Remembering Bob Lanier

Bob Lanier has passed away after a short battle with illness.

Very early this morning, the Detroit Pistons sent out an incredibly somber release notifying everyone that Pistons legend Bob Lanier had passed away. Here is that statement in full:

“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened by the passing Bob Lanier, a true legend who meant so much to the city of Detroit and to generations of Pistons fans. As fierce and as dominant as Bob was on the court, he was equally kind and impactful in the community. As an ambassador for both the Pistons organization and the NBA, he represented our league, our franchise and our fans with great passion and integrity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and friends.”

Just a short time ago, the Pistons also released quote from several prominent members of the organizational family. 

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On Behalf of Pistons Owner Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons: “The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened by the passing Bob Lanier, a true legend who meant so much to the city of Detroit and to generations of Pistons fans. As fierce and as dominant as Bob was on the court, he was equally kind and impactful in the community. As an ambassador for both the Pistons organization and the NBA, he represented our league, our franchise and our fans with great passion and integrity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and friends.”

Former Pistons player, teammate and Hall of Famer Dave Bing: "It was unfortunate to hear of Bob's passing yesterday. I have many great memories of Bob, both as a teammate and as a friend. I was lucky to have played with him as a member of the Pistons and to have shared a long-lasting friendship. Bob will be greatly missed."

Former Pistons player and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas: “All of us who love the game of basketball are hurting with the loss of Bob Lanier. He was one of the greatest centers to play the game and one of the toughest and fiercest competitors. Just as he impacted the game on the court, Bob was one of the game’s greatest ambassadors. His class and caring for others set a great example for so many to follow. I’m grateful for his friendship and mentorship as I led the Pistons as a player and later followed his footsteps as president of the Players’ Association.”

Former Pistons player and head coach Ray Scott: “My friend, Bob, was an extraordinary talent who led the Pistons to playoff status. He shared his success with his community. He will never be forgotten.”

Former Pistons player and radio analyst Rick Mahorn: “Big Bob was a fierce competitor and one of the greatest big men to play the game of basketball, but he was an even better human being. He was always ready to share his knowledge of the game and life and had a lasting impact on many lives and communities. He and Wes Unseld, who we also lost, were like father figures to me. It didn’t matter if I was still playing or when I retired, I was still scared and intimidated whenever I saw him, but it was all out of respect and love. Our world, and especially the basketball world, lost a great one. He will surely be missed.”

Detroit Pistons broadcaster George Blaha: “The Pistons and the NBA have lost a treasured member of our family. Bob was one of the game’s all-time greatest big men with his strength, his touch, his toughness, and his feel for the game. He was a nightmare for the opposition. It was a privilege to broadcast his games, spend time with him and to follow his illustrious career as a multi-time all-star, president of the players association and as a tireless ambassador for our league’s community outreach programs. He welcomed me to the Pistons family in my first year as a broadcaster and was a true friend. Rest in peace Bob, we’ll all miss him very much.”

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Drafted out of St. Bonaventure by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 1 overall selection in the 1970 NBA Draft, Bob Lanier quickly established himself as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. The Buffalo, N.Y. native earned seven of his eight career NBA All-Star selections with Detroit while spending the first nine-plus of his 14 NBA seasons in a Pistons uniform. Lanier made the NBA All-Star team each season from 1972-75 and 1977-79 and was named Most Valuable Player in the 1974 NBA All-Star Game.

Known as one of basketball’s great ambassadors on and off the court, Lanier won the 1978 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Lanier posted averages of 22.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.0 blocks in 681 career games with Detroit. He is the Pistons all-time leader in scoring average (22.7 ppg) and double-doubles (442) and ranks among the career leaders in franchise history in numerous total categories, including third in points (15,488) and rebounds (8,063), second in field goals (6,276), fourth in blocks (859) and seventh in games played (681).

Lanier appears three times in the Pistons all-time top 10 list for scoring average in a season, and his 3.0 blocks per game in 1973-74, the first season in which blocks were officially recorded, marks the third-highest single-season average for swats in team history. He led Detroit to four postseason appearances and retired from the NBA in 1984 with career averages of 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds through 959 games with Detroit and Milwaukee.