Maravich's time with the Hawks was characterized by his ability to score and entertain. He quickly became known for his flashy style of play, which included behind-the-back passes, no-look assists, and long-range shooting. During his four seasons with Atlanta, Maravich averaged over 20 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. Despite his individual success, the team struggled to achieve significant playoff success during his tenure.
In 1974, Maravich was traded to the New Orleans Jazz, a team that was newly established in the NBA. This move allowed him to become the focal point of the team's offense. Maravich thrived in this role, leading the league in scoring during the 1976-77 season with an average of 31.1 points per game. His performance that season earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team. Maravich's time with the Jazz was also marked by several memorable performances, including a 68-point game against the New York Knicks in 1977, which remains one of the highest-scoring games in NBA history.
Despite Maravich's individual brilliance, the Jazz struggled to find success as a team. The franchise faced challenges, including financial difficulties and a lack of talent depth, which hindered their ability to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless, Maravich continued to be a fan favorite and was known for his ability to draw crowds with his exciting style of play.
In 1979, the Jazz relocated to Utah, and Maravich's role on the team began to diminish due to injuries and the emergence of new talent. He was waived by the Jazz in January 1980 and subsequently signed with the Boston Celtics. Joining a team led by Larry Bird, Maravich played a supporting role as the Celtics made a deep playoff run. Although his time with Boston was brief, it provided him with an opportunity to compete in the postseason, something that had eluded him for much of his career.
Maravich retired from professional basketball in 1980, concluding a career that was both dazzling and enigmatic. Over the course of his ten seasons in the NBA, he was a five-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team twice. His career averages of 24.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game reflect his all-around ability on the court.
Off the court, Maravich's legacy continued to grow. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, and his influence on the game is still felt today. Known for his creativity and flair, Maravich inspired future generations of players to embrace a more dynamic and entertaining style of play.
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