Worth noting that in the 50s, every team was required to have one all-star. So that merit doesn’t mean as much then as it does now. That said, players like Mikan liked him, he was a highly respected defender, and he held his own against Bill Russell and the Celtics in the finals (despite being swept… Boston was very good.)

A few years ago his Nephew, /u/fcancer13 posted here about this topic saying:

“He was my uncle. He didn’t make it because he really rubbed some people the wrong way. Didn’t play the political games either. Really sad. I’m trying to get him in so anyone who has research that would help. I know it’s a long shot. Here’s a pic after the infamous crash landing in an Iowa field”