Marty Blake, American businessman (b. 1927)

Marty Blake, a name synonymous with foresight and an unparalleled eye for talent in basketball, carved out a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on March 22, 1927, in Paterson, New Jersey, and passing away on April 7, 2013, in suburban Atlanta, Blake was not just a general manager for the Atlanta Hawks franchise, but also the NBA's longtime Director of Scouting. His profound contributions were fittingly recognized with the Basketball Hall of Fame's prestigious John Bunn Award, an honor celebrating significant lifetime achievements outside of player enshrinement.

Blake's journey into the world of professional sports began with diverse experiences. After serving in the US Army at the close of World War II, a formative period for many of his generation, he pursued higher education at Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His early career showcased a nascent talent for promotion and organization, as he spent time orchestrating local boxing matches, thrilling stock car races, and spirited baseball games. This diverse background in event management and sports administration undoubtedly honed his instincts, preparing him for the larger stage of professional basketball. Before his full immersion into the NBA, he also lent his expertise to several professional baseball and football teams and played a role in the founding of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), a significant developmental league.

A Visionary Leader with the Atlanta Hawks

Blake's foray into professional basketball management truly blossomed when he took the reins as manager of the Hawks in 1954. At that time, the franchise was based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before its eventual move to St. Louis and then Atlanta. From 1954 to 1970, Blake's tenure was characterized by consistent success and groundbreaking decisions. Under his astute guidance, the Hawks secured an impressive seven division titles and captured a coveted NBA championship in 1958, a testament to his ability to build and sustain a winning culture.

Among Blake's most celebrated player acquisitions for the Hawks was the drafting of Lenny Wilkens. Blake had keenly observed Wilkens, a dynamic point guard from Providence College, during the 1960 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). With a keen sense for future greatness, Blake selected Wilkens with the seventh overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft. This proved to be a stroke of genius, as Wilkens went on to forge a Hall of Fame career, excelling as both a player and, later, as one of the league's most successful coaches.

Pioneering International Talent in the NBA Draft

A true visionary, Blake's influence extended beyond domestic talent. The 1970 NBA Draft saw him make history by becoming the first general manager ever to select a player from a foreign league. He drafted Mexico's Manuel Raga in the 10th round, a bold move at a time when the NBA was almost exclusively American-centric. Blake continued this trend by selecting Italy's Dino Meneghin in the 11th round shortly thereafter. While neither Raga nor Meneghin ever signed with the Hawks – primarily because the team faced financial challenges in buying out their existing contracts with European clubs, a much more complex process in that era – these selections were profoundly significant. They effectively "set the stage" for the later, now commonplace, influx of global talent into the NBA, demonstrating Blake's extraordinary foresight into the sport's international potential.

From Rival Leagues to the "Godfather of the NBA Draft"

The year 1970 marked a new chapter in Blake's career when he departed the Hawks to become president of the Pittsburgh Condors, a team competing in the rival American Basketball Association (ABA). After spending a single season with the Condors, he transitioned his passion for scouting into a dedicated enterprise, founding his own highly influential basketball scouting service, Marty Blake and Associates.

His unparalleled eye for talent found its ultimate platform when the ABA-NBA merger occurred in 1976. Blake was subsequently appointed the NBA Director of Scouting Services, a role perfectly tailored to his unique abilities. In this capacity, Blake and his associates were credited with discovering an astonishing array of future NBA stars and Hall of Famers, often unearthing gems from smaller colleges that might otherwise have been overlooked. The list of players whose careers he helped launch includes legends such as Jack Sikma, Terry Porter, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Karl Malone, and Joe Dumars. His uncanny knack for identifying skilled players, especially from less prominent collegiate programs, earned him the esteemed title of the "Godfather of the NBA Draft" in official NBA publications, a moniker that perfectly encapsulated his profound impact on the league's talent pipeline.

Legacy and Recognition

Fittingly, Marty Blake's profound contributions to basketball were formally recognized in 2005 when he received the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. As the Hall's most prestigious honor outside of enshrinement itself, it underscored his status as one of the sport's most impactful figures behind the scenes. Even in his later years, Blake remained deeply connected to the game, once maintaining an engaging blog on NBA.com titled "On the Road with Marty Blake," where he shared his insights and observations from the scouting trail. Marty Blake passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the NBA, a league forever indebted to his vision, dedication, and unparalleled ability to find greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marty Blake

What was Marty Blake's primary contribution to the NBA?
Marty Blake was a pivotal figure as both a successful general manager for the Atlanta Hawks and, more famously, as the NBA's longtime Director of Scouting. He was widely known for his extraordinary ability to identify and discover talent, earning him the nickname "Godfather of the NBA Draft."
What significant achievements did he have with the Atlanta Hawks?
As the Hawks' general manager from 1954 to 1970, Marty Blake guided the team to seven division titles and secured an NBA championship in 1958. He also made a legendary draft pick in Lenny Wilkens, who went on to have a Hall of Fame career as a player and coach.
Why was Marty Blake called the "Godfather of the NBA Draft"?
He earned this title because of his unparalleled ability to identify highly skilled players, often from smaller colleges that were not typically on the radar of most professional scouts. His scouting service, Marty Blake and Associates, and his role as NBA Director of Scouting Services, were instrumental in finding numerous future NBA stars.
Which famous NBA players did Marty Blake help discover?
Marty Blake and his associates are credited with discovering a long list of talented players, including Jack Sikma, Terry Porter, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Karl Malone, and Joe Dumars, among many others.
What was Marty Blake's role in bringing international talent to the NBA?
In the 1970 NBA Draft, Blake made history by being the first general manager to draft a player from a foreign league, selecting Manuel Raga from Mexico and Dino Meneghin from Italy. Although neither player signed with the Hawks, these selections were pioneering and paved the way for the future influx of global talent into the NBA.
What is the John Bunn Award?
The John Bunn Award is the highest and most prestigious honor presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals for significant lifetime contributions to basketball outside of direct player, coach, or referee enshrinement.
When did Marty Blake pass away?
Marty Blake passed away on April 7, 2013, in suburban Atlanta at the age of 86.