NBA's Greatest Players in History: Dave Bing

• NBA Rookie of the Year (1967) and Scoring Champion (1968)
• Seven-time NBA All-Star (1968, 1969, 1971, 1973-76)
• Hall of Fame inductee (1990)
• Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Dave Bing overcame significant vision impairment to become one of the NBA's most prolific scorers and playmakers, earning a place among the league's all-time greats.

Overview

Dave Bing's NBA career is a testament to perseverance and skill in the face of adversity. Despite struggling with vision problems in both eyes throughout his 12-year career, Bing established himself as one of the most dynamic guards of his era. His ability to excel at the highest level of professional basketball, whilst dealing with such a significant physical challenge, adds an extra layer of impressiveness to his already stellar résumé.

Career snapshot

Bing's NBA journey began when the Detroit Pistons selected him with the 2nd overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft. He quickly silenced any doubters by winning Rookie of the Year honours in 1967, followed by the scoring title in 1968. Over his career, Bing averaged 20.3 points and 6.0 assists per game, earning seven All-Star selections and two All-NBA First Team nods.

Playing style

Despite his vision impairment, Bing was known for his smooth outside shot and fearless drives to the basket. He possessed excellent court vision and passing ability, allowing him to thrive as both a scorer and facilitator. Bing's game evolved throughout his career, particularly after a serious eye injury in 1971 forced him to adapt his style and become more of a traditional point guard.

Why Dave Bing is on our list

Dave Bing's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his remarkable achievements in the face of significant physical challenges. His ability to not only compete but excel at the highest level of professional basketball while dealing with vision problems in both eyes is a testament to his skill, determination, and basketball IQ.

Bing's impact extended beyond his on-court performances. He was a trailblazer for African American athletes in professional sports and later became a successful businessman and politician, serving as the mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2013. His legacy as both a basketball player and community leader cements his status as one of the most influential figures in NBA history.

Five Fast Facts

1. Bing suffered a childhood eye injury that left him with permanent vision problems
2. He won the NBA scoring title in 1968, averaging 27.1 points per game
3. Bing was named to the All-NBA First Team twice (1968, 1971)
4. His jersey number 21 was retired by the Detroit Pistons in 1983
5. After his playing career, Bing founded a successful steel company in Detroit
6. Career Highlights Timeline

Career Highlights

1966: Selected 2nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Draft
1967: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
1968: Won NBA scoring title and named to All-NBA First Team
1971: Named to All-NBA First Team for the second time
1976: Named NBA All-Star Game MVP
1990: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Dave Bing's journey from a vision-impaired rookie to an NBA Hall of Famer is a story of triumph over adversity. His ability to adapt his game and maintain elite performance levels throughout his career, despite significant physical challenges, sets him apart as one of the most remarkable players in NBA history. Bing's legacy extends far beyond the basketball court, making him a true icon of the sport and a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

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