A three-time NBA scoring leader, McAdoo was the 1973 Rookie of the Year and the 1975 NBA MVP when he averaged 34.5 points per game. She was engaged to him in February of 1979 when he traded three of Red's first-round draft picks to New York for scoring champ Bob McAdoo. But Robert Mc-Adoo Sr., a 6-foot-6 custodian at N.C. A&T, had health issues and encouraged Bob to turn pro. Back then, a player applied for a hardship exemption. Of course other former teammates are gone -- his pal Randy Smith, Bob Kauffman, Dale Schlueter coach Jack Ramsay and assistant coach and general manager Bob MacKinnon. I thought I was going there. After stepping down as assistant coach in 2014, McAdoo continued his association with Miami Heat. [63], Clubhouse Lawyer: Law in the World of Sports By Frederick J. He also received All-America honors while playing at the University of North Carolina, where he helped guide the Tar Heels to a Final Four appearance. 2 overall pick in 1972 draft by Buffalo Braves. College: Two years at Vincennes Junior College in Indiana, led team in scoring both seasons, to 1970 JUCO national championship and earned 1971 JUCO All-America honors. McAdoo is proud that the NBA started the sports protests, that the actions of a handful of Bucks players spread to baseball and soccer and even tennis. He told me, If theyre going to offer you this kind of money, I think you should leave to help you and your family. I had his blessing., Led by McAdoo, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, the Tar Heels went 26-5 in the 1971-72. season, reaching the Final Four and losing in the semifinals. Bob McAdoo 6'9", 210 lbs Buffalo Braves C Career Stats Game Log Splits Center Bob McAdoo played 14 seasons for 7 teams. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). [22] However, in the following round the Braves would again be eliminated by the Boston Celtics, who would once again go on to win the finals. In the short term, they were hoping I could fill his void coming off the bench. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. McAdoo later married Patrizia, and the couple has two children together. [24], After the season, the Lakers did not re-sign McAdoo, instead offering a contract to veteran Maurice Lucas for the 6th man role. After leaving the Lakers, McAdoo signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also earned MVP honors at the ACC tournament. They didnt have anyone who could stick with me at that position, but I dealt with it because I had never been on a championship team. (Michael Laughlin), "He was in a league by himself," McAdoo said of Maravich, who died in 1988 at the age of 40 due to a previously undetected heart defect. Won rookie of the year, three scoring titles and two championships. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. He seems as trim and fit as ever and probably could still hit those jump shots that brought the cry "Two for McAdoo" so many nights at the old Aud.##, The Buffalo Sabres' mostly injury-free season at forward took a decidedly darker turn Saturday night when the club placed top-line right winge. [42], In 198182, the Lakers won the 1982 NBA Championship, as Pat Riley had taken over coaching from Paul Westhead. Played 14 seasons for Braves, Knicks, Pistons, Celtics, Nets, Sixers and Lakers, finishing with career averages of 22.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. [16] LaRue Martin was selected by Portland. Because McAdoo knows, better than most, Smith would be there for him. McAdoo asked to be allowed to go home and was allowed to leave. Bob McAdoo of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1983 at the Capital Centre in. [48], It was a great opportunity for me to play with Kareem and Magic, McAdoo said of his tenure with the Lakers. [38][39], "As the 198182 season began, I was in the middle of a contract dispute with the New Jersey Nets. He spent one solitary season with the team and finished his NBA career in favor of a move to Europe. 71 Year Old Basketball Player #1. His career also included tours with New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Lakers were he played for Pat Riley and won NBA championships in 1982 and 1985. In his first four seasons, nearly half of the shots he took came from outside the lane, a dazzling new strategy for a center. Barton joins the Raptors after he was waived by the Wizards on Feb. 21. [2][3], Out of high school, McAdoo initially lacked the academic test scores required by the Division I schools, so he chose to enroll at Vincennes University, then a junior college, in Vincennes, Indiana from 1969 through 1971. Vincennes University won the NJCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1970, with McAdoo scoring 27 points in the championship game. Even though McAdoo was the second overall pick in the 1972 NBA . She returned to the university during the next few. Even after that, at age 35, McAdoo wrote an unlikely ending to his career, playing another six years in Italy. In 1982-83 he averaged 15.0 ppg, although he spent 32 games on the disabled list with a toe injury. McAdoo averaged 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. [7], "We didn't really recruit him," Coach Dean Smith of North Carolina said. McAdoos success began early in his career, as he was an All-American at every level of play, starting in high school, and then at Vincennes JC, where he was a member of the JUCO national championship team in 1970. As he caught up on the whereabouts of some of his former teammates. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. McAdoo made his most lasting contribution to the games strategic development as the first big man to shoot regularly from the outside. Riley and McAdoo thus began a professional relationship that continued for decades. Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo reflects on the inspiration for his style of play in the NBA. In 334 games with Buffalo, McAdoo averaged 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.1 steals. He is 71 years old and is a Libra. [30][24], In 171 games with the Knicks, McAdoo averaged 26.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals. Career And Professional Highlights Professional Life As a professional basketball player and coach, Bob McAdoo had a successful career and reached great heights with several awards to his credit. He won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during their Showtime era in the 1980s. Generally considered the greatest shooting big man in NBA history, McAdoo enjoyed a storied 14-year playing career in the NBA, which included three consecutive scoring titles from 1973-74 through 1975-76 making him one of only seven NBA players to accomplish the feat. In his senior year, McAdoo led Smith to North Carolinas state basketball semifinals as well as to the state track tournament, at which he set a new record for the high jump. McAdoo and his wife, Patrizia, whom he met while playing professionally in Italy, live in Boca Raton, Florida. [12] Other reports were that a contract was signed and voided, because McAdoo was too young to have signed it and that Buffalo somehow knew this. McAdoo sought and won early eligibility in the 1972 NBA draft. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Dean was right. Nobody ever said anything on the record, but it has. This exchange was arranged as compensation for Boston signing veteran free agent M.L. Through the window he saw them, and thought to himself, "I better watch my wallet.". McAdoo averaged 10.8 points in the 76ers two playoff series. He appeared in five consecutive All-Star games as well as being named the NBA MVP in 1975. McAdoo averaged 34.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the Cavaliers series and 18.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists 2.3 blocks and 1.5 steals in the 76ers series. That year he enjoyed his first of five All-Star selections, and led Buffalo to its first playoffs appearance, though they would lose in the first round to Dave Cowens and the eventual-champion Celtics. In that case, here is everything you need to know! So did Boston general manager Red Auerbach and player-coach Dave Cowens, who had not been consulted by Celtics owner John Brown and resented it. On January 23, 1979, McAdoo scored his most points scored as a Knick, with 45 in a 148-124 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. Simply put, no player in hoops history achieved as much individual and team success as did Abdul-Jabbar. A man who changed McAdoos life. So he slipped it in the pocket of his gym bag and. He made 5 All-Star appearances, 2-all NBA teams, and won 2 Championships with the Lakers. After his NBA career ended, McAdoo played in Italy, first playing with Olimpia Milano, as one of the best American players ever seen in Europe, and the FIBA European Champions Cup (now known as the EuroLeague). And Ray Allen, too. McAdoo joined the coaching staff of the Miami Heat in 1995, originally reuniting with his former Lakers coach Pat Riley. "[40], McAdoo had a memorable end to his NBA career, winning two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982 and 1985 as a key reserve on the Showtime-era teams with Hall of Famers Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. There were times, standing around on crutches for months, when I thought my career was over." [6][10], McAdoo said, "When I left, a lot of people were very angry and upset. Nationality: American. Father of six: Robert III, Rita, Ross, Russell, Rasheeda and Ryan. Daughter Rasheeda McAdoo was one of the top-ranked scholastic and junior tennis players in Florida. But I had no thoughts at all in my mind about coming off the bench. [34][35], On March 11, 1981, McAdoo was waived by the Pistons after playing in only six games with the team in 198081, as Detroit finished 2161. This time the club would not be denied, exacting revenge against the Celtics in six games. When team president Pat Riley shook things up with the Heat after James returned to Cleveland, McAdoo's duties were shifted to scouting. "That's what you have to be when you coach NBA players.". "I knew Pistol had a lot of tricks in his bag.". [41], That championship is the one thing I dont have Ill do whatever I need to get it. McAdoo said in playing with the Lakers in 1982. An awful lot of pressure went with that. You have permission to edit this article. The fledgling Buffalo Braves, preparing to enter their third campaign, made McAdoo the second overall pick, behind the Portland Trail Blazers selection of LaRue Martin from Loyola of Chicago. [51] In his last season, he retired after playing in just 2 games. The rivalry between McAdoo and superstar teammate Spencer Haywood was particularly intense. Despite a 24-point, 15-rebound performance from McAdoo, North Carolina was upset by Florida State in the national semifinals. McAdoo was in charge of charting the teams offensive efficiency and focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of opponents big men. Coach Smith understood the pro game, and he had a dollar figure in his head, McAdoo said. In 2000, McAdoo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. The Braves, however, continued to sing the expansion blues, winning only 21 games after winning 22 in each of their first two seasons. Led by performances of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, the team hits a trailblazing form under the leadership of interim Head Coach Paul Westhead and his assistant, Pat Riley. By the middle of the 1975-76 season,Sports Illustratedwas calling McAdoo the quickest tall man, finest shooter and most astounding outside scoring machine ever to play basketball. According to the same publication, when told that his coach, Jack Ramsay, had said McAdoo could become the greatest big man to play the game, McAdoo (never noted for his modesty) retorted, I think Im the greatest already., Indeed, McAdoo won a third straight scoring title that season, averaging 31.1 points. [24], McAdoo's style was very modern for his time. After finishing in 1986 with the 76ers, McAdoo played professionally in Italy (1986-92) where his teams went on to win the Italian Championship three times and the European Championship twice. In a classic seven-game series the Celtics prevailed, despite McAdoos 14.0 point average in the postseason. He also worked on a constant basis with all players to improve their shooting skills, while imparting the wisdom and knowledge derived from a 14-year NBA playing career. McAdoo was married to Charlina until her demise from cancer in 1991. The 6-foot-10 Braves' pivotman piles up plenty of his points from distant areas where most self-respecting pro centers would never dream of roaming, much less shoot from. The East's high-scoring combo of Julius Erving and Bob McAdoo provided the fireworks throughout the 1977 All-Star Game, but it was Paul Westphal who made the last splash. A few months ago he attended the funeral of Jim McMillian. Am I doing the right thing? I'd seen him do tricks in a game, where he would fake people out. MIAMI BEACH, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Bob McAdoo and his wife pose at the Night of Moroccan Heat Party at Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal's private home on Star Island November 11, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1983-84, McAdoos 13.1 scoring average led all non-starters in the NBA, even though he played fewer than 21 minutes per game. And Maravich pulled them all out, especially after McAdoo went up by two letters. They have two children. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. [55], McAdoo came to the Heat organization when Pat Riley, who had been his coach for two championship seasons with the Lakers in the 1980s, left the New York Knicks to become the Heat's head coach and GM in 1995. On February 12, 1979, McAdoo was traded by the Knicks to the Boston Celtics for Tom Barker, a 1979 1st round draft pick (Bill Cartwright was later selected), a 1979 1st round draft pick (Larry Demic was later selected) and a 1979 1st round draft pick (Sly Williams was later selected). McAdoo was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat before and through its Lebron James years. [58][59][60] Their son Ryan is a basketball player at the University of North Carolina. I do", "1985-86 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Stats", 1986 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7, "Rasheeda McAdoo: All County girls tennis POY", "ITF Tennis - Pro Circuit - Player Profile - MCADOO, Rasheeda (USA)", "Heat's McAdoo being treated for leg blood clot", "Bob McAdoo Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hall of Famers", "Smith High Gym Named for NBA Star Robert "Bob" McAdoo", "NBA Hall Of Famer Bob McAdoo To Be Honored At North Carolina", "Bob McAdoo - Greensboro Sports Commission", Buffalo Braves team history book - "Buffalo , Home of the Braves", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_McAdoo&oldid=1135423527. [20] That season, with McAdoo aided by strong play from Jim McMillian and Randy Smith, the Braves would finish with an improved 49-33 record, though again they would lose in their first postseason matchup, this time a seven game series loss to Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, and the Washington Bullets[21]. In his 21-season playing career, he spent 14 seasons in the NBA and his final seven in the Lega Basket Serie A in Italy. [46], McAdoo averaged 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds as the Lakers lost 43 to the Boston Celtics in the 1984 NBA Finals. In the long term, I think they were hoping I could help the team get headed in the right direction. Robert Allen McAdoo Jr is a former basketball player born on September 25, 1951, in Greensboro, North Carolina. In May of 2008 he was named as one of the 50 most influential personalities in European Club Basketball over the last half century, one of just 35 players to receive that honor. He even stayed in contact with my mother, leaving her ACC tickets whenever the tournament was in Greensboro.. The Knicks were fraught with internal clashes during McAdoos tenure. Date of Birth: Apr 22, 1949 (73 years old) Place of Birth: Silver City, Mississippi. He became a scout and community liaison and continues to serve in the roles to the present. "His mother called us to start it. There are no second acts in American lives, F. Scott Fitzgerald once . He averaged better than 10 points through 29 games, but again found himself without a contract in the offseason. McAdoo and his wife, Patrizia, reside in Boca Raton with their son, Ryan, who recently graduated from the University of North Carolina where he was a member of the basketball team, and their daughter, Rasheeda, who graduated from Georgia Tech and is now on the WTA Professional Circuit. [53] In three seasons in the EuroLeague, all as a member of Olimpia Milano, he averaged 25.8 points per game overall, averaging 21.8 points per game in 198687, 29.1 points per game in 198788, and 25.5 points per game in 198990. During his time with the LA Lakers, McAdoo had forged a strong working relationship with Head Coach Pat Riley. In 1993, McAdoo was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. "He would pull those shots off in a game, too. Pronunciation: \MACK-uh-doo\. Read More: Did Jerry Buss Consider Firing Paul Westhead in Real Life? Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. After a short stint with the Boston Celtics, McAdoo moved to Detroit Pistons and remained with the team until 1981. In the 1982 NBA Finals, McAdoo averaged 16.3 points in 27 minutes as the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 42. After Riley moved to coach Miami Heat, McAdoo joined him as an assistant coach in 1995. Played for Coach Jack Chatham at Smith Also played saxophone in Smith marching band After NBA career, played in Italy in 1986-93, winning two European Champions Cups with Milan. [2] McAdoo signed with the Braves and quickly became one of the NBA's premier players. Jo Jo went to the line made both shots with time expired and Boston won the series and moved on to eventually win the NBA championship. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Compare Spencer Haywood's Net Worth. Honors: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame. Basketball Player Born in North Carolina #26. To celebrate the NBA's 75th anniversary festivities, the league has rolled out its official list of the 75 greatest . McAdoo earned First Team All-America honors after averaging 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. Both the Braves and their new sensation got even better in 1974-75. For the first time in my career, I had a chance to win a championship. Bob McAdoo and Jo Jo White met again Sunday, but on a more friendly basis than their climactic encounter more than 42 years ago in the Game Six of the 1974 NBA Playoff series between the Buffalo Braves and Boston Celtics. Their daughter Rasheeda graduated from Georgia Tech where she played on the tennis team and qualified for The 2017 NCAA Singles Championship. As if by somebody's design, McAdoo and White found themselves in adjoining seats at the autograph table Sunday at the Batavia Downs Sports Collectors Expo at the Batavia Downs Casino. A man worthy of respect. The Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 20 in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, before losing to the Philadelphia 76ers with Julius Erving 40 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. "And then, Pistol Pete," McAdoo said with a laugh, as he sat parked in Boca Raton, speaking by phone. Any doubts about McAdoo vanished in 1973-74. Brown made a trade for his girlfriend, ex-Miss America Phyllis George. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. McAdoo played 334 games for the Buffalo Braves and scored an average of 28.2 points. Aided by the Braves acquisition of playmaker Ernie DiGregorio and forward Jim McMillian, McAdoo had a sensational sophomore year. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Watch: The Lakers reached the NBA Finals again, but they were trounced in four straight by a powerful Philadelphia 76ers team. Former Heat assistant coach Bob McAdoo met his match in a shooting competition against Pete Maravich. First wife, Charlina, died of cancer in 1991. In the postseason, McAdoo led the Braves to their first playoff series victory, a first-round triumph over Philadelphia. Carr on July 24, 1979. They have two children. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Yet, had McAdoo not found a second wind as a reserve for the Los Angeles Lakers in the early 1980s, history might have remembered him only fleetingly as a brilliant young scorer who could not connect with a winner. [47][46], McAdoo helped the Lakers to another NBA Championship in 198485, defeating Boston 42 in the NBA Finals. McAdoo consulted with Coach Dean Smith, who encouraged him to go to the NBA. McAdoo also played for the United States in the 1971 Pan American Games. At 6 feet 9, McAdoo was quite the sight with that one. In the middle of the 1978-79 campaign, Haywood was swapped to the New . The NBA finally gave Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo the respect they deserve. Contact Jeff Mills at (336) 373-7024, and follow @JeffMillsNR on Twitter. "The NBA should lead," McAdoo says . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). When you first start, you have questions. In his current role, McAdoos duties include scouting on the NBA, college and international levels. [9], Citing family hardship, McAdoo sought and won early eligibility for the 1972 NBA draft under the "hardship" clause that existed until 1977. Ramsay moved McAdoo back to center for the second half of the season and McAdoos performance soared. A private memorial service for North Carolinas Hall of Fame basketball coach Dean Smith, who died Saturday at age 83, was held Thursday morni. [43][44][24], McAdoo resigned with the Lakers for the 198283 season, declining a more lucrative offer from the Philadelphia 76ers in order to remain with the Lakers. Former Heat assistant coach Bob McAdoo met his match in a shooting competition against Pete Maravich. In 41 games with the Lakers, McAdoo averaged 9.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.2 minutes in the regular season. On Christmas Eve 1981, the Lakers surprised McAdoo and most observers by acquiring his rights from the Nets for cash and a second-round draft pick. She plays professional tennis. I was playing pro ball and making money, and he would tell me, Bob, weve got people here and alumni who can help you manage your money. He would call me during the season to see how I was doing. Man died Wednesday. LeBron James' mother Gloria Marie James and wife Savannah James occupied the front-row seats at the Crypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers star took on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. [50], In his NBA career, McAdoo scored 18,787 career points. In 1971, after an appearance in the 1971 Pan-American Games, his academic status had improved, so McAdoo returned home to attend North Carolina. For years, McAdoo added pocket change (or more) during shooting competitions with unknowing Heat neophytes. The performance prompted Bill Russell, then coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, to tell a Buffalo publication: Hes the greatest shooter of all time, period. Norm Nixon was one of the best point guards of the 1980s, Byron Scott an elite shooter, Michael Cooper may well be . [24][32], On September 6, 1979 McAdoo was traded by the Celtics to the Detroit Pistons for a number one 1980 draft pick (Joe Barry Carroll was later selected) and a number 13 (1st round) 1980 draft pick (Rickey Brown was later selected). Coach Scotty Robertson denied his request, saying McAdoo had not practiced and wasn't in proper physical shape. He led the league in scoring (34.5), total points (2,831), total rebounds (1,155), and minutes played (3,539) while ranking fourth in rebounding (14.1), fifth in field-goal percentage (.512), and sixth in blocks (2.12). The following season, on December 7, 1976, McAdoo grabbed a career-high 29 rebounds, while adding 42 points, in a 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers. 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