Boston Celtics: Top 5 greatest one-season wonders in team history

3. Dave Bing — 1977–1978 season

Dave Bing is one of the most underappreciated Hall of Famers in league history. Over his 12-year career, he earned multiple accolades including selections to seven All-Star games and three All-NBA teams along with a 1967–1968 scoring champion honor. He established his status as one of the top pure scorers from the 1970s.

Bing finished his career with the Celtics over the 1977–1978 season. Although he was past his prime days, the 34-year-old still produced a formidable scoring season. He posted a 13.6 points per game average over the season to go along with 2.7 rebounds per game and 3.8 assists per game. Even in his final season in the league, he played in 80 games, which ranked third on the team.

Behind a Hall of Fame quadrant of John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, Jo Jo White and Charlie Scott, Bing complemented the team well with his all-around scoring ability. The 6’3” guard still used his pace in transition possessions and attacked the basket against taller defenders. His creative on-ball playstyle went a long way over the season, which is why he recorded 17 games with at least 20 points scored.

Bing’s prominent campaign ultimately went nowhere as his title hopes were dashed following the team’s 32–50 season finish. For a team with five future Hall of Famers, they underperformed like few other illustrious teams ever did in league history.

Bing, along with Havlicek, called it a career at the end of the season.