History of Bob Lanier in Timeline

"Bob" Lanier was an American professional basketball player born in 1948. The center spent most of the 1970s and early 1980s playing for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his signature left-handed hook shot, Lanier was an 8-time NBA All-Star. After retiring from the NBA in 1984, Lanier served as president of the NBA Players Association. In 1992, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "

September 10, 1948: Birth of Bob Lanier

On September 10, 1948, Bob Lanier was born. He would go on to become a renowned professional basketball player.

1965: Selected for the All-WNY First Team

Bob Lanier was selected for the All-Western New York (WNY) basketball first team in 1965.

1966: Graduation from Bennett High School

Bob Lanier graduated from Bennett High School in 1966.

1967: Breakthrough Season at St. Bonaventure

In the 1967-1968 season, Bob Lanier, then a sophomore, made a significant impact on the St. Bonaventure basketball team. He led the team to an undefeated regular season and a number three final poll ranking.

1968: Converse All-America Selection and Start of Three-Year Recognition

Bob Lanier received his first Converse All-America selection in 1968, marking the beginning of a three-year recognition for his basketball talent.

1968: Single-Game Scoring Record and All-American Recognition

During the 1968-1969 season at St. Bonaventure, Bob Lanier set a single-game scoring record for the university with 51 points against Seton Hall. His performance earned him a second-team All-American recognition. This year also saw Lanier offered a $1.2 million contract by the American Basketball Association's New York Nets, but he chose to stay in school.

1968: NCAA Tournament Run

In the 1968 NCAA tournament, Bob Lanier led St. Bonaventure to victory against Boston College but faced defeat against North Carolina, ending their undefeated streak. Despite the losses, Lanier showcased an impressive performance throughout the tournament.

1969: Successful Season and NCAA Tournament Journey

The 1969-1970 season at St. Bonaventure was a success, with the team achieving a 25-1 record and a top-three national ranking. This success continued into the NCAA tournament where Lanier led the team to several victories.

1970: NBA and ABA Drafts

Bob Lanier was the first overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons and was also a territorial pick by the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association.

1970: Start of Detroit Pistons Career

Bob Lanier's career with the Detroit Pistons began in 1970, during which the franchise saw frequent coaching changes.

1970: NCAA Final Four Appearance and Knee Injury

In 1970, Bob Lanier led St. Bonaventure to the NCAA Final Four. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury during the regional championship game against Villanova, preventing him from playing in the national semifinal. This year was also marked by Lanier receiving the Coach and Athlete Magazine Player of the Year award and the Eastern College Athletic Conference's Player of the Year award.

1970: NCAA Tournament Continued

Lanier and the St. Bonaventure team continued their winning streak in the 1970 NCAA tournament, securing victories against Davidson College, NC State, and Villanova.

1970: Lanier's Injury and Missed Opportunity

This entry highlights how Bob Lanier's injury in 1970 prevented him from playing against UCLA in the NCAA tournament, a missed opportunity that resonated with the team for years to come.

1971: Rise as a Star Player

Following his rookie season, Bob Lanier became a star player for the Detroit Pistons, consistently averaging over 21 points per game and showcasing his skills alongside teammate Dave Bing.

1971: NBA Debut and Rookie Season

In 1971, despite recovering from knee surgery, Bob Lanier began his professional basketball career with the Detroit Pistons. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team, demonstrating his talent despite the physical challenges.

1971: Altercation with Bob Christian

In 1971, during a game, Bob Lanier was involved in a physical altercation with Atlanta Hawks player Bob Christian, resulting in Christian being knocked out.

1971: Coaching Changes and a Memorable Team

The Detroit Pistons underwent coaching changes in 1971. Lanier later recalled the 1973-74 season as a high point, with a strong team that included players like Dave Bing and Stu Lantz.

November 28, 1972: Pistons Franchise Record

Bob Lanier set a Detroit Pistons franchise record for points scored in a game by a center on November 28, 1972, when he scored 48 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

1972: Continued Coaching Turnover

The Detroit Pistons experienced more coaching changes in 1972.

January 15, 1974: All-Star Game MVP

Bob Lanier was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP on January 15, 1974 after leading all scorers with 24 points.

1974: NBA All-Star Game MVP

Bob Lanier was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1974 NBA All-Star Game.

1975: More Coaching Changes for the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons underwent further coaching changes in 1975.

1977: Brawl with Golden State Warriors

In 1977, a game between Lanier's Detroit Pistons and the Golden State Warriors was marred by a fight that began between players Charles Dudley and Eric Money and spilled into the stands, with Lanier getting involved in the altercation.

1977: Coaching Change and Playoff Altercation

The Detroit Pistons had yet another coaching change in 1977. During the playoffs that year, Lanier was involved in an on-court fight that escalated into a brawl involving players and fans.

1978: Another Coaching Change

The Detroit Pistons went through another coaching change in 1978.

1979: Appearance in "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh"

Bob Lanier made an appearance in the 1979 basketball film "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh," joining several of his Detroit Pistons teammates in the cult classic.

1979: Final Coaching Change in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons experienced their last coaching change during Lanier's tenure in 1979.

February 4, 1980: Trade to the Milwaukee Bucks

On February 4, 1980, Bob Lanier was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Kent Benson and a first-round draft pick.

1980: Mention in the Movie "Airplane!"

In the 1980 comedy film "Airplane!," basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes a humorous reference to Bob Lanier's talent and toughness.

1980: Departure from Detroit

Lanier's time with the Detroit Pistons ended in 1980 when he expressed dissatisfaction with the team's lack of stability.

May 5, 1982: Playoff Performance Against Philadelphia 76ers

On May 5, 1982, during a playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bob Lanier led the Milwaukee Bucks to victory with a team-high 27 points, marking his highest single-game scoring output in the postseason with the Bucks.

1982: All-Star Selection with Milwaukee

In 1982, Bob Lanier was chosen to play in the NBA All-Star Game as a representative of the Milwaukee Bucks.

1983: Incident with Bill Laimbeer

During a game in 1983, Bob Lanier and Detroit Pistons player Bill Laimbeer were involved in an on-court altercation that resulted in Laimbeer suffering a broken nose.

September 24, 1984: Retirement from the NBA

Bob Lanier officially retired from the NBA on September 24, 1984, citing persistent knee problems as the reason for ending his career.

1985: Reflections on the 1970 Final Four

In 1985, Bob Lanier and his coach, Larry Weise, reflected on their experience at the 1970 Final Four, highlighting the significance of their journey and teamwork.

1989: Spokesperson for NBA's "Stay In School" Program

Bob Lanier took on the role of spokesperson and chairman for the NBA's "Stay In School" program in 1989.

1992: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1992, Bob Lanier was honored for his significant contributions to basketball by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

1994: Assistant Coach for the Warriors

Bob Lanier began working as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors in the 1994-95 NBA season, reuniting with his former coach, Don Nelson.

1994: Continued Involvement with "Stay In School" Program

Bob Lanier remained involved with the NBA's "Stay In School" program until 1994, advocating for the importance of education for young people.

February 13, 1995: Interim Head Coach for Golden State Warriors

On February 13, 1995, Bob Lanier was appointed as the interim head coach of the Golden State Warriors after the resignation of Don Nelson.

2005: NBA Cares Global Ambassador

Bob Lanier assumed the role of NBA Cares Global Ambassador in 2005, dedicating his time to supporting youth-oriented initiatives.

2007: Naming of "Bob Lanier Court"

In 2007, St. Bonaventure University honored Bob Lanier by naming their basketball court after him.

2009: Named to the All-Time All-WNY Team

In 2009, as part of The Buffalo News's 50-year celebration of All-Western New York basketball selections, Bob Lanier was named to the All-Time All-WNY Team.

2017: Final Knee Surgery

Bob Lanier underwent his last knee surgery in 2017 to address the ongoing issues stemming from the injuries he sustained during his playing days.

March 2018: St. Bonaventure's NCAA Tournament Victory and Tribute to Lanier

In March 2018, St. Bonaventure won their first game in the NCAA tournament since 1970, defeating UCLA. Coach Mark Schmidt dedicated the victory to Bob Lanier, acknowledging his impact on the team's legacy.

September 2018: Sharing a Meaningful Memory

In September 2018, Bob Lanier shared a heartwarming story about a time when he visited a sick fan in Milwaukee, highlighting the impact he had on people's lives.

May 10, 2022: Death of Bob Lanier

On May 10, 2022, Bob Lanier passed away.

2022: Continued Work as Global Ambassador

Bob Lanier continued his work as the NBA Cares Global Ambassador until 2022, consistently engaging in programs that focused on education, youth development, family support, and health-related causes.