Don Otten’s career might seem pedestrian when you look at just the stats from Basketball Reference, but his Hall of Fame case is much stronger than at first glance.

A two-time All-American at Bowling Green, Otten turned pro with the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1946, where he was named the league MVP and scoring champion (14.0) in 1948-49, the last year of the NBL’s existence.  The Blackhawks would join the NBA in 1949, but by this time, he was 28, and his skills were eroded year after year, though he was still a competent basketball player. 

Had the records been more detailed, Otten might have entered the Hall years ago via the Veteran’s Committee.