Bob Lanier, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame and star of the Detroit Pistons in the 1970s and the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1980s, died last morning at the age of 73, the American league announced in a statement.
An eight-time
All-Star
, Lanier completed a 14-season NBA career and was elected to the
Naismith Hall of Fame
in 1992. He averaged 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 blocks in games. 959 games he played between the Pistons (1970-1980) and the Bucks (1980-1984).
The number 16 of the legendary left-handed pivot of 2.08 meters
he is retired in both franchises.
Lanier came to the NBA after being selected by the Pistons
What
number one
pick
in the 1970 draft and is listed in Detroit's franchise encyclopedia as the third all-time leading scorer and rebounder behind only Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer.
His duels with figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chaberlain and Bill Walton are engraved in the memory of the American league.
During his college years, he led St. Bonaventure to the Final Four with averages of 27.6 points and 15.7 rebounds.
Bob Lanier, one of the great centers in NBA history pic.twitter.com/a91AqFUSsP
– Vintage Giants (@GIGANTESVintage) May 11, 2022
"Bob Lanier was one of the most talented centers in NBA history, but his impact on the league went far beyond what he accomplished on the court," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in an emotional letter.
“For more than 30 years, Bob was our global ambassador and special assistant to David Stern and me, traveling the world to teach the values of basketball and its positive impact on youth around the world.
Bob was one of the kindest and most genuine people I've ever been with."
His enormous influence in the NBA was also reflected as president of the National Association of Players, where he played a key role in negotiating a collective agreement that changed the agreement of the American league.
Lanier was also inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors in the 1994-95 season, then led the Warriors as interim head coach the following season after resigning. by Don Nelson.
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