Bob Lanier, Hall of Fame center for Pistons and Bucks, dead at 73

Bob Lanier, the former Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks center who averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during a dominant Hall of Fame career, has died at age 73.

The eight-time All-Star battled a short illness before his death on Tuesday, the NBA announced Wednesday.

“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,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around.”

The 6-foot-10 Lanier, who was born in Buffalo, was the first overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and quickly emerged as a star, making the allrookie team in 1971.

Lanier scored 25.7 points per game in his second season — the highest mark of his career — and also averaged 14.2 rebounds that year. He set a new careerbest with 14.9 rebounds per game the following season.

The hulking center with a rumored size22 shoe was an All-Star in seven of his 10 seasons with the Pistons, and averaged at least 21 points per game eight times with the team. His career average of 22.7 points per game with Detroit is the best in team history.

Lanier was traded mid-season from the Pistons to the Bucks in 1980 and played five seasons with Milwaukee, making his final All-Star team in 1982.