Don May Basketball Career and Stats

By Sarah Miller · December 11, 2027

Don May was an American professional basketball player who played in the NBA during the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Buffalo Braves. A sharpshooting forward from Dayton University, May was a two-time NBA All-Star (1970, 1971) and earned recognition as one of the top long-range shooters of his era. Despite a relatively short career, he made a lasting impact through consistent scoring and efficient play.

Who Was Don May in Basketball?

Donald Eugene May was born on June 6, 1946, in Middletown, Ohio. Standing at 6'6" (1.98 m), he played as a small forward and shooting guard. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Dayton, where he averaged 23.5 points per game over three seasons, May entered the 1968 NBA Draft and was selected 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

May quickly proved himself as a reliable scorer and intelligent team player. Though playing alongside legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer limited his shot volume, his efficiency and outside shooting stood out. He later played for the Buffalo Braves and briefly for the Atlanta Hawks before retiring in 1974 due to persistent knee injuries.

NBA Career Highlights and Teams

Don May's professional journey spanned six NBA seasons across three franchises:

Philadelphia 76ers (1968–1970): Rookie season off the bench; contributed to a strong Eastern Conference contender.
Buffalo Braves (1970–1973): Peak years; became a full-time starter and two-time All-Star.
Atlanta Hawks (1973–1974): Final season cut short by injury.

During his prime with the expansion Buffalo Braves, May emerged as one of the league’s most consistent mid-range and perimeter threats—rare for forwards at the time.

Key Achievements

2× NBA All-Star (1970, 1971)
1968–69 NBA All-Rookie First Team
Scored over 1,000 points in three consecutive seasons (1969–1972)
Averaged over 17 points per game in his best season (1970–71)

Playing Style and Skills

Don May was ahead of his time as a floor-spacing forward. In an era dominated by post play and physical defense, May thrived as a mobile, intelligent shooter who could create his own shot off screens or pick-and-pops.

Signature Strengths

Shooting Accuracy: Possessed textbook form and high release; effective from mid-range and beyond the arc (before the three-point line existed).
Off-Ball Movement: Excelled at cutting and relocating without the ball.
Basketball IQ: Made smart decisions; low turnover rate despite increased usage in Buffalo.
Defensive Awareness: Used positioning over athleticism; solid team defender.

Career Statistics Overview

Below is a detailed breakdown of Don May’s NBA regular season statistics by team and season:

Season	Team	Games	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
1968–69	Philadelphia 76ers	82	11.8	5.1	2.1	.457	.812
1969–70	Philadelphia 76ers	80	13.9	5.6	2.4	.475	.821
1970–71	Buffalo Braves	80	17.4	5.8	2.8	.471	.856
1971–72	Buffalo Braves	78	16.9	5.5	2.6	.469	.843
1972–73	Buffalо Braves	68	14.7	4.9	2.4	.458	.825
1973–74	Atlanta Hawks	28	7.7	2.6	1.3	.412	.778

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows May’s peak performance occurred between 1970 and 1972 with the Buffalo Braves, where he averaged over 17 points per game while maintaining elite free throw accuracy (above 84%). His field goal percentage remained consistently above 45%, impressive for a high-usage wing in that era. Decline after age 27 was largely due to chronic knee issues.

Legacy and Historical Context

Though not enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Don May is remembered as a prototype for the modern NBA wing scorer. Long before “stretch fours” and positionless basketball became mainstream, May demonstrated how spacing and shooting could elevate a team’s offense.

His back-to-back All-Star appearances in 1970 and 1971 were especially notable given the strength of competition at the forward position—players like John Havlicek, Bob Dandridge, and Billy Cunningham dominated the East.

Unfortunately, May’s career was shortened by knee degeneration, preventing him from reaching higher statistical milestones. However, analysts today recognize his efficiency and role versatility as ahead of his time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don May Basketball

What teams did Don May play for in the NBA?

Don May played for three NBA teams: the Philadelphia 76ers (1968–1970), the Buffalo Braves (1970–1973), and the Atlanta Hawks (1973–1974). His most productive years came with the Braves, where he earned two All-Star selections.

Was Don May an NBA All-Star?

Yes, Don May was selected to the NBA All-Star Game twice—in 1970 and 1971. Both selections came during his tenure with the Buffalo Braves, making him one of the franchise’s early stars despite its status as an expansion team.

Why did Don May retire so early?

Don May retired at age 28 due to severe knee injuries. Chronic pain and reduced mobility significantly impacted his performance during the 1973–74 season with the Atlanta Hawks, leading to his decision to step away from professional basketball.

Where did Don May play college basketball?

Don May played college basketball at the University of Dayton from 1965 to 1968. He was a prolific scorer, averaging 23.5 points per game, and led the Flyers to national prominence. He was named an All-American in his senior year.

Is Don May in the Basketball Hall of Fame?

No, Don May is not in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While he had a brief but impactful career highlighted by All-Star appearances and strong shooting efficiency, his short tenure and lack of championship success have kept him from induction.