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Bob Lanier, who played 14 seasons with the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, has died at the age of 73.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following Explanation.
“Bob Lanier was a Hall of Famer and one of the most talented centers in NBA history, but his impact on the league stretched far beyond what he accomplished on the court. Bob Lanier was our Global Ambassador and Special Assistant for more than 30 years [former commissioner] David Stern and then I, traveling the world spreading the values of play and making a positive impact on young people everywhere.
“It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever been with. His enormous influence on the NBA was also evident during his tenure as President of the National Basketball Players Association, where he played a key role in negotiating a landmark collective bargaining agreement.
“I learned so much from Bob just by watching him interact with people. He was a close friend who I will miss dearly, as will so many of his peers in the NBA who were inspired by his generosity. We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends.”
Lanier was No. 1 overall in the 1970 draft and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds in his career. He also served on the voting panel for the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, which was announced last October.