Bob Boozer's journey in professional basketball began after a standout collegiate career at Kansas State University, where he was an All-American. Selected as the first overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, Boozer initially delayed his entry into the NBA to prepare for the 1960 Olympics. He was part of the United States basketball team that won the gold medal in Rome, a team often celebrated for its talent and dominance.
Boozer officially started his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960-61 season. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and playing as a forward, he quickly established himself as a reliable scorer and rebounder. Over his six seasons with the Royals, Boozer consistently contributed to the team's performance, averaging double figures in points and proving to be a dependable presence on the court.
In 1966, Boozer was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for one season. His time with the Knicks was brief, but he continued to demonstrate his scoring ability and versatility as a forward. The following year, Boozer joined the Chicago Bulls, a team that had just been established in the NBA. During his tenure with the Bulls, Boozer played a crucial role in helping the young franchise develop its identity and competitiveness in the league.
Boozer's career took another turn when he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1968. His experience and skill were valuable assets to the SuperSonics, a team that was also in its early years in the NBA. Boozer's veteran presence helped guide the younger players and contributed to the team's growth during his two seasons there.
In 1969, Boozer signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played alongside legendary players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. The 1970-71 season was particularly memorable for Boozer, as the Bucks won the NBA Championship. This achievement marked the pinnacle of Boozer's professional career, as he played an integral role in the Bucks' successful playoff run.
After the championship season, Boozer retired from professional basketball. Over the course of his career, he played in 874 regular-season games, scoring a total of 12,964 points and averaging 14.8 points per game. His contributions to the teams he played for were marked by consistent performance and a strong work ethic.
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