Some of the NBA's tallest players now possess skills of much smaller players, making them more fascinating than ever.

George Mikan, the “gentle giant ... 1949 file photo in Minneapolis. Mikan, professional basketball's first dominant big man who led the Lakers to five NBA championships, died Wednesday.

"Nicknamed Mr. Basketball, he led the league ... 99 jersey retired in Lakers lore." HoopsHype on Mikan: "The first truly dominant NBA big man, George Mikan used his massive size to his advantage ...