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89. Sam Lacey

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89. Sam Lacey
One of the great unsung big men of the 70s, Sam Lacey led tiny New Mexico State to a Final Four in 1970 and still got no respect.  Perhaps this was because fellow big men Bob Lanier and Artis Gilmore were at this same Final Four!  He was one of the most consistent rebounders and defenders of the 1970s for the Kings and may be their most popular player ever.  Of course, we are referring specifically to the Kansas City Kings and they were never serious contenders.  Lacey is also one of the best passing big men the pros ever had and played in over 1,000 games placing him in the top 100 of that category.



Should Sam Lacey be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 56%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 24%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 12%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Indianola, Mississippi, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1988
  • Position: Center
  • Played For: Cincinatti Royals, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns
  • College: New Mexico State
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 1970
  • Major Accolades and Awards: NBA All-Star (1) (1975)
    Most Defensive Rebounds (1) (1974-75)
    Highest Defensive Box Plus/Minus (4) (1974-75, 1978-79, 1979-80 & 1980-81)
    Highest Defensive Rebound Percentage (1) (1974-75)
    NBA Championships (None)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds per Game (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rebounds (1) (1973-74)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rebounds (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Blocks (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Blocks per Game (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (2) (1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes per Game (1) (1974-75)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Win Shares (4) (1974-75, 1975-76, 1978-79 & 1979-80)
    Top Ten Finishes: Box Plus/Minus (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1978-79)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensve Box Plus/Minus (7) (1974-75, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1978-79, 1979-80 & 1980-81)
    Top Ten Finishes: VORP (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1978-79)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rating (3) (1974-75, 1978-79 & 1979-80)
    Top Ten Finishes: Total Rebound Percentage (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rebound Percentage (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Block Percentage (2) (1973-74 & 1974-75)
  • Notable All-time Rankings: 8.    Defensive Rating: 96.4
    11.  Defensive Box Plus/Minus: 2.4
    45.  Defensive Rebound Percentage: 23.8
    49.  Rebounds: 9,687
    65.  Blocks per Game: 1.5
    69.  Blocks: 1,160
    76.  Rebounds per Game: 9.7
    79.  Defensive Rebounds: 5,226
    93.  Total Rebound Percentage: 15.7
    98.  Defensive Win Shares: 41.9

Should Sam Lacey be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 56%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 24%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 12%

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