Billy Cunningham
Inducted:
1986
Player Stats
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
June 3, 1943
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Position
Small forward
Power forward
College
North Carolina (1962–1965)
Billy Cunningham was one of the most dynamic forwards of his era, known for his rebounding tenacity, scoring versatility, and relentless energy. Nicknamed “The Kangaroo Kid” for his leaping ability, Cunningham starred primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Despite being an undersized forward at 6'6", he was a tenacious "glass-cleaner" who averaged a double-double for his career. In a bold move, he jumped to the ABA in 1972, where he immediately dominated, winning the league MVP award in his first season.
Cunningham also spent time in the ABA before returning to the NBA, further enhancing his reputation as an all-around scorer and competitor. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
Cunningham's Awards & Records
- ABA MVP (1973)
- All-ABA First Team (1973)
- ABA All-Star (1973)
- ABA All-Time Team
- 32 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
- New York City Basketball Hall of Fame inaugural class (1990)
NBA Records
- NBA champion (1967)
- 4× NBA All-Star (1969–1972)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1969–1971)
- All-NBA Second Team (1972)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Teams
Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1972,1974–1976)
Carolina Cougars (1972–1974)
NBA draft
1965: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Philadelphia 76ers
Number Worn
32
NBA Stats
Season:
11 (1965-1976)
Games Played:
770
Points:
16,310 (21.2 ppg)
Rebounds:
7,981 (10.4 rpg)
Assists:
3,305 (4.3 apg)
Steals:
390 (1.8 spg)
Blocks:
133 (0.6 bpg)
Field Goal %:
47.3%
Free Throw %:
70.4%
Playoff Game:
54