This is from a few days back, but unheralded former Piston great Dave Bing is running for mayor of Detroit. (via Detroit Bad Boys)
Given the scandalous reasons that the position is now open, I suppose anyone would be an upgrade, but Bing’s law enforcement platform and history of promoting development are both top priorities for MoTown, which is routinely named the most dangerous U.S. city.
“Detroit needs a leader who will end corruption and reestablish trust in city government,” said Bing, a former Detroit Piston. “We need a mayor with integrity and a person who has no hidden agendas. Our next mayor must have a proven record of making tough decisions during tough times. We need a fighter who will stand up for our city and our people.”
Says one local on Bing:
“He’s building stuff right here in the city,” she said. “I remember when we didn’t have anything around here but abandoned houses.”
Though Bing, a Hall of Famer and with career averages of 20 ppg, 6 asp and 4 rpg, has largely been forgotten by most, he was known as a devastating scorer, who in his sophomore NBA campaign in 1967-68 (he had won Rookie of the Year the previous season) outdid Wilt and Elgin to lead the League in scoring, something no guard had done in 20 years.
He would later suffer a debilitating eye injury, but continued to play at a high level regardless, making seven All Star teams during his career. More importantly, he showed a commitment to community early in his career and made a real impression on his peers.
At Bing’s 1990 election to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Oscar Robertson introduced his longtime rival, saying, “Dave is the perfect example of professionalism, class, dignity, and humanity. He cares. He gets involved with the world.”
With no other logical way to end this post I asked former Funky Bunch front man for his take on Bing’s campaign: “Say hello to ya mother for me,” said Mark Wahlberg.
Three Piston guards made the NBA Top 50 Players of All Time: Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars
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