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 years old.
The NBA released a statement saying that the legend NBA center, who had been ill for a while, died Tuesday. The Hall of Famer, eight-time NBA All-Star, had served as an ambassador for the league around the world.
Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, stated that Bob Lanier was a Hall of Famer and one of the most skilled centers in NBA history. However, his impact on the league was far greater than what he achieved on the court. Bob was our global ambassador, and he also served as special assistant to David Stern, then me. He traveled the world for the game's principles and made a positive difference on young people all over the world. Bob was a true labor of love. He was one of my closest friends and was the most kind, genuine person I've ever met.
Drafted by St. BonaventureBy DetroitLanier was the number one overall pick of 1970. He continued to play for the Pistons for ten years, and with the Milwaukee BucksFor the past four years, he has appeared in eight NBA All-Star Games. He is currently third on the Pistons career list for both points and rebounds. Lanier was drafted by Detroit with the No. After leading St. Bonaventure to its Final Four, he was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 1970.
Lanier's impressive statistics for 14 seasons and 959 games in professional basketball included averages of 20.1 and 10.1 points per game.
Silver stated that Bob taught him so much by watching his interactions with people. “He was a friend that I will be forever missing, as well as many of his colleagues in the NBA who were inspired and motivated by his generosity. Bob's loved ones and friends receive our deepest condolences.
In 1992, Lanier was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lanier's boat-sized shoes were ahead of him. The shrine displays his bronzed sneakers.
His size 22 shoe size was well-known, but a Converse representative refuted this in 1989 to The Atlanta Constitution.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
