Kevin McHale

The Master of the Post and the Celtics’ Unsung Hero

Some players dominate with athleticism. Others with finesse. Kevin McHale used both, crafting one of the most unstoppable low-post games in NBA history.

As a key piece of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1980s, McHale wasn’t just a sidekick—he was a force, a matchup nightmare, and a defensive wall who helped lead the Celtics to three championships.

From his unreal footwork and endless post moves to his relentless defense, McHale redefined what it meant to be a power forward, setting a standard that still influences the game today.

From Minnesota Star to Celtics Legend

Born in 1957 in Hibbing, Minnesota, Kevin McHale grew up in a hockey town but fell in love with basketball.

Played college basketball at the University of Minnesota, where he became one of the best big men in the country.
Averaged 15.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over his college career.
Drafted third overall in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, beginning one of the most iconic careers in franchise history.

McHale was drafted as a raw talent, but under the guidance of Larry Bird and Robert Parish, he became one of the most dominant low-post players the NBA has ever seen.

The Numbers Tell the Story

McHale’s career was defined by efficiency, dominance, and winning.

Three-time NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986).
Seven-time NBA All-Star.
Six-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.
Two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1984, 1985).
Career Averages: 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks per game.
One of the most efficient scorers in NBA history (career 55.4% FG percentage).
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Despite not being the main star, McHale was one of the most important players on a Celtics team that dominated the 1980s.

The Ultimate Post Player

McHale’s footwork and scoring in the post were so good that even today, players study his tape to learn the art of low-post scoring.

Had an unlimited arsenal of post moves—drop steps, up-and-unders, fadeaways, and deadly pump fakes.
Used his 7’0” wingspan to shoot over defenders with ease.
Scored an incredible 56 points in a single game in 1985 (then a Celtics record).
Led the NBA in field goal percentage twice, proving how efficient he was.**

Simply put, if McHale got the ball in the post, it was over.

Two Moments That Define Kevin McHale

Locking Down the Lakers in the 1984 NBA Finals

McHale wasn’t just a scorer—he was one of the best defenders of his era.

In the 1984 NBA Finals against the Lakers, he played a crucial role in containing James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
His tough play (including the famous hard foul on Kurt Rambis) set the tone for the Celtics' physicality.
The Celtics won in seven games, thanks in large part to McHale’s inside presence on both ends of the floor.

It was the series that solidified the Celtics-Lakers rivalry and made McHale a key name in basketball history.

1986: The Most Dominant Celtics Team Ever

The 1985-86 Boston Celtics are considered one of the greatest teams in NBA history, and McHale was at his absolute peak.

Averaged a career-high 26.1 points per game.
Led the league in field goal percentage (60.4%).
**Helped the Celtics go 40-1 at home—the best home record in NBA history.
In the NBA Finals, McHale dominated the Houston Rockets, helping the Celtics win their third title of the decade.

It was the season that proved McHale wasn’t just a great role player—he was a superstar.

Kevin McHale’s Most Iconic Basketball Cards

1981 Topps Kevin McHale Rookie Card

The most valuable and sought-after McHale card, featuring him as a young Celtics rookie.

1986 Fleer Kevin McHale Card

From the same legendary set as Michael Jordan’s rookie card, this is a must-have for collectors.

1984 Star Company Kevin McHale Sixth Man of the Year Card

Commemorates his back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards, proving his dominance off the bench.

Why Kevin McHale’s Legacy Still Matters Today

Kevin McHale wasn’t just a great player—he was a blueprint for every power forward who came after him.

His post moves are still studied by modern big men, including Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Joel Embiid.
He helped redefine the role of a power forward, proving that scoring in the post was an art form.
He was the ultimate team player, willing to come off the bench early in his career to help the Celtics win.
He was part of one of the greatest frontcourts in NBA history, alongside Larry Bird and Robert Parish.

After retiring, McHale became a successful coach and analyst, continuing to influence the game he loved.

To own a Kevin McHale card is to own a piece of basketball’s most dominant dynasty, a tribute to one of the greatest power forwards the game has ever seen.