Marty Blake, American basketball player and manager (d. 2013)

Marty Blake, born on March 22, 1927, in Paterson, New Jersey, and passing away on April 7, 2013, in suburban Atlanta, carved an indelible legacy in the world of professional basketball. His journey began far from the bright lights of NBA arenas; after serving in the U.S. Army at the close of World War II, Blake attended Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His early career showcased a diverse entrepreneurial spirit, as he spent time promoting local boxing matches, exhilarating stock car races, and grassroots baseball games. This foundational experience in event promotion and sports management laid the groundwork for his future contributions, leading him to work with several professional baseball and football teams and even assisting in the establishment of the Continental Basketball Association.

The Atlanta Hawks Era: Guiding a Franchise to Glory

Blake’s true calling emerged in 1954 when he became the general manager for the Atlanta Hawks franchise, then based in Milwaukee. For an impressive sixteen years, from 1954 to 1970, Blake was a pivotal figure in the team's success. Under his shrewd guidance, the Hawks achieved remarkable feats, securing seven division titles and culminating in a historic NBA championship victory in 1958. His keen eye for talent was legendary; one of his most impactful acquisitions was Lenny Wilkens, a dynamic point guard from Providence College. Blake had first spotted Wilkens in the 1960 National Invitation Tournament, recognizing his potential. Consequently, he selected Wilkens with the seventh pick of the 1960 NBA Draft, a decision that would pay dividends many times over, as Wilkens went on to enjoy a distinguished Hall of Fame career as both a player and a coach.

Pioneering Global Talent: A Visionary in the NBA Draft

Marty Blake's foresight extended beyond domestic talent. In a move that truly marked him as a visionary, he made history at the 1970 NBA Draft by becoming the first general manager ever to select a player from a foreign league. This groundbreaking moment came in the 10th round with the drafting of Mexico’s Manuel Raga. Not content with just one such pioneering pick, Blake followed up this selection by drafting Italy’s Dino Meneghin in the 11th round. While neither Raga nor Meneghin ultimately signed with the Hawks – largely due to the team’s inability to afford buying out their existing contracts – these audacious draft selections were profoundly significant. They effectively "set the stage" for the eventual, massive influx of global talent into the NBA, transforming the league into the international spectacle it is today and showcasing Blake's incredible forward-thinking approach.

From Rival Leagues to "Godfather of the NBA Draft"

Following his impactful tenure with the Hawks, Blake embarked on new ventures. In 1970, he departed to become the president of the Pittsburgh Condors, a team within the rival American Basketball Association (ABA). After a single season with the Condors, Blake channeled his unparalleled scouting abilities into his own enterprise, founding Marty Blake and Associates, a dedicated basketball scouting service. His influence only grew with the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, at which point he was appointed the official NBA Director of Scouting Services. In this elevated role, Blake and his associates were instrumental in discovering and championing an astonishing roster of future NBA stars, including luminaries like Jack Sikma, Terry Porter, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Karl Malone, and Joe Dumars. These athletes, often unearthed from smaller colleges, were identified thanks to Blake's unique talent evaluation skills. His profound impact on the league's talent pool earned him an iconic moniker, with official NBA publications affectionately referring to him as the "Godfather of the NBA Draft," a testament to his uncanny ability to identify and cultivate skilled players who would go on to define generations of basketball.

A Lasting Legacy and Recognition

Marty Blake's immense contributions to basketball did not go unnoticed. In 2005, he received the prestigious John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor considered the Hall's most significant accolade outside of actual player enshrinement. His passion for the game and for sharing his insights even extended to the digital realm, where he maintained a popular blog on NBA.com titled "On the Road with Marty Blake," offering fans a unique glimpse into the life of a legendary scout. Blake's remarkable career, marked by innovation, an unparalleled eye for talent, and a deep love for the sport, concluded with his passing in 2013, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to shape the NBA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marty Blake

Who was Marty Blake?
Marty Blake was a highly influential figure in professional basketball, known for his work as a general manager for the Atlanta Hawks and later as the NBA's longtime Director of Scouting. He was often called the "Godfather of the NBA Draft."
What were Marty Blake's major achievements with the Atlanta Hawks?
As general manager for the Hawks from 1954 to 1970, Blake guided the team to seven division titles and an NBA championship in 1958. He also famously drafted Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens and pioneered the drafting of international players.
What was Marty Blake's role in discovering NBA talent?
As the NBA Director of Scouting Services following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, Blake and his team were credited with identifying numerous future NBA stars, including Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and many others, often from less prominent colleges.
What awards or honors did Marty Blake receive?
In 2005, Marty Blake was honored with the Basketball Hall of Fame's John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hall's most prestigious non-enshrinement recognition, for his significant contributions to the sport.
Did Marty Blake have any unique "firsts" in the NBA?
Yes, Marty Blake was the first general manager in NBA history to draft a player from a foreign league, selecting Mexico's Manuel Raga in the 1970 NBA Draft, followed by Italy's Dino Meneghin. This groundbreaking move paved the way for the global talent pool seen in the NBA today.