was traded again in 1967 to the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers, Counts found a more stable role, playing alongside stars such as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. During his tenure with the Lakers, Counts helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 1968 and 1969, although they fell short of winning the championship both times.

Counts' career continued with a move to the Phoenix Suns in 1970. His experience and leadership were valuable to the young franchise, and he played a significant role in their development during his two seasons with the team. In 1972, Counts was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent a season before being traded once more to the New Orleans Jazz in 1974. His time with the Jazz was marked by his role as a veteran presence on a newly established team.

Throughout his career, Counts was known for his shooting touch and ability to score from mid-range, a skill not commonly associated with centers of his era. Standing at 7 feet tall, he used his height advantage to shoot over defenders, making him a reliable scoring option. Despite not being a primary star on any of his teams, Counts' consistency and professionalism earned him respect across the league.

Counts retired from professional basketball in 1976, leaving behind a legacy of steady performance and adaptability. His career statistics include over 8,000 points and 5,000 rebounds, reflecting his contributions on both ends of the court. After retiring, Counts remained involved in basketball, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.

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