Dave DeBusschere
Inducted:
1983
Player Stats
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born
October 16, 1940
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died
May 14, 2003
New York City, New York, U.S.
Position
Power forward
Small forward
College
Detroit Mercy (1959–1962)
Dave DeBusschere was one of the toughest and most reliable forwards of his era. He played 12 NBA seasons from 1962 to 1974, beginning with the Detroit Pistons before becoming a key piece of the New York Knicks’ championship teams. Known for his strong defense, rebounding, and mid-range shooting, DeBusschere brought toughness and leadership to every lineup. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and earned All-Defensive Team honors six times.
His impact was especially important during the Knicks’ title runs in 1970 and 1973, where his defense and clutch play stood out. DeBusschere finished his career with more than 14,000 points and 9,000 rebounds. In recognition of his consistent excellence and championship success, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.
DeBusschere's Awards & Records
- 2× Second-team All-American – NEA (1961, 1962)
- Second-team All-American – NABC (1961)
- 3× Third-team All-American – UPI (1960–1962)
- Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1962)
- 22 retired by New York Knicks
NBA Records
- 2× NBA champion (1970, 1973)
- 8× NBA All-Star (1966–1968, 1970–1974)
- 6× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969–1974)
- All-NBA Second Team (1969)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Position
Detroit Pistons (1962–1968)
New York Knicks (1968–1974)
NBA Draft
1962: territorial pick
Detroit Pistons
Number Worn
22
NBA Stats
Seasons:
12 (1962–1974)
Games Played:
875
Points:
14,053 (16.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,618 (11.0 rpg)
Assists:
2,497 (2.9 apg)
Steals:
67 (0.9 spg)
Blocks:
39 (0.5 bpg)
Field Goal(%):
43.2
Free Throw(%):
69.9
Playoff Game:
96