Even now, as he prepares to join the select circle of athletes who’ve lasted for a decade at the top, Van Lier treasures that advise. “First of all, I was taught to respect my coach and my opponent,” he says. “If a young player can’t learn to do that, he won’t respect himself.”
Tag Archives: Norm Van Lier
Norm Van Lier: The Boos and the Cheers, 1978
Van Lier talks about being in the twilight years, but he really doesn’t believe that. He still talks about playing another four years under his present contract agreement with the Bulls.
The Kansas City Kerfuffle, 1976
Outside the arena, the remainder of the crowd laughed about the incident and gave one another eyewitness accounts.
Johnny Green: Basketball’s Talented Antique, 1972
When Johnny Green was a first-round draft choice, he received $2,000 as a bonus. Rookies now are getting more than an entire team’s payroll used to be.
Forever on Tryout, 1980
Every time a man is waived, the odds of finding a job in the NBA decrease. Deserved or not, he gets a book, a rep that he can’t shake.
No One Plays It Harder Than Dave Cowens, 1977
Cowens’ defensive brilliance is probably more valuable to the Celtics than his offensive contributions.
Never a Dull Moment with Norm Van Lier, 1974
Norm Van Lier just can’t hold back.
Tiny, 1975
Archibald is called Tiny or sometimes Little Tiny, a double diminutive that aptly describes him, but it has nothing to do with his height—which has been estimated to be closer to 5-foot-10.
From Way Downtown 