Understand, that was a season when McAdoo would average 26.5 points for the New York Knicks on 52-percent shooting, a time before the NBA advent of the 3-point shot. laughing. In his time with the Heat, McAdoo was on the staff of three championship teams in 2006, 2012 and 2013. Buffalos 49-33 record was third best in the entire league, and McAdoo earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award after a spectacular individual campaign. I thought I was going there. Did Jerry Buss Consider Firing Paul Westhead in Real Life. Vandalia McAdoo held a masters degree from Columbia and was a teacher at Bobs old elementary school, Gillespie Park. "They saw the guy in the gray mustache; they didn't know better.". I was tired of losing and tired of being traded.. 38 on Nick Wright's Top 50 NBA Players of the Last 50 Years list is former 'Showtime' Los Angeles Lakers star Bob McAdoo. What hes saying: (Dean Smith) stayed in contact with me even after I left Carolina. The Braves, however, continued to sing the expansion blues, winning only 21 games after winning 22 in each of their first two seasons. But I had no thoughts at all in my mind about coming off the bench. McAdoo played for the Lakers from 1981 to 1985 and won two NBA championships. He also led the league in fan voting for the 1975 All-Star Game with 98,325 votes. A private memorial service for North Carolinas Hall of Fame basketball coach Dean Smith, who died Saturday at age 83, was held Thursday morni. He was named a part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, which serves as a reflection of McAdoos lasting contributions to the game. Back in 1977-78, when the NBA's games were broadcast by CBS, the network offered weekly taped H-O-R-S-E competitions at halftime, similar to the format ESPN utilized for its production amid the NBA's shutdown due to the new coronavirus pandemic. [38][39], "As the 198182 season began, I was in the middle of a contract dispute with the New Jersey Nets. [25], In 197778, the Knicks, finished 4339 under new Coach Willis Reed, as McAdoo averaged 26.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals in 79 games. Despite his role in two championships, the Lakers opted to move younger players onto the bench for the 1985-86 season and did not exercise a final option year in McAdoos contract. They were all over him . Job: Miami Heat pro scout and community liaison; 19th season with Heat, first 18 as assistant coach, Playing days: 6-foot-9, 210-pound center-forward. [9], Citing family hardship, McAdoo sought and won early eligibility for the 1972 NBA draft under the "hardship" clause that existed until 1977. McAdoo was in charge of charting the teams offensive efficiency and focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of opponents big men. 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. McAdoo later married Patrizia, and the couple has two children together. Career Stats [8] McAdoo, playing alongside Bobby Jones, led the 197172 Tar Heels, coached by Dean Smith, to a 265 record and the Final Four of the 1972 NCAA University Division basketball tournament. He earned the first of three consecutive NBA scoring titles in only his second season. Every place I went, I was supposed to be the franchise-saver, McAdoo recalled of his unhappy wanderings inThe Dallas Morning Newsin 1984. "This loss will be felt for a long time around the basketball world," McAdoo. By Bob McAdoo", "If Carmelo Anthony Wants to Win an N.B.A. After his NBA years McAdoo spent several seasons playing for Olympia Milanoin the Italian Basketball League, finally retiring at age 42. The following season, McAdoo was in the final year of his contract. He spent one solitary season with the team and finished his NBA career in favor of a move to Europe. (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. Despite a 24-point, 15-rebound performance from McAdoo, North Carolina was upset by Florida State in the national semifinals. 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. Now that I look at it, I say I probably should have taken him outside. He also earned MVP honors at the ACC tournament. When I left, a lot of people were very angry and upset. [36], On March 13, 1981, McAdoo signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets. 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. 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. I would win those, too. > Archive 75: Bob McAdoo| 75 Stories: Bob McAdoo. The rivalry between McAdoo and superstar teammate Spencer Haywood was particularly intense. In the entire playoffs, McAdoo averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. McAdoo joined the coaching staff of the Miami Heat in 1995, originally reuniting with his former Lakers coach Pat Riley. He and several friends from his mostly African-American neighborhood chose to be bused to Smith High because, he later conceded, they thought their chances of making the basketball team were better at an integrated school. McAdoo was then waived. In 2016, the gymnasium at Ben L. Smith High School (Guilford County School District) was named after McAdoo. In this period, McAdoo helped the team win 3 NBA Championships, one in 2006 and two back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. Simply put, no player in hoops history achieved as much individual and team success as did Abdul-Jabbar. McAdoo made his most lasting contribution to the games strategic development as the first big man to shoot regularly from the outside. McAdoo currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. To celebrate the NBA's 75th anniversary festivities, the league has rolled out its official list of the 75 greatest . He garnered Rookie of the Year honors, three consecutive scoring championships, and an MVP Award, all in his first four years. The 6 feet 9 inches tall Center played college basketball between 1969 to 1972. Family: Son of Robert and Vandalia McAdoo, grew up on Ross Avenue in Greensboro with parents and sister, Pamela. Robert Allen McAdoo Jr. (Doo, Mac) Position: Center and Power Forward Shoots: Right 6-9, 210lb (206cm, 95kg) . However, I couldnt even play since I was still recovering from off-season surgery to have bone spurs removed from my foot. McAdoo learned of the trade by reading a newspaper. The performance prompted Bill Russell, then coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, to tell a Buffalo publication: Hes the greatest shooter of all time, period. Frazier, who turns 64 in April, plans to return to coaching in 2024, the Bills said. Former Heat assistant coach Bob McAdoo met his match in a shooting competition against Pete Maravich. Basketball Player Born in North Carolina #26. 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. NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob McAdoo were also in attendance. The Knicks were fraught with internal clashes during McAdoos tenure. He let me know exactly what the social scene was. McAdoo didnt make the starting lineup until halfway through the 1972-73 campaign, and even then he struggled defensively. He played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was a five-time NBA All-Star and named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975. Five letters, H-O-R-S-E, and you're out. He entered the NBA in 1972 after being picked by the Buffalo Braves during that years NBA Draft (now known as the Los Angeles Clippers). 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. [7], "We didn't really recruit him," Coach Dean Smith of North Carolina said. Unhappy with Philadelphias best offer and yet not ready to retire, McAdoo signed to play for Tracer Milan of the Italian League. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. [49][24] In the final game of his NBA career, McAdoo scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 12 minutes of playing time, during a 113-112 Game 7 semifinals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Then his star slowly faded before unexpectedly reigniting through the first half of the 1980s. Los Angeles Clippers. McAdoo retired in 1992 at age 41. 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. The move, widely questioned at the time, paid off for both the player and the team. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. After Riley moved to coach Miami Heat, McAdoo joined him as an assistant coach in 1995. "If we could have had Mac (McAdoo) healthy, we might have had a shot," coach Riley said after the 1983 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. A lot of people dont know that, McAdoo said. With the spotlight off him, McAdoo blossomed as a Laker. Bob McAdoo lost his wife, Charlina, to cancer in 1991. In his NBA travels he did get to visit with player like Dick Garrett who lives in Milwaukee and works at Bucks home games. I never regretted that decision. Bob McAdoo was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA on Tuesday, September 25, 1951 (Baby Boomers Generation). Brenda withdrew from school and went north with her husband. Why weren't we? Dean Smith was definitely a great man.. But Dean gave me his blessing. [16] LaRue Martin was selected by Portland. "The NBA should lead," McAdoo says . He averaged better than 10 points through 29 games, but again found himself without a contract in the offseason. NBA MVPs. [52] In seven seasons in the Italian League, McAdoo played in 201 games, and averaged 27.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. "I'm scouting college and pros," McAdoo said. "[3], His second season (197374) remains the last time an NBA player has averaged both 30.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. 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. Robert Allen "Bob" McAdoo (born September 25, 1951) is a retired American professional basketball player who spent a fourteen-year career playing the center and power forward positions in the National Basketball Association. In each of the next three seasons he averaged at least 30 points and 12 rebounds. My wife could have outrun those people. During his time with the LA Lakers, McAdoo had forged a strong working relationship with Head Coach Pat Riley. (Michael Laughlin) "He was in a league by himself," McAdoo said of Maravich, who died in. McAdoo was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat before and through its Lebron James years. You have permission to edit this article. "He would pull those shots off in a game, too. But I ended up being rookie of the year and then a leading scorer and MVP. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Although McAdoo still finished the 1976-77 season ranked fifth in the league in scoring (25.8), the move to New York was not a happy one. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo reflects on the inspiration for his style of play in the NBA. According to our records, Bob McAdoo is possibly single. McAdoo played with a severely injured hamstring in the 1983 playoffs. [56][55][57][58], McAdoo and his wife, Patrizia, whom he met while playing professionally in Italy, live in Boca Raton, Florida. Their daughter Rasheeda graduated from Georgia Tech where she played on the tennis team and qualified for The 2017 NCAA Singles Championship. [4], At Vincennes, McAdoo averaged 19.3 points and 10 rebounds in 196970 and 25.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in 197071. But the troubles that would dog McAdoo for the rest of the 1970s were already brewing. 1.A legend. 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. Al Harrington played in the NBA for 16 seasons. [26][27][28], In 197879, the Knicks fired Willis Reed and rehired Red Holtzman mid-season. His father sent a note to say his son wasn't feeling well . 2 overall pick in 1972 draft by Buffalo Braves. Erik Brady. Am I doing the right thing? When I went to junior college, the team that was hot and heavy after me was UCLA, McAdoo said. McAdoo won MVP in 1975 and is a three-time scoring champion. Back then, a player applied for a hardship exemption. See what's buzzing about the Miami Heat, including game analysis, roster changes and more inside info. Bob McAdoo's trip to Dean Smith's funeral about loyalty, respect. Making him an unforgettable player were not just the big wins or the extraordinary stats (he averaged 27.3 points per game in the Italian league playing 199 games, in Milano he had 28.1 points per game in 1987/88 . He even stayed in contact with my mother, leaving her ACC tickets whenever the tournament was in Greensboro.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 2023 Getty Images. "When it came to the 3-point line, I couldnt beat James Jones," he said of the two-time Heat champion forward. When team president Pat Riley shook things up with the Heat after James returned to Cleveland, McAdoo's duties were shifted to scouting. 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). There was a problem saving your notification. [11] They had four children together - sons Robert III and Russell and his daughter Rita live in New Jersey, while their other son, Ross, lives in Alaska. One collector even have a replica jersey of McAdoo's school jersey No. Joining the Knicks, McAdoo played alongside future Hall of Fame teammates Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Spencer Haywood, Bill Bradley and Phil Jackson. No dunking allowed, then or now. An All-Star for the first time, he led the league in both scoring (30.6) and field-goal percentage (.547), helping Buffalo to a 42-40 record and the first playoff berth in franchise history. McAdoo was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. He played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was a five-time NBA All-Star and named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975. Later, he played with the Italian clubs Filanto Forl (199092) and Teamsystem Fabriano (1992), before retiring from playing professional basketball, in 1992, at age 41. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). McAdoo, who was selected as a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, received the games greatest honor when he was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. "[8], McAdoo enrolled at the University of North Carolina in 1971, the only junior college player Dean Smith recruited in his career. McAdoo discovered he could flourish in the role of substitute, and the Lakers used his contributions off the bench to win the 1982 NBA championship. An awful lot of pressure went with that. 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