Bob Lanier, NBA force who left big shoes to fill, dies at 73

Bob Lanier, a left-handed, muscular big man who ranked alongside Kareem Abdul Jabbar among the NBA’s greatest players in the 1970s, passed away Tuesday. He was 73.

The NBA saidAfter a brief illness, Lanier passed away. Lanier, a Hall of Famer, had served as a global ambassador for the league. The Athletic reported in 2019 about Lanier’s treatment for bladder cancer.

Lanier spent 14 seasons with both the Detroit Pistons (and Milwaukee Bucks) and averaged 20.1 and 10.1 points respectively. He ranks third in the Pistons’ all-time scoring and rebounding list. Detroit selected Lanier with the No. After leading St. Bonaventure to its Final Four, he was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 1970.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver saidLanier was one of the most skilled centres in league history and his achievements went beyond the court.

“For more 30 years Bob served as our global ambassador. I was then my special assistant to David Stern. We traveled the world to spread the game’s values to young people around the world,” Silver stated. saidin a statement. “It was a labour-of-love for Bob, who was one my most kind and genuine friends.”

Lanier, at 6 feet 10 and 250 pounds was a man of great stature. He used his size to his advantage.

In 1992, Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His boat-sized shoes won out. The shrine displays his bronzed sneakers.

Although he was well-known for wearing size 22 shoes in his youth, a Converse representative disputed this claim in 1989, telling The Atlanta Constitution that Lanier actually wore size 18 1/2.

Gary Stoken, a shoe rep for Gary Stoken, stated that the 22 he was reputedly wearing was of Korean size. said.

His feet were clearly large, and that was not disputed.

Lanier said to HOOP magazine that “a lot of people can fit both feet into one my shoes.”

Born Sept. 10, 1948 in Buffalo, New York. Lanier was a star at St. Bonaventure College, where he averaged 27.6 point and 15.7 rebounds over three seasons. Lanier injured his knee during the 1970 regional final. The Bonnies made it to the Final Four, but St. Bonaventure lost to Jacksonville in the national semifinals.

Lanier suffered from a variety of injuries to his spine, including elbow, shoulder, elbow, elbow, hand, and toe issues. However, that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the best NBA centres in his era. He was named to the all rookie team in 1971 and averaged at least 21 ppg for each of his seven subsequent seasons. Lanier was an eight-time All-Star, and the MVP in the 1974 All-Star Game.

He is still the Pistons’ leading scorer at 22.7 points per games, and is beloved by Detroiters for his friendliness and fierceness.

“As dominant and fierce as Bob was on the court,” said the Pistons. said. “He represented the Pistons organization, the NBA and our fans with passion and integrity. Bob’s family members and friends receive our sincere condolences.

Lanier could win against opponents both from the inside as well as the outside, while also ruling the boards. Abdul-Jabbar was famous for his sky hook but Lanier’s hook shot was more of a weapon.

Lanier stated that “guys didn’t change teams as often, so when you were facing New York or the Bulls, or the Bucks, or both,” in 2018 to NBA.com. Jabbar against Lanier Jabbar against Willis Reed Then came (Wilt), Chamberlain and Artis Gilmore! And finally, Bill Walton! All these men were great and the game was played from the inside out.

Lanier was exceptional but the Pistons only won one playoff series with him. In each of his four final seasons with Detroit, he played 64 or fewer games. He was traded to Milwaukee in February 1980.

Lanier spent less time with the Bucks than he did with them, but he was part the Milwaukee teams that made it to the Eastern Conference finals for the second and third times in his career.

The Bucks stated that Bob was more popular than his basketball success (including being an All-Star in 1982), and was well-known throughout the community for his kindness and generosity. saidMake a statement.

Silver stated that he was also the president of players’ union in his last years of professional career.

Lanier was Detroit’s career leader in points, rebounds and assists before being passed by Bill Laimbeer. Dennis Rodman also set a single-game franchise record with 33 rebounds.

Lanier, who was then an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors in 1995, took over as coach temporarily after Don Nelson’s resignation. Lanier finished the season with 12-25 and the Warriors hired another coach.

Lanier was awarded the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1977-78 for his outstanding community service. After his playing career, Lanier was involved in outreach activities for the league and helped to start the NBA’s Stay in School program.

Lanier: “There is so much need here.” said. “When you travel to different cities or countries, you realize that there are so many people in desperate straits that even the NBA can’t do much. Although we make a huge, significant difference, there is always more to be done.