Nathaniel "Nate" Archibald enshrined as player in 1991

Nathaniel "Nate" Archibald

Enshrined 1991
Born: September 2, 1948
New York, NY

When Nate Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals, it was hoped the 6-foot-1 guard from the University of Texas-El Paso could handle the NBA game and stay in the league a few seasons. Although shy and diminutive, Archibald proved to be unstoppable in the lane, a pinpoint passer with eyes everywhere and an outside shooter with unlimited range. He lasted fourteen seasons, was a six-time All-Star, and was named one of the top 50 players in NBA history. Archibald's game, a potent mix of penetration, shooting, and passing, became the standard for players of his size and ability. In 1972, Archibald's first season with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, he averaged 34 points and 11.4 assists per outing, becoming the only player in NBA history to lead the league in those two categories in the same season. Nicknamed "Tiny" and "Nate the Skate," Archibald established that the little man could excel in professional basketball.