I heard Dr. Jack Ramsey interviewed on ESPN Legends. He was asked who the 3 physically toughest players he had seen in his long NBA coaching career. Here is his list: 1. Al Attles 2. Richie Guerin 3. Calvin Murphy All little guys! Also he was asked who was the toughest guy mentally in the league: Michael Jordan.
I read another column by Dr. Jack that said pound for pound, Calvin Murphy was the best fighter in NBA history, if I recall. Something like Murphy could get five punches in for every one of the opposing player. I was only alive for the last few years of Murphy's career, and needless to say, I never saw him play, but its good to know he backed up his mouth with his play back in the day.
His BASKETBALL PLAYING career, dude! (I was born in '79!) I guess it sounded funny, but I didn't misspeak, did I?
Was Murph a tiger or what? I am young enough to say I never saw him play, but knowing that he twirls a baton, I thought, hmmmm, maybe not such a tough guy......
Murphy did not back down from anyone, he was as cold blooded as they come. I remember some 6'9" guy tried to fight him, Murphy hit him like 4 times in the face and knocked him out cold, the guy never got in a punch. Murphy could play....he was Allen Iverson like, only a better shooter. DaDakota
