Hoops Habit
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Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each NBA franchise

By Daniel Lubofsky

INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Bob McAdoo, LA Clippers
Bob McAdoo, LA Clippers (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best LA Clippers Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Bob McAdoo

Despite playing during an era that saw most men of his size back down their opponents, Bob McAdoo preferred a more modernized version of basketball than what most would assume. Given the volume of his scoring output, it’s remarkable how little he’s talked about even from the most knowledgable of NBA historians.

McAdoo operated the center position for the majority of his career, and yet he only stood 6’9″. It’s for that reason he couldn’t simply overpower his defender in the post. Instead, he chose to operate a little farther away from the basket to create more room to drive.

Given his lack of size compared to his contemporaries, McAdoo possessed a quickness advantage that was leveraged using a lethal mid-range jumper. Opponents had to respect the threat of his outside shot but were subsequently forced to deal with the possibility of watching McAdoo blow right past them.

Even when cut off from the bucket, McAdoo still found success simply pulling up from just about anywhere on the court. If the lane was open, he could get to the basket and finish around the rim, creating a conundrum that defenses rarely had an answer to.

A five-time All-Star, Mcadoo would spend a little more than four seasons with the LA Clippers — previously the Buffalo Braves — to kick off his NBA career. Having been selected second overall in 1972, there were high expectations in place, and he lived up to them quickly by leading the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons.

His 22.1 career scoring average is the 32nd highest mark of all-time ahead of Dwyane Wade. His 18,787 points are more than Julius Erving. McAdoo may not be familiar by most NBA watchers, but given his level of success during his time in the league, maybe it’s time that changes for good.