Ex-Detroit Pistons star center & 1992 Basketball Hall of Famer, Bob Lanier, passed away Tuesday, May 10th at the age of 73, following a short illness.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, shared in a statement: “Bob Lanier was a Hall of Fame player and among the most talented centers in the history of the NBA, but his impact on the league went far beyond what he accomplished on the court. For more than 30 years, Bob served as our global ambassador and as a special assistant to David Stern and then me, traveling the world to teach the game’s values and make a positive impact on young people everywhere.”

In 1970, the Pistons drafted Lanier, a native of Buffalo, NY. He was the league’s top pick out of St. Bonaventure. Over the course of his NBA career, he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Check out the Pistons Legend many accomplishments below ! RIP Bob Lanier..

• Lanier was a Detroit Pistion from 1970-80!

  Bob Lanier of the Detroit Pistons in the 1973-1974 season at the...

  Bob Lanier of the Detroit Pistons in the 1973-1974 season at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Il. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

  Lanier played 7 of his 8 All-Star Games as a Detroit Piston! In the 1974 All-Star Game, he was named All-Star Game MVP, leading all scorers!

   

  He finished his 14 season NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks from 1980-84, considered to be on the best centers of his era!

• The Sports Community Pay Their Respects to A Legend

  The Detroit #Pistons mourn the loss of Bob Lanier, one of the greatest players to ever wear the red, white and blue. We extend heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family, friends and our extended Pistons and NBA family. #RIPDobber pic.twitter.com/8WDeT3jV0y

  — Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 11, 2022

  I would like to express my deepest condolences on the passing of my friiend and fellow NBA Hall of Famer, Bob Lanier. I had the unique opportunity to travel the world with Bob on behalf of NBA Cares where I met so many wonderful and caring people. Bob was a terrific person😭🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/ys7i5DtDAS

  — Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo) May 11, 2022

  The legacy left by Bob Lanier goes well beyond his amazing talent on the court. We'll forever cherish his contributions to our campus community and far beyond.

  3⃣1⃣ pic.twitter.com/J9eaNGYVAs

  — St. Bonaventure Athletics (@GoBonnies) May 11, 2022

  Sad news as it was announced that former number one overall draft pick and Pistons Legend, Bob Lanier has passed away after a short battle with an illness. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/wKopcfq4m3

  — Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) May 11, 2022

  Today we remember NBA legend, both on and off the court, the late Bob Lanier. pic.twitter.com/s7a0iXM1d4

  — NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 11, 2022

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