Numerous iconic stars from the 1980s are cherished by fans to this day. However, there is one player, similarly talented, who sometimes gets overlooked in that esteemed list – Sidney Moncrief.
Yet, for those who competed against him, Moncrief is most likely unforgettable. His presence on the court was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on NBA legend Michael Jordan.
“When you play against Moncrief, you’re in for a night of all-around basketball. He’ll hound you everywhere you go, both ends of the court. You just expect it,” said Jordan in 1996, per The L.A. Times.
Perseverance and dedication
Before starting his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1979, Moncrief had an impressive college career at Arkansas. However, a degenerative knee issue led a doctor to predict that the 6’4″ guard would only have a maximum of two years in pro basketball.
Likely influenced by this prognosis, Moncrief was determined to maximize his “limited” time, approaching every aspect of the game with utmost dedication. Taking it easy or playing at anything less than full speed was utterly foreign to ‘The Squid.’
“Some players can make the game look easy. I make it look hard. I try to play as best I can and work as hard as I can. That’s all you can ask for,” he once explained.
His long-standing head coach, the renowned Don Nelson, echoed similar sentiments while praising his guard.
“Of all the things I like about him, his mental toughness is about as strong as anyone I’ve ever been around,” Nelson said. “And I’ve known a lot of players.”
Moncrief’s dominance
Sid began as the Sixth Man but swiftly gained recognition, securing five straight All-Star selections from 1982 onwards. In his first seven seasons with the franchise, the Bucks always won their division. Moncrief played a key role in their success, standing out for his remarkable versatility.
He excelled offensively, showcasing a well-rounded game with good court vision, low post skills, shooting ability, and explosiveness. ‘Sir Sid’ was feared for dunking over opponents and could grab an offensive rebound here and there.
His defensive prowess was especially remarkable. During his career, Sid notched five All-Defensive Team selections and won the DPOY award twice in 1983 and 1984, a feat only a few guards in history achieved.
Therefore, the quoted praise from Jordan about Moncrief’s qualities wasn’t surprising. It came after their teams met in 1986. MJ, injured, watched Moncrief from the front row.
Defensively, the Bucks legend completely shut down George Gervin, who was viewed as MJ’s replacement on the Bulls’ offense. ‘The Iceman’ was neutralized to just 17 points, while Moncrief countered with 20 points himself in less than three quarters. It marked one of the many duels where the Hall of Famer ultimately had the upper hand.