Who is Bob McAdoo?

Bob McAdoo’s Early Life

Bob McAdoo was born on September 25, 1951, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Growing up, he showcased a natural aptitude for sports, particularly basketball, thanks to his quick release and an uncanny knack for putting the ball in the basket. He went on to play collegiately at Vincennes University—a junior college—before transferring to the University of North Carolina. Under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith, McAdoo honed his shooting stroke and expanded his skill set, quickly drawing attention from NBA scouts.

Bob McAdoo’s NBA Career

Early Dominance with the Buffalo Braves

McAdoo entered the league as the second overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft, landing with the Buffalo Braves (now the Los Angeles Clippers franchise). From the outset, he proved to be a force on offense:

• Rookie Impact: Despite missing out on Rookie of the Year honors, McAdoo made an immediate splash, averaging nearly 18 points per game.
• Scoring Champion: By his second season, he was already a league leader in points, ushering in a streak of three consecutive scoring titles (1974–1976).

His lethal mid-range jump shot was a revelation for a center/power forward of that era, offering a unique blend of size and shooting touch that confounded defenses. At the height of his Buffalo Braves run, McAdoo was the league’s premier scorer, taking home the 1975 MVP Award—a rare feat for a player so early in his career.

Journeyman Years

Following his success in Buffalo, McAdoo played for several teams, including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and New Jersey Nets. While he continued to produce strong offensive numbers, injuries and shifting roles impacted his consistency. He remained a potent scorer, but the spotlight faded as he searched for a team where he could reclaim the dominance of his early years.

Showtime Lakers & Championships

McAdoo found his second wind in the 1980s with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the rest of the “Showtime” roster. Slotted into a crucial sixth-man role:

• Title Runs: He helped the Lakers reach three NBA Finals (1982, 1984, 1985), winning championships in 1982 and 1985.
• Bench Spark: Coming off the bench, McAdoo provided instant offense and spacing, punishing opposing second units and even closing out tight games with his clutch mid-range shooting.

His Lakers stint cemented him as more than just a scoring phenom—he was a winner who could adapt to different roles and still excel on the biggest stages.

Bob McAdoo’s Interesting Facts

Three Straight Scoring Titles

McAdoo led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1974, 1975, 1976)—a feat that highlighted his status as the league’s most potent offensive force.

Mid-Range Maestro

Unlike many big men of the time who relied on hook shots and post-ups, McAdoo’s sweet spot was the high post, where he unleashed a lethal face-up jumper.

European Encore

After his NBA career, McAdoo spent time in Italy, winning several European titles and delighting fans overseas with his still-lethal shooting touch.

Hall of Famer

McAdoo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and was recognized as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

MVP & Champion

It’s rare for a league MVP to take on a sixth-man role later in his career, but McAdoo did just that, contributing to the Lakers’ championship success.

Bob McAdoo’s Personal Life

Off the court, McAdoo was known as a private individual who let his game do the talking. A family man, he often stayed away from the limelight outside of basketball, focusing on practice, rest, and mentoring younger teammates. His calm, composed demeanor during his playing days in the NBA extended to his later coaching roles, where he served as an assistant coach for the Miami Heat for many seasons.

Bob McAdoo’s Achievements

• 1× NBA MVP (1975)
• 5× NBA All-Star (1974–1978)
• 2× NBA Champion (1982, 1985 with the Los Angeles Lakers)
• 3× Scoring Champion (1974–1976)
• All-NBA First Team (1975, 1976)