Revisiting Bulls legend Artis Gilmore's snubbed All-Star case in 1977

A look back at The A-Train's snubbed All-Star case.

© Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Artis Gilmore is truly one of the most forgotten basketball figures not only in the Chicago Bulls' storied past but also in the entire NBA history. His career has been often overlooked due to his glorious time in the ABA, which makes his NBA run often disregarded.

A solid testament to the frequent dismissal of his Hall of Fame talent occurred in his first year in the NBA, where he was excluded from the All-Star festivities. The franchise's big man didn't make it in 1976-77, which has been an absolute travesty considering his brilliance that year.

A disrespectful dismissal of All-Star bid

The 1976-77 season became the start of a new era for the Bulls as they were able to land Artis. Coming off to the NBA’s rival league ABA, the big man was chosen as the first overall pick by Chicago in the dispersal draft and has been immediately identified as the newest face of the franchise.

This lofty regard of the entire organization and the Bulls fanbase didn't go to waste as Gilmore instantly managed to carry his two-way wonders in the Association all the way from the ABA. As the team's brand-new star, he averaged 18.6 points, 13.0 boards, 2.5 blocks, and 2.4 assists and made Chicago a postseason squad once again.

But these incredible efforts he poured weren't enough for him to become an All-Star that year — a dubious snubbing considering that he came off to five-straight ABA All-Star selections, including a dream season in 1975-76 in which he was named the league's MVP winner.

A-Train still become a legend

Gilmore came up short in landing on the East's All-Star roster that favored Bob McAdoo and Elvin Hayes at the two center spots. Both big men truly deserve their place on the list, but it has to be noted that the lack of acknowledgment in Artis’s 1977 All-Star case is undeniably disappointing and should be up for debate.

While The A-Train didn't receive the praise he deserved that year, he still proceeded to get honored with six All-Star nods for the rest of his illustrious career in the NBA and ultimately cemented his case as a hoops legend.

OTD in 1976: The Bulls selected future Hall-of-Famer Artis Gilmore with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1976 ABA Dispersal Draft.@MoetChandon | #MoetMoment pic.twitter.com/yiZyHyx0hh

— Chicago Bulls Archive (@BullsArchive) August 5, 2023

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