The Detroit Pistons lost a legend last season, but he is far from forgotten.
According to Omari Sankofa II, the Detroit Pistons announced that they will honor the late Bob Lanier with a number 16 jersey stripe on their uniforms throughout the 2022-23 season, as well as host a tribute night on January 23 when the Bucks come to Detroit.
More Pistons news — the team will honor the life and legacy of Bob Lanier this season by wearing a “16” stripe on the upper-right section of their jerseys. The team will also host a Bob Lanier tribute on Jan. 23 when the Pistons play the Bucks.
— Offseason O (@omarisankofa) September 26, 2022
Lanier played four full seasons with the Bucks in addition to his nine with the Pistons after he was traded to Milwaukee from Detroit during the 1979-80 season. Lanier was nicknamed ‘The Dobber’ due to the combination of his size and speed, famous to some for wearing a size 22 (!) shoe size.
After leading the St. Bonaventure Bonnies to the NCAA final four, Lanier was selected first overall by the Pistons in the 1970 NBA Draft, the most recent number one overall pick by Detroit prior to selecting Cade Cunningham just last season.
Lanier holds the number three spot in the Piston’s all time scoring list, as well as holding the points per game record with a remarkable 22.7 average. Lanier is also third in total rebounds and second in total field goals all time for the organization.
The Pistons retired Lanier’s no.16 jersey on Jan. 9, 1993. After Lanier’s passing earlier this year, the Pistons will continue to honor the Hall of Famer in multiple fashions this upcoming season. Lanier also worked for the league as a global ambassador, contributing to the game far beyond his time wearing a NBA uniform.
The organization has remained consistent on honoring its all-time legends and will continue to honor Lanier long beyond this season through his retired jersey number and lasting impact to both to the organization and the league as a whole.
We got the first look of the no.16 jersey stripe, along with the Bill Russell no. 6 league-wide jersey patch, during Pistons media day.
Here’s a good look at Bill Russell’s “6” and Bob Lanier’s “16” on Detroit’s jerseys pic.twitter.com/ZvAvReftZb
— Offseason O (@omarisankofa) September 26, 2022
Tickets for Bob Lanier tribute night on Jan. 23 at Little Caesars Arena are available now and the night will surely be a great tribute to a Pistons, and NBA, legend.