Kevin McHale
Key Career Moment of Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale cemented his NBA legacy during the 1986 NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics.
Kevin Edward McHale (born Decem) is an American former professional basketball player, coach and analyst who played his entire professional career for the Boston Celtics.
Facing the Houston Rockets, McHale dominated with a series of unstoppable post moves, averaging 25.8 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from the field. His defining performance came in Game 6, where he scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to secure the championship.
Kevin McHale’s NBA journey began when he was selected by the Boston Celtics as the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. His impact was immediate, quickly becoming a key player .
Kevin was unguardable down low-just a nightmare for defenses, said teammate Larry Bird.This series solidified McHale as one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history.
Unique Skill of Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale's signature skill was his unparalleled footwork in the post.
Nicknamed The Black Hole for his ability to absorb defenders and score at will, McHale perfected the up-and-under move, often leaving opponents flat-footed. His combination of agility, length, and touch made him nearly impossible to defend one-on-one.
Kevin McHale's Stats
- 7-time NBA All-Star (1984, 19861991)
- 3-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 17,335 career points (17.9 PPG) and 7,122 rebounds (7.3 RPG)
Kevin McHale's Legacy in the NBA
Kevin McHale's basketball career left an indelible mark on the NBA, influencing generations of big men with his post mastery.
Beyond his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and front-office roles, shaping teams like the Houston Rockets.
A unique fact: McHale once scored 56 points in a single game (March 3, 1985), the highest by any Celtics player not named Larry Bird. Today, his No. 32 jersey hangs in the rafters of TD Garden, a testament to his Hall of Fame impact on the game.