Since that pivotal night of January 2, Otto has averaged 17.4 points and 15 rebounds a game. If the latter number were projected over the whole season, it would be the same as the NBA’s third-ranked board man, a fellow named Lew Alcindor.
Author Archives: bobkuska
Bob Lanier: Bum Knee, Bad Rap, 1970-71
The curious thing is that skinny Otto Moore is saving the Pistons—saving their center position and even saving Lanier from further embarrassment. Who would have thought that . . .
Cazzie Russell: Trading Places, 1972
Inevitably, Russell is compared to the Warriors’ former Wonder Boy, Rick Barry, which is unfair to Cazzie. He is not the offensive player that Barry was with the Warriors, but he does have some of the same characteristics.
Jim McDaniels: The Dream That Failed, 1978
Even so, Jim McDaniels couldn’t help but admit that it’s been a while since he’s felt half as good as he does these days. It’s every reason why to McDaniels didn’t even mind the Buffalo winter. You can believe he’s gone through a lot colder winters in his time.
They Laughed When Tom Heinsohn Sat Down to Coach, 1975
Heinsohn absorbed his knowledge of coaching from Red Auerbach. His insights into people, he acquired from personal, and sometimes painful, experience.
The Rise and Fall of Mark Jackson, 1991
Jackson, a firebrand of emotion, delights the Garden crowd with his dazzling plays. He is praised for exuberance. He is later cursed for hot-dogging.
Jim McMillian Picks His Shot, 1970, 1973
Despite his size, McMillian can break in at forward because, with the menace of Wilt Chamberlain at center, the Lakers really don’t need strong rebounding cornermen.
Jerry West: Reflections on ‘The Perfect Season,’ 1972
I remember sitting on the bench in the Forum in the last quarter of the last playoff game against the Knicks and looking at the clock and finally realizing that there is no way we could lose it.
Gail Goodrich: Stumping the NBA, 1972
Goodrich says his blossoming into a superstar is due to many things, not the least of which is the confidence that coach Bill Sharman has instilled in him.
Elmore Smith: The Other Big E: 1972, 1977
Everything seemed to be fine at first for Elmore Smith in Buffalo. Then it was Los Angeles. Then it was Milwaukee. Now it is Cleveland. Elmore Smith has been an enigma no matter what the team.
From Way Downtown 