Bob McAdoo (Part 2)

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14 Mar 2024

Bob McAdoo (Part 2)

Despite the rumors and uncertainties surrounding McAdoo's draft status, the Buffalo Braves took decisive action, selecting him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1972 NBA draft. This move came after purported contract talks between the Portland Trail Blazers and McAdoo failed to materialize with the first pick, ultimately leading to LaRue Martin's selection by Portland.
Upon joining the Braves, McAdoo wasted no time in making his mark in the NBA. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, securing the 1973 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Remarkably, in just his second season, McAdoo clinched the first of three consecutive NBA scoring titles.

Despite individual success, McAdoo expressed frustration with Buffalo's struggles during his rookie campaign, citing the team's lackluster performance and dearth of talent. However, his fortunes turned around in the 1973-74 season, where he achieved a remarkable feat by averaging both 30.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, a feat that remains unmatched in the NBA since. Additionally, McAdoo led the league in field goal percentage and secured his first of five All-Star selections. Despite Buffalo's first playoff appearance that year, they were ultimately eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
The 1974-75 season proved to be a pinnacle for McAdoo as he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Dominating the league with remarkable statistics, including 34.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.12 blocks per game, McAdoo solidified his status as one of the league's elite players. Despite his exceptional performance, Buffalo fell short in the playoffs once again.

McAdoo's tenure with the Braves saw notable highlights, including his career-high 29 rebounds and 42 points in a single game. However, his time with Buffalo came to an end on December 7, 1976, when he was traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for John Gianelli and cash considerations.
McAdoo's style of play, characterized by his versatility and scoring prowess, was ahead of its time. Despite his stature as a "big man," McAdoo showcased remarkable skills from the perimeter, making him a formidable offensive threat. Throughout his tenure with the Braves, McAdoo's statistical contributions were nothing short of impressive, solidifying his legacy as one of the NBA's all-time greats.

During his tenure with the New York Knicks, McAdoo continued to showcase his exceptional talents on the court. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Red Holzman in the 1976–77 season, McAdoo delivered impressive performances, averaging 26.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite his stellar individual contributions, the Knicks finished with a 40–42 record, falling short of a playoff berth. Joining the Knicks roster, McAdoo found himself surrounded by esteemed teammates such as Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Spencer Haywood, Bill Bradley, and Phil Jackson, all future Hall of Famers.
The following season, under the leadership of new coach Willis Reed, McAdoo continued to excel on the court. In the 1977–78 season, he maintained his impressive statistics, averaging 26.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game across 79 games. The Knicks secured a playoff spot, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Playoffs before succumbing to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. McAdoo's playoff performances were stellar, particularly against the Cavaliers, where he averaged 34.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

In the midst of the 1978–79 season, the Knicks underwent coaching changes, with Red Holtzman returning mid-season. Despite McAdoo's exceptional performance, including a career-high 45 points scored against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Knicks opted to trade him. On February 12, 1979, McAdoo was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Tom Barker and three first-round picks in the 1979 NBA draft. His departure marked the end of his tenure with the Knicks, where he had averaged 26.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 40 appearances during the season.
Throughout his time with the Knicks, McAdoo's impact on the court was undeniable, as reflected in his impressive statistical averages. In a total of 171 games with the Knicks, McAdoo showcased his versatility, averaging 26.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's history.

In the 1979–80 season, McAdoo embarked on a new chapter of his NBA journey, joining the Detroit Pistons, a team that faced significant struggles throughout the season. Under the leadership of coaches Dick Vitale and later Richie Adubato, the Pistons stumbled to a dismal 16–66 record. Despite the team's challenges, McAdoo, alongside Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, contributed significantly, averaging 21.1 points and 8.1 rebounds across 58 games.
However, tensions arose during the 1980–81 season when McAdoo, who had been sidelined due to injury, expressed his readiness to return to the Pistons' starting lineup. Coach Scotty Robertson, citing McAdoo's lack of practice and physical readiness, denied his request. In response, McAdoo requested permission to leave, which was granted by the Pistons' general manager, Jack McCloskey. Subsequently, on February 20, 1981, McAdoo was informed by McCloskey not to return for the remainder of the season.
The situation escalated further on March 11, 1981, when McAdoo was waived by the Pistons after appearing in only six games during the 1980–81 season. This marked the end of his brief stint with Detroit, a season in which the team finished with a 21–61 record. Notably, McAdoo became the last Piston to wear jersey number 11 before the arrival of Isiah Thomas, a future franchise icon.