Bob McAdoo: HE CHANGED THE NBA with his NEVER BEFORE SEEN Skillset | FPP

You almost never hear his name nowadays, but in the 1970s, Bob McAdoo was the original stretch four, a guy who possessed a game like Tracy McGrady or Kevin Durant before they were even born. He confused defenses with his shooting and dribbling ability as a 6’9” center. Academic issues led him taking the JuCo route until he was a North Carolina Tar Heel to start his junior year in 1972. After this, he applied for the NBA’s short-lived hardship clause, and was a top draft pick by the NBA and ABA. He would decide to suit up for the Buffalo Braves where in his first four years in the league, he would be rookie of the year, a three time scoring champ and the 1975 NBA MVP. After contract issues, he was traded to the New York Knicks to play alongside Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe and Spencer Haywood. Unfortunately, chemistry issues and conflict between him and Haywood led to the failure of this super team. After this, it seemed no one wanted McAdoo, he bounced around 4 teams in 2 years, but then finally in 1982 he got an opportunity for resurgence. McAdoo joined the young showtime Lakers and became their sixth man over the next 4 years, as he helped a team led by Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy to four straight Finals appearances and two NBA Titles. He would spend his last year in the NBA with the Sixers then had a separate legendary career in Italy until retiring at 41 years old. Yes, his career was up and down, but Bob McAdoo at his best was one of the greatest players to ever touch the hardwood and was a scoring machine unlike any before him. It really is a shame that he rarely gets talked about for how good he was as a player, so that’s why he’s the focus of today’s episode.
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[@user-vw1vf5cw7d]

Bob Mcadoo didn't retire, he went to Italy when he played until he was 44 years old

[@Eagle8]

Bob McAdoo is definitely an all-time great. A legend 👏

[@lucashenderson2775]

Safe to say Bob was about 30 years ahead of his time with his skillset at his size.

[@williamwright8250]

50 years

[@Amick44]

More like 6'9. In any case .... Great player.

[@tw69hands2]

I remember in the 70s how difficult it was for coaches to even coach him. They blamed him for not playing with his back to the basket. Only Dr. Jack Ramsay and Pat Riley knew how to coach him

[@lucashenderson2775]

@@tw69hands2 And that's why those two are Hall of Famers and his other coaches (in the NBA at least) aren't.

[@courtneylee-nh4vw]

The first KD

[@deebrown4744]

That number 11 buffalo blue jersey is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@donniewhite2230]

"I","Feet"..."Comfort",.."In,remembering",.."The,Buffalo Braves","Guy's...."As,A..."Teen","just".."Paying,Attention"..."To,The..."Moment"!!..."Of,It","In,The,"1970's"✍️🧎🫂🙋🏿‍♀️🙋🏿‍♀️🙋🏿‍♀️😎😎

[@donniewhite2230]

Ooop's,"Felt,Comfort"✍️🤪👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍

[@donniewhite2230]

""#35-Larry Kenon","was",....."Good,too","Guy's",.."In San Antonio",.."After","The,"ABA"✍️😎😎😎

[@RasuiTheFallen]

facts 🔥🔥

[@brianharris9949]

The first big that I remember being smooth AF. Could put the ball in the hoop like no other in his prime. Truly underrated.

[@J_Ru31352]

How about doing one on Bob Lanier from the NBA 70s for a great Hall of Fame center in his day, practically forgotten nowadays since.

[@christophertifre2018]

Props to NBA putting him on 75 anniversary team 💯💯💯 His career had 4 parts.Success,Journeyman, Titles, overseas success

[@7neophyte]

of the Last 50 Years. No. 38 on Nick Wright's Top 50 NBA Players of the Last 50 Years list is

[@7neophyte]

He is No. 38 on Nick Wright's Top 50 NBA Players of the Last 50 Years list

[@richardgentry6996]

Had Mcadoo and Spencer Haywood basketball posters on the wall as a kid. Outstanding Bio. 👌👍

[@jimmoore8951]

Good choices... I had Pistol Pete, Clyde, and the Pearl

[@wendellwoods1742]

Spencer Haywood is my all time favorite power forward.

[@adameckard4591]

I had a Nate Thurmond poster too.

[@c.antoniojohnson7114]

Spencer Haywood was smooth,if he didn't party hard, he would be top three all time at PF

[@TheOGHoopByTheBook]

He was the first Stretch 5, you could argue Jerry Lucas but he was more a 4. Great video

[@jimmoore8951]

Jerry Lucas definitely fits in this category... good call

[@mikeonthemccomedy2465]

BOB MCADOO GAME WAS SO SMOOTH!! HE WAS INSTANT OFFENSE WHEREVER HE PLAYED!!!

[@thebayareastandout]

He played similar to how Kevin Durant plays now

[@tomk4484]

McAdoo had about the best textbook jump shot I have seen. Straight up, high release, always well under control.

[@VinceWhitacre]

What I like is how in Bob McAdoo and Bill Walton, the Lakers and Celtics each had an ex-MVP big offense big man coming off the bench to help them win. It was fun watching basketball in the '80s.

[@thetruthstand]

This was a very in-depth look at Bob McAdoo. I really appreciate your channel and your desire to show the history of the game. I'm still waiting on my Bernard King video 😁

[@jpang5477]

BK from BK Me too my brother 💯

[@J_Ru31352]

Much as I do agree for McAdoo to be underrated from the NBA 1970s. It's kind of ironic now McAdoo got named to the NBA Top 75 Anniversary Team for all time greats just awhile back, along with having been in the Hall of Fame however long ago he got in. JS!

[@OjParker-gl4ec]

He was the Original Kevin Durant in my mind..6'10-6'11 mid range beast n could oull up from 3 if needed also a MVP and 2x champion and i believe 3-4x scoring champion. A FUCKING hall of famer no doubt

[@jimmoore8951]

Yes! Dirk, KD, and now the kids like Chet and Wemby are taking it to new levels

[@danialthomas5659]

Good comparison

[@RoyPage1970]

​@@jimmoore8951McAdoo was way better than Durant when he played in Buffalo

[@user-ny1bm5uy2h]

In Italy he played 1988-1992 and he was an absolute legend, one of the top foreigner players ever, better than many aged nba stars like Gervin, Blackman, michael richardson, orlando woolridge.. in 80s-90s better players in italy were Mcadoo, kukoc, Radja, Oscar, Del Negro, Antonello Riva, Dalipagic, Danilovic, Bodiroga

[@charliepickard7798]

I remember as a kid, shooting that outside shot, yelling out McAdoo from outside. My generation will never forget the greatness of McAdoo

[@bobturnley2787]

McAdoo was the original Kevin Durant. Their offense was very similar. The difference was that his best rebounding year was at 15 per game while Durant's was 8.

[@judah-je1jm]

Hearing Mcadoo had a bad game with 21 pts and 16 rebs sounds crazy that really shows how good he was

[@JonathanEBryant]

Bob macdowas the truth played the 4 or 5 or 3 sometimes like magic johnson

[@carloshudson7106]

One of my favorite top 50 of all times! In my eyes, one of the original trend setters. Most of his career 50% shooting. Unstoppable, as the Narrator stated…

[@thedailygreatness]

Great research. I wouldn't say he changed the game as much as he broke the mold. The problem was no one could follow his lead. So the game stayed the same- Bigs on the Blocks, guards and small forwards shooting, point guards distributing.

[@martinjohnson41]

Really admire all the hard work and passion you put in making these fun informative videos.Keep up the great work

[@Chamberlain-ef9pk]

McAdoo and Randy Smith...I recall the playoff series with the Washington Bullets in '75

[@lemroyaljames8758]

About time someone shows Bob McAdoo some love. I remember him. He was lethal.

[@michaelhenderson2744]

This was one hell of a player

[@stevekatz4372]

As a young kid & avid sports fan, I was lucky enough to see this Great Player on TV and I can say that He was a special player! Yes, I remember at that time, on the TV Games, they had A One on One Competition before each game and He Beat everybody and Won! Yes, no doubt, he was far ahead of his time! Great Memories!

[@MentalStillness]

Bro I would love to see one on one matchups at the All star games.

[@TheBaylor22]

Without question, one of the greatest players to ever lace them up. Totally unstoppable, outside, in the post, it didn’t matter. At 6’10, he could put the ball on the floor, and get wherever he wanted to go. Terrific rebounder as well. Should never be forgotten!

[@c.antoniojohnson7114]

Bob MacAdoo would be a killer at PF in today's game. He had a great inside game,good passer,good shooter out to 20 ft, great defense in the post,great rebounder,good perimeter defender. I got to see him at the end of his career with the Lakers.

[@anthonybanks4958]

Thanks for spotlighting Bob McAdoo, a great player, & got himself a championship with my Lakers! Back in the day, him & Kareem had some great battles, beither one could stop the other, Kareem's devastating skyhook & McAdoo's swift jumper & drives to the "hole"....

[@melvinhouston6359]

I remember Bob growing up he was absolute buckets I rooted for the Buffalo Braves as well they just couldn't get past Boston

[@glorifiedrhymes8338]

This is why I love this channel! You do your HW , thank you!

[@TheHoodedSchmedlapp]

Criminally underrated! Request for another criminally underrated and undersized big man of that era - Wes Unseld.

[@LIBlurr]

And Willis Reed !

[@karriemsharief]

I grew up watching McAdoo with the Lakers. I just recently saw an interview between James Worthy and Cedric Maxwell of the Celtics. Worthy told Cedric that McAdoo would give the Lakers players Malcolm X literature before they played the Celtics. Cedric couldn't stop laughing. I thought that was funny as well. Makes you wonder what the Celtics were doing to get hyped for the Lakers.

[@giom3248]

One of italy most beloved foreign player ever!

[@charlesjohnson536]

BOB MCADOO#11 .. NBA 🏀 MVP .. 3-TIME SCORING CHAMPION .. 2-NBA 🏀 CHAMPION 🏆 .. NBA 🏀 HALL OF FAMER ..

[@bobbytaylor6946]

Just a beautiful player ..❤️ that jump shot

[@emerdog6688]

Bob also had an amazing teammate in Buffalo named Randy Smith, who was an incredibly athletic talent. I loved watching that team play.

[@RoyPage1970]

They could never get out of the semi-finals

[@unappealingundesirable2826]

I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American and male. One writer described Bob McAdoo's jump shot as "A short man, trying to put a pizza into a tall oven."

[@davidprice4777]

Bob Mcadoo was definitely ahead of his time!Great Show and year to year biography of these NBA Legends!

[@MentalStillness]

Thank you for sharing the story of an underrated NBA player I've only heard mentioned a few times. The OG stretch 4.

[@kevinlawrence1212]

what are you talking about. He's in the hall of fame and he is among the 75 greatest players of all time..

[@lorenzoyoung698]

What does that mean? Does his name come up when you're having basketball talks, are you telling people how great he is?

[@kevinlawrence1212]

Listen, this man was a three time scoring champion, rookie of the year, and the most valuable player during the 1975 season. So your comment is way off base.@@lorenzoyoung698

[@vladfather916]

He’s not a household name

[@jerseykillabee]

McAdoo was way ahead of his time and he was one of the first players My team in my team 2k24. I was excited Right now it is Curry. Trey Young. Bob McAdoo, Vince Carter and Nowell we are Undefeated on All-star hopefully we can continue and when the chip.

[@James-ki5ix]

That mofo was a bad mofo that everyone forgot because of the praises of Larry magic and then baldeelocks Jordan, people forgotten how great this guy really was!!!

[@Amick44]

They came along when he was past his prime. It was the media blowing up Dr J, whose media hype began when he was shipped to NY (Nets) and Kareem.

[@SeanDiego]

That boi said baldeelocks, Jordan hurt you in your life or something?

[@manonanisland2712]

Ernie D used to kick it to Doo in the corners off the drive and that deep jumper would pop the nets.

[@terrenceliburd8655]

He went from a journey man to playing in 4 consecutive finals winning two

[@ice-iu3vv]

all of which was well after his prime. he was one of the 2 best players in the nba 73-78. then became a journeyman 79-81, injured a lot, and still expecting to score 30 when healthy. when he accepted a deal to go to the lakers, it was with the understanding that his years as a starter were over. what you said is true, but it made his career sound the laker years were his good years, which is false.

[@user-si5fs1qo2m]

As a kid I really thought that he (Bob McAdoo) couldn't miss. I caught him when I was a kid, so I caught him late. Being a basketball player myself I just had this feeling about him. I was really a kid. Anyone who forgets him doesn't know basketball. One of my favorite shooters of all time.

[@rosrebel]

Bob mcadoo was a eurolugue legend inthe 80s and really helped the Europeans game where he is still highly respected ..

[@davisandew44]

As usual great video! I would love to see one on Robert Horry or BJ Armstrong.

[@user-fe8yp1rb9m]

I grew up in Buffalo and loved watching McAdoo, Ernie D, Kaufman. Great competitors. Unfortunately we would always face the Celtics in the playoffs.

[@buicklincoln]

Imagine playing the Lakers in the early 80's when McAdoo was there to spell Kareem. Los Angeles was starting one all time great and his backup was another all time great.

[@TheHomeman]

Hearing his name is why I became a Knicks fan. While going to bed I would always hear Marv Albert saying his name. Mac a doo

[@myronersteniuk5805]

A forgotten great player. His offensive abilities were ridiculous for a big man !!

[@ShangoDC]

I'm now 60 years old and I remember how great this guy was, he was KD before KD etc.

[@Ira.J712]

Really enjoy these videos on some history in sports you do real good work on getting the research keep up the good work buddy

[@user-kx5ko7eb8y]

THANK GOD! Finally, there is a profile for young fans to see the smooth operator, Bob McAdoo and this sweet jumper that I will never forget (and I was A "Pistol" Pete Maravich fan in the '70's!) Thank You

[@MichaelWill6138]

Great video! Truly a forgotten great player.

[@user-fd1mv8dl9q]

McAdoo, McAdon’t, McAwill, McAwon’t. That throwaway doggerel pretty much sums up the view of Bob prior to his joining the Lakers. His arc somewhat reminds me of Wiggins.

[@afvet5075]

I used to pretend that I was Bob McAdoo when I was a kid shooting my deflated football into a metal garbage can that served as my hoop. We didn't have much, but we did have a TV and used to watch all the sports on 3 channels. It was a great time to be a kid in the 60's, and 70's.

[@anthonyjohnson9403]

McAdoo was Bird's inspiration. Bird didn't know big men could shoot from way out until he saw the 6'11" McAdoo doing it.

[@LawrenceDaniels-so9zv]

McAdoo was 6' 9"........

[@Diaz23]

Dope..really enjoyed this

[@mams1701]

You channel is my absolute favorite! Thank you SOOO much for covering these players who are not talked about as much.. That xman one is still my favorite.. Can we get Benard King, Deke, Joe Defense, Horace Grant, Sabonis or any of the 04 Pistons...? 🤔

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

They'll all come eventually. Got a few of the '04 pistons on the channel already. Thanks for he the support!

[@michaelotten2724]

Never seen the braves on tv..always would look for their stats in the newspaper. Buffalo braves were like the aba team that didn't wind up in the aba. McAdoo was truly a wonder to behold for his skills in the early 70s in the nba

[@Damackism]

Great video! Very educational. Thanks!

[@MikeBTek]

This was a great video. Had not heard anything about McAdoo for decades.

[@jamesscober5307]

Great video! Bob Mac gave teams buckets! No matter what team or what role. Wow. What talent 👍🏽🏀

[@clarkjones4522]

Excellent documentary!

[@deeporter623]

My cousin. Never seen him play but proud moments of highlights on KZbin

[@brianarbenz1329]

Very thorough look at Bob. I knew a lot about his great playing skills, but didn't know about his relations with the teams on which he played. Thanks.

[@mahmoudabdulraheem9298]

Thank you kindly for this video

[@Morefact]

Always heard McAdoos name amongst the great, now i know why. Great information based segment. Appreciate this channel.

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage 🏀💯

[@MMBeing]

Very informative video on one of my favorite players. And, you're right, its a shame his name doesn't come up more often...

[@AlejandroMadrid-tn1gp]

He was awesome!!!!!

[@user-xw9yp2wb3u]

Love the page. Lots of greats forgotten. Love to see Fat Lever get a video. And Mitch Richmond. Both forgotten.

[@anthonythomassr9333]

Those old NBA players do remember an all time great top ten all time great we use to say Bob can do

[@wendellwoods1742]

Thanks for posting this. McAdoo is an all time great. He is better than most of today's centers, including Anthony Davis.

[@LIBlurr]

That’s a Fact!

[@gerardduncan1040]

Was one of my favorites growing up in NYC 'Big Bob McAdoo'

[@user-hq6xq8ep7f]

Outstanding Work ........ Always Thought As Good as He Was ...Hec Was Vastly Under Rated ........... Loved Hearing about footsie walker .......... A key piece to the cleveland cavaliers in Their Miracle Of Richfield Years

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you 🙂

[@bradbruhn9586]

Excellent Work as Always. I am a huge Laker fan and you did Bob McAdoo Justice. Might I request a few other forgotten greats? Alex English, Alvin Adam's, World B. Free (Floyd Free) and Maurice Cheeks?

[@anthonyjohnson9403]

Lloyd Free.

[@danecantey4413]

Great video!!! How about a video on Tiny Archibald?

[@hoodpimp1519]

Great channel

[@jasonic-ks2tm]

Wow! Kinda forgot about bob! Hmmm kerry kittles, bryon scott or since you need a great job on the Shawn kemp video how about Kenyon martin?

[@alikarim5162]

Well done !

[@scottnewton9046]

McAdoo was the king of the jump shot. He even used his jump shot at the free throw line!

[@kenarthur6253]

McAdoo was a joy to watch. So smooth and cool.

[@scottgibson6022]

That Braves team was fun. You should do a profile on Ernie "No D" DiGregorio, their smallish, but exciting guard.

[@wesgreen826]

I'm 61 years old little man I know about Bob McAdoo when you play with the Buffalo I know about Randy Smith I used to look at that games they were my team Randy Smith wearing that number nine in Bob McAdoo wearing that number 11 I love their team who in my side of the country Newark New Jersey New York Philadelphia we all knew about Bob McAdoo Boston some of us wanted to shoot like Bob McAdoo and Randy Smith so you missed a lot

[@shangrila73eldorado]

Good work

[@dereksupernaut]

Bob McAdoo what Bob McAdoo... am i right??? asking for a friend... probably would tear up modern NBA... fax!!!

[@kincamell2]

Stellar

[@tommyrawls7425]

i am so glad to hear someone talk about bob McAdoo cause he was a bad man on the court

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

Was also on Lakers stacked championship runs with magic and kareem

[@willieluncheonette5843]

good subject for an in depth post. Good job! Ever do one on Bernard King? sort of a similar overlooked great one

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

He'll be coming soon

[@willieluncheonette5843]

@@ForgottenPlayerProfiles Calvin Murphy is another....check out his PPG and FT%

[@user-un4qv7ko3i]

A scoring machine. At 6'11 he would hurt you on the break and from outside better than any big man at the time. I remember him with buffalo braves and the Knicks and he was among the highest scorers in the league at around 29 or 30 pts avg per game

[@chocolatecitygemini3832]

Back then, when McAdoo rocked, the Braves rolled. Frfr!! Teams definitely tried to slow him down during those years in Buffalo. They very seldom did. If big Mc played today, with his outside shooting game at his height, this guy would have $100-200 million or more in his pockets/the bank. 🗣♊️👤Rising

[@YogurtSalad]

The stats at 9:37 were against a Celtics team that would go on to win the championship that year.

[@brianpearis9733]

One of my idols growing up

[@LIBlurr]

McAdoo was the KD of his day, but also a top rebounder. And not many 3’s taken back then, or his scoring would be off the charts! *Randi Smith a much under rated player. Perhaps one of the best athletes to ever lace it up. A SUPERSTAR at Buff. State in Track on top of hoops. The Game was so much more exciting then... * Sad how the 3 pt. shot has devolved the strategy in the game. It needs to be lengthened at the very least, especially the short corner gimme!❗️

[@danielsantiago6886]

About time Bob MaCadoo name given credit.