Lanier was drafted number one overall by The Pistons and was named to the All-Rookie Team following the 1970-71 season. He played for Detroit from 1970-79 before being traded to The Bucks. In his 14 NBA seasons, Lanier averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game shooting 51.4 percent from the field.

He’s also one of the most memorable All Time 50 Pistons.

It’s Bob Lanier’s Birthday today (September 10th), so what better way to wish him well then to remember the legacy he left on the hardwood.

Here is a great look back at The Bad Boys by the men who covered them, that includes our favorite broadcaster George Blaha.

You could even say he was the Human Victory Cigar, back in the day. Mostly he and provided the bench with comedy relief even back then. I distinctly remember watching him at the Palace during games, play and joke with whoever was in his vicinity, whether it was a teammate, a ball boy, or a fan. It’s good to know he’s still at it.

Here is the video in two parts for easy viewing as promised. Enjoy, I did.

Part 1

Part2

As someone who had been waiting for quite some time for this night to fall on the schedule, let me say that the night exceeded my expectations 110%.

I franticly made my way to The Palace at 6:45, so not to miss a thing. As I walked in the building I was treated with a replica 1989-90 Championship hat, the same one I have tucked away in a zip locked bag at home. I smiled. As I got closer to getting to my seats I passed The Palace locker room store, when I looked into the window I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. I walk in and immediately picked up the original Detroit Bad Boys black t-shirt, skull and all. I wore my original one to shreds and had to throw it away about 10 years ago. To my recollection they haven’t sold the shirt in the building since the actual days of “The Bad Boys.” My smile grew wider.

I got to my seat and waited for the festivities to start, camera in hand. As I watched them set up the chairs I knew that it was just a matter of time, and then out came the new Hall of Famer, Bill Davidson. They positioned Mr. D so he faced every player that walked out of the mini lighted tunnel. When George Blaha kicked things off he started by acknowledging Mr. Davidson’s accomplishments and announced his recent induction into the Hall of Fame. Let me just say that The Palace crowd gave him a very long, very loud greeting and standing ovation that seemed to go on forever.

Thank you Mr. D.

Here is a quick rendering of the video, until I can get it split up later today for easier viewing. So if you are on a slow connection you may want to wait until later to view it.
UPDATE: Here is the (high quality) Video broken up in 2 parts .

• You missed the the introduction of the panel that selected the team, but if you were watching the broadcast they did a little something to cover the selection process.
• You didn’t quite hear the boos from the crowd when Ben Wallace was announced, which I was actually surprised and a little upset by.
• You missed the disappointment from the crowd when The Worm didn’t show up.
• You missed the crowd give Rasheed a huge “SHEEEED” before he was introduced and him low 5 everyone before he got to his seat.
• You missed watching the current Pistons players sit on the sidelines and watch the history go by.
• You didn’t see or feel what the fans of Detroit did for Isiah Thomas, who despite everything will always call The Palace his home.
• Most of all you missed the genuine hug, kiss and the words Isiah spoke to Mr. Davidson after he was introduced. Isiah seemed to linger with Bill for a very long time as if he was still with the organization. In our hearts, he still is.

• You missed the fabulous videos of history during what seemed to be every break in the action during the game. So good that both benches barely payed attention to anything but what was going on, on the big screen.
• You missed the feeling it was like to be in that building with all that greatness.
• You missed a horrible game, and an unforgettable night.

I will admit I shed quite a few tears, was genuinely choked up, and had one of the best times that I can remember Tuesday night. As I watched all the history, recalled the past and looked into the future all I felt was the honor and pride.

I’m still smiling.

The Palace…..Where Amazing Happens