Basketball Sets That Never Were: The Washington Generals

by BucCollector - 17 cards (Last updated on Feb 11, 2023)

Founded in 1952, the Washington Generals exist primarily as an opponent for the Harlem Globetrotters. Despite their long history, albeit without success (they've beaten the Globies fewer than seven times), they've never had a trading card set, while the Globetrotters have had at least five. Here, a set that perhaps only Charlie Brown would collect.

Content from https://washingtongeneralsfan.blogspot.com and Wikipedia.

1. 1982-83 TCMA CBA #37 Sam Worthen

Sam Worthen is the current coach of the Generals.

1988-89 Panini Stickers (Spanish) #235 Kenny Smith Front

2. 1988-89 Panini Stickers (Spanish) #235 Kenny Smith

Yes, that Kenny Smith! He's the current General Manager of the Generals.

2011-12 Hoops - Autographs #144 Sundiata Gaines Front

3. 2011-12 Hoops - Autographs #144 Sundiata Gaines

In 2017, Gaines competed for The Washington Generals in The Basketball Tournament. Gaines was the leading scorer for the team with 22 points in the one game they played before being eliminated.

1989 Sports Illustrated for Kids #101 Nancy Lieberman-Cline Front

4. 1989 Sports Illustrated for Kids #101 Nancy Lieberman-Cline

Nancy Lieberman toured with the Generals in the late 1980s, where she met her future husband, teammate Tim Cline (who doesn't have a card of his own).

2020 Lana Sports ABA #66 Orbie Bowling Front

5. 2020 Lana Sports ABA #66 Orbie Bowling

The 6'10" Bowling was selected by the Knicks in the 1963 draft, but didn't make the team. He played for the Generals before latching on with his home state Colonels in 1967.

1990-91 ProCards CBA #170 Ron Cavenall Front

6. 1990-91 ProCards CBA #170 Ron Cavenall

After going undrafted out of Texas Southern in 1981, Ron Cavenall played in Australia's NBL and became the first ever NBL player to reach the NBA when he joined the Knicks in the 1984-85 season (after stints with the Harlem Wizards and the Generals). Later, he played for the New Jersey Nets and for 10 different CBA teams.

7. 1957-58 Topps #45 Med Park

After college at the University of Missouri, Med Park played one season with the Generals before he was signed by the St. Louis Hawks. He played five seasons in the league and earned a championship ring with the '58 Hawks.

1988-89 Kentucky's Finest Collegiate Collection #16 Bill Spivey Front

8. 1988-89 Kentucky's Finest Collegiate Collection #16 Bill Spivey

An All-American at UK, Bill Spivey was indicted in a 1951 point-shaving scandal. He was acquitted, but Spivey was banned from the NBA for life. He barnstormed with many teams, including the Generals, before a long career in the Eastern League.

1979-80 Atlanta Hawks #41 Sam Pellom Front

9. 1979-80 Atlanta Hawks #41 Sam Pellom

Sam Pellom is one of several Generals who later joined the Atlanta Hawks. He played four seasons in the NBA and two years for professional teams in Europe.

10. 1981-82 Topps #E67 Charlie Criss

After winning back-to-back MVP awards in the Continental Basketball League, 5' 8" Charlie Criss was invited to the Knicks training camp, but was cut before the first preseason game. He decided not to return to the CBA, but to try out for the Globetrotters. He didn't make the Globies either, but as picked up by the Generals for a two-month tour. After the tour, he was invited to the Atlanta Hawks camp and made the team, launching an eight-year NBA career.

Comments

Feb 15, 2023 - 7:02PM
DanD

Cool list! I remember Sundiata Gaines had a cup of coffee with the Raptors.

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This list was created by site member BucCollector. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Trading Card Database.