During the 1972 - 73 NBA season Nate "Tiny" Archibald led the league in scoring 34.0 ppg, and assists 11.4 apg. No other player has been able to achieve this feat since.
In 1972 I was a lil dude, but still a dreamer and budding basketball fan. I would collect everything basketball related. At the time Pro Keds (his sneaker sponsor) put out a record series with each of its athletes speaking about their game strategy. I had all of them including Tiny Nate's. Here is what Tiny had to say about his scoring and assists strategy.
First of all, Nate Archibald always played with a chip on his shoulder. His being a smaller player from New York, and not being drafted in the first round made the "chip" bigger. His game and attitude was like Terrible Tim Hardaway's without the "Killa Crossover". He was always in attack mode. Archibald was able to sustain his momentum because he played, and ran 6 miles each day
Furthermore, Nate Archibald was left handed and like today, far too many defenders get abused by left handed players because they defend them incorrectly. Such was the case with Tiny, accept he was also a blurr on the court, and highly skilled when attacking the basket. Archibsld shot close to 50% that season, and for his career. This stands out because Tiny got most of his points in the lane, and on the foul line.
Unlike far too many small guards, Nate Archibald embraced contact ala Allen Iverson. Tiny did not have the "bunnies" like AI, but he did something else most would consider "gangsta". Nate would create contact with the big guys, wear them down, and get them in foul trouble by driving straight at them.
The difference was tha Tiny would take off with his knees high and use them as "weapons". On the record Nate Archibald even stated "There was something about my knee landing square into their midsections that did not allow them to defend quite as well." The full on "knee attack" landed Tiny on the foul line 10 times per game. Add this to his unstoppable open court play and one can see why Tiny had his way offensively.
In addition, Archibald was able to rack up assist because he knew his teammates strengths and where they liked to shoot. Nate could get into the lane whenever he wanted and draw multiple defenders. Therefore, every time down Tiny would put pressure on the defense which would consistently lead to his scoring or a teammate doing the honors via an assist.
Most NBA players are either not as well conditioned or bold enough to compete as Nate "Tiny" Archibald did when he had his one-of-a-kind year. Those that are have not shown the unselfishness required to average anywhere near double figure assists. Nate "Tiny" Archibald's accomplishment may stand for as long as Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game.
* Nate Archibald is one of the Top 30 point guards of all-time. Would you like to know just where he ranks amongst the 150 greatest players ever and how it was all decided? Just click the link below for more information.
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