NBA's Greatest Players in History: Bob McAdoo

• Led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1974-1976)
• Named NBA Most Valuable Player in 1975 at age 23
• Won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (1982, 1985)

Bob McAdoo was a revolutionary big man whose scoring prowess and shooting touch from the perimeter changed the game for centres in the 1970s and beyond.

Overview

Bob McAdoo burst onto the NBA scene in the early 1970s as one of the most dominant offensive forces the league had ever seen. Standing 6'9" with a smooth shooting touch and explosive athleticism, McAdoo redefined the centre position with his ability to score from anywhere on the court. Over his 14-year NBA career, he averaged 22.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, winning an MVP award, three scoring titles, and two championships.

Career snapshot

McAdoo was selected 2nd overall by the Buffalo Braves in the 1972 NBA draft after a standout college career at North Carolina. He made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year honours in 1973 while averaging 18 points per game. The next season, McAdoo's scoring exploded as he led the league with 30.6 points per game. This began a remarkable three-year run where McAdoo would win three consecutive scoring titles, including his MVP season in 1975 when he averaged a career-high 34.5 points.

After seven seasons in Buffalo, McAdoo was traded to the New York Knicks in 1976. He continued his high-scoring ways in New York but bounced around to several teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s. McAdoo found a home with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981, where he transitioned into a valuable sixth man role on a star-studded team. He won two championships with the Lakers in 1982 and 1985 before finishing his NBA career in 1986.

Playing style

McAdoo revolutionised the centre position with his unique offensive skillset. While most big men of his era operated primarily in the low post, McAdoo had the shooting touch to consistently knock down jumpers from 15-20 feet. His quick release and high-arcing shot made him virtually unguardable for opposing centres. McAdoo was also an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, using his athleticism and timing to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

On offense, McAdoo could score in a variety of ways. He had a deadly turnaround jumper from the post, but was equally comfortable facing up and taking his defender off the dribble. His combination of size, speed, and shooting touch made him a matchup nightmare. McAdoo's ability to draw opposing big men away from the basket with his outside shooting helped pave the way for future stretch big men in the NBA.

Why Bob McAdoo is on our list

Bob McAdoo's impact on NBA history cannot be overstated. He was one of the most prolific scorers of all time, especially considering his position as a centre. McAdoo's three consecutive scoring titles from 1974-1976 put him in elite company, as only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have matched that feat. At his peak, McAdoo was arguably the most unstoppable offensive force in the game.

Beyond his individual accolades, McAdoo proved he could contribute to winning basketball at the highest level during his time with the Lakers. His willingness to accept a reduced role and come off the bench was crucial to the Lakers' success in the 1980s. McAdoo's combination of individual brilliance and team success make him one of the most dominant and well-rounded players in NBA history.

Five Fast Facts

1. Won the NBA MVP award in 1975 at age 23, the youngest centre to ever win the award
2. First player to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in scoring
3. Averaged 30+ points per game for three consecutive seasons (1973-1976)
4. Made five consecutive All-Star teams from 1973-1977
5. Finished his career with over 18,000 points and 8,000 rebounds

Career Highlights Timeline

1972: Selected 2nd overall by the Buffalo Braves in the NBA draft

1973: Named NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 18.0 points and 9.1 rebounds

1974: Won first NBA scoring title, averaging 30.6 points per game

1975: Named NBA Most Valuable Player, led league in scoring (34.5 ppg) and minutes played

1976: Won third consecutive scoring title, averaging 31.1 points per game

1981: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent

1982: Won first NBA championship as key reserve for the Lakers

1985: Won second NBA championship with the Lakers

1986: Played final NBA season with Philadelphia 76ers

2000: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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