Bob Lanier
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
250 lb (113 kg)
Born
September 10, 1948
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Died
May 10, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Position
Center
College
St. Bonaventure (1967–1970)
Bob Lanier was a massive presence in the paint, famously recognized for his incredible skill and his signature size-22 shoes. Selected first overall in 1970, he became the cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons for a decade before finishing his career as a key veteran for the Milwaukee Bucks. A left-handed center with a soft shooting touch, Lanier possessed a lethal "hook" shot that made him one of the most efficient scorers of his era.
Despite battling persistent knee injuries, his consistency was remarkable, as he averaged a double-double over fourteen professional seasons. Beyond his physical dominance, Lanier was highly respected for his leadership, serving as the president of the Players Association and later as a global ambassador for the league. His ability to blend raw power with finesse ensured his status as an elite big man.
In honor of his enduring excellence, Lanier was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Lanier's Awards and Records
- Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1978)
- 16 jersey retired by the Detroit Pistons
- 16 jersey retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
- Consensus first-team All-American (1970)
- Consensus second-team All-American (1968)
NBA Records
- 8× NBA All-Star (1972–1975, 1977–1979, 1982)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1974)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)
NBA Teams
Detroit Pistons (1970–1980)
Milwaukee Bucks (1980–1984)
NBA Draft
1970: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Detroit Pistons
Number Worn
16
NBA Stats
Season:
14 (1970-1984)
Games:
959
Points:
19,248 (20.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,698 (10.1 rpg)
Assist:
3,007 (3.1 apg)
Blocks:
1,100 (1.5 bpg)
Steals:
777 (1.1 spg)
Field Goal(%):
51.4
Free Throw(%):
76.7