The Verified November 8 Trade
Atlanta, Philadelphia and the NBA league transaction ledgers agree on the November 8, 1974 structure. The Hawks sent Clyde Lee and their 1975 third-round pick to the 76ers for Tom Van Arsdale. William Wilcox's Atlanta executive record and Pat Williams' Philadelphia record independently preserve the same deal. The pick became No. 39 in the 1975 draft, where Philadelphia selected Jimmie Baker. The legacy archive entry uses Jim Baker, but Basketball-Reference's player record identifies him as Jimmie Baker Jr.; the source-backed record retains Jim Baker as an alias while linking the draft outcome to the verified player identity.
Van Arsdale Immediately Became a Major Atlanta Scorer
Van Arsdale had appeared in nine games for Philadelphia before the trade, averaging 14.0 points. His role expanded sharply in Atlanta. He played 73 games for the Hawks in 1974-75 and averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 35.2 minutes. That was not reserve value; he became one of Atlanta's principal offensive players. He returned for 75 games in 1975-76, averaging 10.9 points and 2.6 assists. Across the two post-trade seasons, Atlanta received 148 games from a veteran wing who was still capable of carrying substantial offensive responsibility.
Atlanta Also Preserved Downstream Value
The Hawks did not lose Van Arsdale for nothing when his Atlanta tenure ended. On June 16, 1976, they traded him to the Buffalo Braves for Ken Charles, Dick Gibbs and cash. The later return does not automatically make every component of that Buffalo package equal to the original 1974 acquisition, but it proves Van Arsdale still had trade value after two seasons in Atlanta. That downstream conversion separates the Hawks' side from a simple two-year rental and adds another layer of realized value to the original transaction.
Clyde Lee Gave Philadelphia Real Frontcourt Production
Philadelphia's return should not be minimized. Lee played 71 games for the 76ers after the trade in 1974-75, starting 35 and averaging 32.1 minutes, 5.8 points and 9.7 rebounds. He remained with the club for 79 games in 1975-76, contributing another 5.7 rebounds in 18.0 minutes per game. That is 150 regular-season appearances over two seasons from a useful veteran big man. The first season in particular gave Philadelphia a substantial rebounding presence while the roster was still being rebuilt around younger players.
The Jimmie Baker Pick Added Little NBA Value
Philadelphia used Atlanta's third-round pick at No. 39 on Jimmie Baker. Baker did play professionally, appearing in five ABA games for Kentucky during 1975-76, but he never recorded an NBA regular-season game for the 76ers. The pick therefore added draft optionality without adding direct Philadelphia NBA production. In a close comparison between Van Arsdale and Lee, that unused draft outcome is not enough to erase Atlanta's advantage in scoring impact and Van Arsdale's later trade return.
Final Verdict
Hawks Win, A/B+. Atlanta receives an A because Van Arsdale produced 148 games, delivered high-level scoring immediately after the trade and was later converted into Ken Charles, Dick Gibbs and cash. Philadelphia receives a B+ because Lee supplied 150 useful games and strong rebounding across two seasons, but the third-round pick did not become an NBA contributor for the 76ers. This was a productive trade for both sides rather than a lopsided failure; Atlanta's edge comes from Van Arsdale's stronger offensive impact and retained asset value. Confidence is high on the date, package, player outcomes and downstream Van Arsdale transaction. The verdict reflects only verified transaction terms and realized team value.