Former Detroit Pistons Legend, Bob Lanier, Passes Away at 73

Bob Lanier of the Detroit Pistons in the 1973-1974 season at the… Bob Lanier of the Detroit Pistons in the 1973-1974 season at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Il. Get…

Bob Lanier

ABOARD USS NIMITZ – JUNE 19: National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Fame member Bob Lanier signs autographs for sailors during a United Services Organization (USO) show aboard USS Nimitz June 19, 2002 in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo by Michelle Smith/U.S. Navy/Getty Images)

http://gty.im/1286045308

http://gty.im/110307109

Ex-Detroit Pistons star center & 1992 Basketball Hall of Famer, Bob Lanier, passed away Tuesday, May 10th at the age of 73, following a short illness.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, shared in a statement: "Bob Lanier was a Hall of Fame player and among the most talented centers in the history of the NBA, but his impact on the league went far beyond what he accomplished on the court. 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."

In 1970, the Pistons drafted Lanier, a native of Buffalo, NY. He was the league's top pick out of St. Bonaventure. Over the course of his NBA career, he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Check out the Pistons Legend many accomplishments below ! RIP Bob Lanier..