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First Briton Physio Alex McKechnie Earns Six NBA Rings

5/17/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On 7 September 1974 Alex McKechnie left Glasgow, flew to Vancouver with $300 and no job.
He qualified as a physiotherapist and created knee-injury recovery technique after watching a playground.
He treated NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, telling O'Neal and his entourage to wait his turn.
He became the first Briton to receive an NBA championship ring as sideline staff and has earned six rings, remaining in demand at age 74.

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Story summary

On 7 September 1974 Alex McKechnie left Glasgow, flew to Vancouver with $300 and no job.
He qualified as a physiotherapist and created knee-injury recovery technique after watching a playground.
He treated NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, telling O'Neal and his entourage to wait his turn.
He became the first Briton to receive an NBA championship ring as sideline staff and has earned six rings, remaining in demand at age 74.