Dave Bing
(Born 1943)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1990
Card Shown:
2012-13 Leaf Metal
Position: PG
Height: 6’3′
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Dave Bing was a playmaker who excelled at driving the ball to the hoop and either scoring or dishing off to a teammate. He was a top scorer in the NBA during his career, averaging over 20 points per game. Bing was a quiet leader who played for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, and Boston Celtics. He suffered a career-threatening eye injury during a 1971-72 preseason game but returned to play seven more years in the league. Dave became a successful businessman and the mayor of Detroit after his playing days were over.
Awards and Honors
- Bing was the 1966-67 NBA Rookie of the Year. In addition to being on the All-Rookie First Team that year, Dave was selected All-NBA First Team twice and All-NBA Second Team once during his career.
- Bing was a seven-time NBA All Star. He was awarded the game’s Most Valuable Player award in 1976.
- Dave was the recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented to him by the NBA in 1977. The award is given annually to a player, coach, or trainer for outstanding service and dedication to the community.
- Dave was selected as one of The 50 Greatest Players in the NBA History in 1996.
- President Ronald Reagan named Bing the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year in 1984.
Points of Interest
- Dave played college basketball at Syracuse, averaging 24.6 points during three seasons and received All-America honors his senior year.
- He was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the second overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft. Cazzie Russell was selected with the first overall pick by the New York Knicks.
- In 1967-68, Bing scored a career-high 27.1 points per game to finish second in scoring in the NBA. Oscar Robertson won the scoring title that season with 29.2 points per game.
- During his twelve-year NBA career, Dave played for the Detroit Pistons for nine years, the Washington Bullets for two years, and the Boston Celtics for one year. He finished his career with averages of 20.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
- During the offseason, Dave continued his business education in Detroit by working in a bank, the Chrysler Corporation, and a small steel company. After he retired he used his knowledge to form Bing Steel in 1980. The company grew to have annual sales of over $60 million.
- Bing served as the mayor of Detroit from 2009-2013.
Statistics
Dave Bing Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com