NBA's Greatest Players in History: Dave DeBusschere

• 8-time NBA All-Star
• 6-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection
• Key player in two NBA championships with the New York Knicks
• Member of the 75th Anniversary Team

Dave DeBusschere was a defensive powerhouse and integral part of the Knicks' championship teams in the early 1970s, revolutionising the power forward position.

Overview

Dave DeBusschere was a formidable force in the NBA during the 1960s and 1970s, renowned for his defensive prowess and versatile skillset. Standing at 6-foot-6, DeBusschere was a pioneer of the power forward position, combining strength and finesse in a way that had rarely been seen before. His arrival to the New York Knicks in 1968 proved to be the final piece of the puzzle that transformed the team into champions.

Career snapshot

DeBusschere's professional basketball career began with the Detroit Pistons in 1962. At the young age of 24, he became the youngest coach in NBA history when the Pistons appointed him as player-coach. However, it was his trade to the New York Knicks in 1968 that truly catapulted his career to new heights.

With the Knicks, DeBusschere flourished. He was a key component of the team that won NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. His defensive abilities were unparalleled, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team for six consecutive seasons from 1969 to 1974. DeBusschere's impact extended beyond defence, as he consistently contributed on the offensive end, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game during his tenure with the Knicks.

Playing style

DeBusschere was the epitome of a two-way player. On defence, he was a tenacious and intelligent defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. His strength and positioning allowed him to effectively contain even the most dominant big men of his era, including Wilt Chamberlain.

Offensively, DeBusschere was ahead of his time. He possessed a reliable jump shot, which was uncommon for power forwards of that era. This outside shooting threat, combined with his ability to battle in the paint, made him a difficult matchup for opponents. His versatility on both ends of the court was a crucial element in the Knicks' success.

Why Dave DeBusschere is on our list

DeBusschere's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his transformative impact on the game and his crucial role in the Knicks' championship success. His defensive prowess was unmatched, as evidenced by his consistent selection to the All-Defensive First Team and the fact that he received the most votes for this honour in his final four seasons.

Moreover, DeBusschere's ability to excel in multiple facets of the game set him apart. He was not just a defensive specialist but a complete player who could score, rebound, and facilitate. His arrival in New York turned a talented Knicks team into a cohesive unit that played some of the most beautiful team basketball ever seen in the NBA.

DeBusschere's impact extended beyond his on-court performances. He was a leader and a winner, playing a pivotal role in bringing two championships to New York. His jersey retirement by the Knicks and his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 further cement his legacy as one of the game's greats.

Five Fast Facts

1. DeBusschere was also a professional baseball player, pitching for the Chicago White Sox for two seasons.
2. He became the youngest coach in NBA history at age 24 when he was appointed player-coach for the Detroit Pistons.
3. DeBusschere was traded to the Knicks in 1968 in a deal that is often cited as one of the most important trades in NBA history.
4. He was selected to the NBA All-Star team eight times throughout his career.
5. After his playing career, DeBusschere served as the Commissioner of the American Basketball Association and later as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Knicks.

Career Highlights Timeline

1962: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons, begins his NBA career

1964: Becomes player-coach for the Pistons at age 24

1968: Traded to the New York Knicks

1969: Selected to his first NBA All-Defensive First Team

1970: Wins his first NBA championship with the Knicks

1973: Wins second NBA championship with the Knicks

1974: Retires from professional basketball

1981: Jersey retired by the New York Knicks

1983: Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Dave DeBusschere's career was marked by excellence, innovation, and winning. His unique combination of defensive tenacity, offensive versatility, and leadership made him one of the most dominant and influential players of his era. DeBusschere's impact on the game, particularly his role in the Knicks' championship teams, cements his place among the NBA's all-time greats.

NBA's Greatest of All-Time List: Click the player's name to read their profile