Overview
- Bobby 'Bingo' Smith, who helped the Cleveland Cavaliers transition from expansion team to playoff contender in the '70s, has died at age 77.
- Smith, who had been battling health issues, had his No. 7 jersey retired by the Cavs in 1979, one of only seven players to receive this honor.
- Smith played a pivotal role in the 1976 'Miracle of Richfield', where the underdog Cavaliers defeated the heavily favored Washington Bullets in a dramatic seven-game series, reaching the playoffs for the first time.
- Highlights of Smith's career include leading the Cavaliers in scoring for the 1974-75 season and playing alongside club icons Austin Carr, Campy Russell, and Jim Chones.
- Smith remains among the Cavaliers' all-time statistical leaders, ranking 4th in games played, 3rd in field goals made and attempted, 5th in minutes played, and 6th in points.