Sports History

While not reaching the same level of individual notoriety as some of his contemporaries, Bob Dandridge carved a remarkable career in the NBA, establishing himself as a key contributor to championship teams and earning his rightful place among the league's elite.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, Dandridge found himself alongside the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. He quickly fit into the system, showcasing his versatility with his ability to score, rebound, and defend. His contributions were crucial in the Bucks' historic championship run in 1971, where he nearly averaged a double-double throughout the playoffs.

Throughout his 13-year career, Dandridge remained a consistent force. He was a four-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his offensive prowess by averaging over 18 points per game throughout his career. However, his true value lay in his well-rounded skillset. He was a defensive stalwart, earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 1979, and his basketball IQ allowed him to excel in any role he was assigned to.

In 1978, Dandridge found himself traded to the Washington Bullets, reuniting with Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld. This move proved pivotal, as they led the Bullets to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1979. Although they fell short, Dandridge displayed his leadership and scoring prowess, averaging over 20 points per game in the series.

Dandridge retired in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of contributions beyond mere stats.

Born November 15, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward Bob Dandridge. This legend was a four-time NBA All-Star, a former Rookie of the Year, and an NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award winner. Dandridge played on the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Bullets during a 13-year NBA career that saw him on two NBA Championship squads.

Born September 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Forward Chuck Cooper. In 1950, this legend was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1950 NBA draft, becoming the first African-American player to be drafted by an NBA team.
Cooper's rookie season with the Celtics was difficult. He was often subjected to racism and discrimination from fans and players alike. However, he persevered and played two seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

After leaving the Celtics, Cooper played for the Milwaukee Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He retired from the NBA in 1956.

Cooper's career was relatively short, but his impact on the NBA was significant. He paved the way for other African-American players to enter the league, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.

Dolph Schayes, a towering figure both literally and figuratively, cast a long shadow over the early years of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6'8", he carved a unique path as a power forward and center, leaving a lasting impact with his all-around skillset, leadership, and longevity.

Schayes' career began in 1949, drafted by the New York Knicks but quickly traded to the Syracuse Nationals (later the Philadelphia 76ers). He played his entire 16-season professional career with this franchise, earning the nickname "Mr. Loyal" for his unwavering dedication. During his tenure, he led the team to the playoffs 15 times, including an NBA championship title in 1955.

Schayes' game was defined by his versatility and intelligence. He possessed a smooth shooting touch, leading the NBA in free-throw percentage three times and even developing a respectable mid-range game. He was also a formidable rebounder, finishing his career with over 11,000 rebounds and becoming the first player in NBA history to surpass both 15,000 points and 10,000 rebounds.

Beyond his individual accolades, Schayes was a true leader on the court. He was named an All-Star 12 times and was a six-time All-NBA First Team selection. His impact extended beyond the scoreboard, earning him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

When he retired in 1964, Schayes held numerous NBA records, including most games played, most free throws made and attempted, and most personal fouls. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973, solidifying his place among the early pioneers of the sport.

Born May 19, 1928, in NYC, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame player Dolph Schayes. He was a former Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers, NBA standout from 1948-63, and a coach of the 76ers, 1963-66; Buffalo Braves, 1970-72. Schayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, and won an NBA championship with the Syracuse Nationals in 1955. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and one of the 76 players named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Dave Bing carved out a successful 12-year career in the NBA, establishing himself as a scoring machine and a talented all-around player. Bing's iconic moves and shooting style made him a fan favorite. Take a moment to look back at his amazing basketball journey.

Born November 24, 1943, in Washington D.C., was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Dave Bing. This legend played for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, and the Boston Celtics over the span of his 12 seasons in the NBA. Bing was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection, and was chosen as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He averaged 20.3 points and six assists per game for his career.



Here's a quick rundown of his key achievements:

-College Stardom

-Before the NBA, Bing was a college legend at Syracuse University, averaging a whopping 24.8 points per game and setting a school scoring record that stood for over two decades.

-Scoring Champion and All-Star: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1966, Bing quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He won the scoring title in 1968 and was named an All-Star seven times throughout his career.

-Pistons Legacy

Bing spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Pistons, becoming a fan favorite and a key player for the team. While he didn't win a championship, he averaged over 20 points and 6 assists per game with the Pistons.

-Career Highlights

He finished his career with an impressive 18,327 points and 5,397 assists, solidifying his place as a talented scorer and playmaker.

-Beyond Stats

Bing was known for his smooth shooting style, his ability to get past defenders, and his leadership on the court.

-After retiring in 1978, Bing transitioned into business and even served as the mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2014.

-Dave Bing was a highly skilled player who left his mark on the NBA. While he may not have a championship ring, his scoring prowess, all-around game, and dedication to the sport earned him a place among the league's greats.

Charlie Scott's pro basketball career unfolded across two leagues, leaving a memorable mark in both:

1. ABA All-Star and Scoring Machine (1970-1972):

Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1970, Scott chose to sign with the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

He quickly established himself as a scoring sensation, winning ABA Rookie of the Year and setting a league record with a 34.6 points-per-game average in his second season.
Scott's dynamic playing style and flashy personality earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement," which helped popularize the ABA and made him a fan favorite.

2. Finding Success in the NBA (1972-1980):

Dissatisfied with the ABA's instability, Scott jumped to the NBA's Phoenix Suns in 1972. He continued to impress, making three consecutive All-Star appearances and contributing to the Suns' playoff success.
Although his scoring average dipped slightly, Scott became more well-rounded, showcasing his passing and defensive skills.
In 1976, Scott ultimately won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics; ironically, the team initially drafted him.

3. Beyond the Numbers:

Scott's significance extends beyond his stats. He was one of the first African-American scholarship athletes at the University of North Carolina and faced racial prejudice during his playing career.
His flamboyant style and outspoken personality challenged basketball's conservative culture, paving the way for future players to express themselves freely.

In conclusion, Charlie Scott's pro basketball career blended scoring exploits, league-switching drama, and social impact. He left his mark on both the ABA and NBA, earning accolades as a scorer, an All-Star, and a champion while also becoming a symbol of progress and individual expression.

Born November 20, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard Louie Dampier. This legend was a four-time ABA All-Time team member and a seven -time NBA All-Star. Dampier won Rookie of the Year honors as well as an ABA Championship, playing all nine seasons of the ABA's existence with the same team. Louie was on the rosters of the Kentucky Colonels and the San Antonio Spurs.

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The Sporting News remembers:
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Born July 24, 1963, in Summeerfield, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward, Karl Malone, the Mailman. Karl was the NBA MVP 1997, 99. Malone went to fourteen NBA All Star games as a player playing most of his career for the Utah Jazz, along with a final season as a Los Angeles Laker. He helped the USA win Olympic gold in 1992 as part of the Dream Team, and did it again in 1996. He was part of a potent duo when teamed up with Guard John Stockton with the Jazz. His 36,928 career points scored rank third all-time in NBA history behind LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he holds the records for most free throws made and attempted, and most regular season games started, in addition to being tied for the second-most first-team All-NBA selections with Kobe Bryant and behind LeBron James.

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May 27, 2009: The Day Kobe Bryant Gambled and the Lakers Became Champions is remembered by the Bleacher Report in this article

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