Bob Lanier was a spokesman for the NBA’s TeamUp. He announced that balloting had begun for the NBA All-Star Game to be played in Oakland in February 2000.
The NBA has confirmed with The Associated Press, that former Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks star Ben Wilson died earlier today. The league noted that his family was by his side when he passed away after a short illness.
Commissioner Silver released a statement saying that Lanier’s achievements reached far beyond what he accomplished on the court, and that the Hall of Fame center was among the most talented in the league.
Hall of Famer & longtime NBA Global Ambassador Bob Lanier has passed away at the age of 73.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/O0skGh3H5T
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 11, 2022
Stern said in a statement, “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. It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s statement regarding the passing of Bob Lanier. pic.twitter.com/8GD9BhKt7C
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2022
Silver called Lanier a close friend and expressed condolences to his family.
Michael Lanier was the 1970 draft’s first No. 1 pick, according to a 1970 AP article.
Pat Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Several rumors are made in regards to Lanier’s shoe size but a rep from Converse claims that his actual size is 18 ½.
