Dave Bing is a Hall of Fame basketball player known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and overall skills on the court. He had an impactful career both in college and the NBA. Below is a detailed overview of his career, college, NBA statistics, and Hall of Fame achievements.
Early Life and College Career:
Born: November 24, 1943, in Washington, D.C..
College: Bing played college basketball for the Syracuse University Orange from 1963 to 1966.
College Achievements: At Syracuse, Dave Bing became one of the top players in college basketball. He was known for his scoring and ball-handling skills. Bing led Syracuse to a Final Four appearance in 1966 and was named an All-American.
College Stats: Over his college career, Bing averaged 24.8 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He became one of the top players in the nation, and his stellar college career set the stage for his future in the NBA.
NBA Career:
NBA Draft: Dave Bing was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 2nd overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft.
Detroit Pistons (1966–1975): Bing spent the majority of his career with the Pistons, where he established himself as one of the best guards in the league.
Washington Bullets (1975–1977): Bing finished his playing career with the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards), where he played for two seasons before retiring.
Career Highlights and Achievements:
NBA All-Star Appearances: Bing was a 7-time NBA All-Star (1967–1973).
NBA Scoring Champion: Bing won the NBA scoring title in 1968, averaging 27.1 points per game for the season.
NBA All-Star Game MVP: In 1976, Bing was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP after leading the East to a victory.
NBA Rookie of the Year: In his first season (1967), Bing was named NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.0 points per game and contributing significantly to the Pistons’ success.
Career Stats:
Points per game: 20.3 PPG
Rebounds per game: 3.8 RPG
Assists per game: 6.0 APG
Field goal percentage: 43.5%
Free throw percentage: 80.0%
Career Total Points: 16,298 points
Assists: 4,404 assists
Rebounds: 3,349 rebounds
Hall of Fame Induction:
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1990): Dave Bing was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990. His entry into the Hall of Fame acknowledged his impact on the game as a scorer, passer, and leader. His exceptional skill set helped make him one of the best guards of his era.
Post-Playing Career:
Business and Philanthropy: After retiring from playing, Dave Bing transitioned into a successful business career. He was also involved in community work and became a prominent figure in Detroit, where he later served as the city’s mayor from 2009 to 2013.
Leadership: Bing’s leadership both on and off the court has been widely recognized, and he was known for his ability to guide and elevate his teammates.
Legacy and Impact:
One of the Best Point Guards of His Era: Bing was one of the best point guards of his generation, known for his scoring, playmaking, and leadership. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates made him a dual threat.
Pistons Legend: Bing is considered one of the greatest players in Detroit Pistons history, and his time with the franchise solidified his place among the NBA’s elite guards.
Hall of Fame Recognition: Bing’s induction into the Hall of Fame reflects the incredible impact he had on the game. His combination of scoring, passing, and leadership made him one of the most versatile and respected players of his time.
Summary of Dave Bing’s Career:
College: Played at Syracuse, earning All-American honors and leading the team to the Final Four.
NBA:
Played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons and Washington Bullets.
Averaged 20.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 6.0 APG for his career.
Named 7-time NBA All-Star, NBA Scoring Champion (1968), and NBA All-Star Game MVP (1976).
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Dave Bing’s career remains an important part of basketball history, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.
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