The NBA is celebrating players from the NBA 75 list almost daily from now until the end of the season. Today's honoree is Philadelphia Warriors star Paul Arizin, nicknamed "Pitchin' Paul" for his unique jump shot. This story excerpt — part of a preview of the 1962-63 NBA season, mentions only in relative passing that Arizin, a perennial All-Star and past league scoring leader, had retired — appeared in the Oct. 20, 1962, issue of The Sporting News.
Warriors to Miss Arizin
Although the San Francisco Warriors picked up Wayne Hightower, a Philadelphia giant via Kansas University, they suffered the loss of Paul Arizin, who refused to go West with the franchise. Arizin, at 33, was still good enough to average 21.9 points last season, a contribution that can't help but be missed this year.
Despite the absence of Pitchin' Paul, the Warriors will present to the Bay Area fans such attractions as Wilt Chamberlain, who averaged 50 points a game last season; Tom Meschery, a hometown product who starred at St. Mary's and flicked the strings at a 12.1 figure last season; Tom Gola (13.7), Guy Rodgers (8.2) and Al Attles, in addition to rookie Dave Gunther, Howie Montgomery and Hubie White, who looked good in pre-season barnstorming.