“Bob Lanier was a Hall of Famer and among the most talented players in NBA history, but his impact on the league far exceeded what he accomplished on the court,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the statement.
“His tremendous impact on the NBA was also seen during his tenure as president of the National Basketball Players Association, where he played a key role in negotiating a game-changing collective bargaining agreement.”
Lanier has also served as the league’s global ambassador for more than 30 years, “traveling the world teaching the values of the game and making a positive impact on youth everywhere,” Silver said.
“We send our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends,” Silver added.
The Detroit Pistons drafted St. Bonaventure’s Lanier in the 1970 draft with the first overall pick, according to the resume. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team for 1970-71 and has averaged 15.6 points that season. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1974.
“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Lanier, a true legend who means so much to the city of Detroit and to generations of Pistons fans,” Pistons owner Tom Juris said in a statement on Wednesday.
“As fierce and dominant on the court, Bob was just as kind and socially influential,” Joris said. “As an ambassador for both the Pistons and the NBA, he has represented our league, our franchise, and our fans with great passion and integrity.”
Lanier eventually joined the Milwaukee Bucks and led them to five consecutive regular season titles.
“I learned a lot from Bob just by watching how he communicated with people. He was a close friend who I will miss very much, as well as so many of his NBA teammates who were inspired by his generosity,” Silver said.
“Alcohol enthusiast. Twitter ninja. Tv lover. Falls down a lot. Hipster-friendly coffee geek.”