“I was eight feet tall when he told me that” - Nate “Tiny” Archibald on how he felt honored when Bob Cousy drafted him

tiny-archibald

Nate “Tiny” Archibald was one of the most underrated players in college, playing for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) under Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins. He was superb for his school but did not stand out, considering he was a smaller-stature player.

Tiny was a playground legend in New York and a great player at UTEP, but he was not considered a top prospect in the 1970 NBA Draft. Fortunately for Archibald, the Cincinnati Royals picked him because of head coach Bob Cousy.

“When Cousy saw me, we sat down, and he came to the hotel talking about just drafting me,” Archibald said. “For being six feet or 5’11” or whatever size I was, I grew. I was eight feet tall when he told me that. I didn’t really think I could play in the NBA.”

Cousy was a massive influence on Archibald

Besides being Cousy’s handpicked prospect, Tiny also learned a lot from playing under the legendary point guard. Archibald often credits the Celtics legend for his development as a player, which was integral to his growth as a playmaker and scorer.

Tiny is the only player in NBA history to lead the league in points and assists in the 1972/73 season when Cousy was still the coach. Bob empowered Archibald to perform at the highest level, turning him into the best guard in the league and an extension of him on the court.

“Cooz sat down with me almost every single game, not about scoring but running the team,” Tiny continued. “My concept was to attack people, I wanted people to know I was on the court. I didn’t want people to say he’s relaxed, he’s cool, I didn’t play like that.”

“I used to tell Tiny, if you’re racing down the floor, and you see me jumping up calling for time, ignore me and go do your thing, create an opportunity,” Cousy said. “When you got a player like Archibald who can create anything whatever they want at any time they want, you’re much better off letting them do it.”

Archibald is cemented as a legend

Tiny should be commended as one of the best players of the 1970s, as he was the innovator for the point guard position. Most people thought small players’ only role was to give the ball to the big men to go to work.

That should not be the case because point guards should be free to operate and control how their teams play. Cousy wanted to get Archibald because he knew Tiny would be a fantastic floor general, especially when he had the freedom to operate.

Tiny was successful as a star during his days with the Royals, but he would become a champion when he accepted being a role player in Boston. It was also a poetic end to his career, as he played for the team that Cousy is most known playing for.