I’ve been wanting to find some full games but there’s a lack of footage of the 70s Pistons outside of one game on YouTube and it was not a good game for Lanier as even the commentators were talking about how it was a below average game for him. But for the bits of footage and highlights I’ve seen of him he seemed to be one of the more complete centers of that period. Good hook shot, very solid mid range shot, not bad defensively, willing passer, great rebounder. I don’t think he was the best center in the league at any of these things but he didn’t seem to have any real noticeable flaws but if anybody can fill me in more about his game I would appreciate it.

  • grantforthree@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Definitely watch some 70’s Pistons/80’s Bucks film if you have the time. It’s out there on YouTube, and Lanier is a dope center to watch (one of my favorites all-time)

    • Hook shot specialist, probably the 2nd greatest of all-time behind Kareem
    • Legitimate mid-range game that could definitely translate to today
    • High-volume passing big, but the numbers are misleading - he struggled with double teams and made a lot of impulsive decisions
    • Amazing rebounder
    • Iffy defender - was a prolific shot-blocker, but arguably chased that too much in favor of good positioning, and was super slow-footed so switching and transition were a death sentence for him
    • Amazing playoff performer who Detroit didn’t surround with enough talent to make a meaningful run in his prime
    • Made an immediate impact on the Bucks when he was traded there, despite being past his prime - they went 20-6 after he joined, good for a 63-win pace
    • Was absolutely an All-NBA-caliber talent that never won one because of how loaded center talent was in the 70’s