Dave DeBusschere

Hall of Fame forward and two-time NBA champion with the Knicks.

David Albert DeBusschere (October 16, 1940 – May 14, 2003) was an American professional basketball player and coach, and professional baseball player. He played for the Chicago White Sox of MLB in 1962 and 1963 and in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons from 1962 through 1968 and for the New York Knicks from 1968 to 1974. He was also the head coach for the Pistons from 1964 through 1967.

Quick Facts

Born: 16 October 1940
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died: 14 May 2003
Place of death: New York City, New York, U.S.
High school: Austin Catholic Preparatory School (Detroit, Michigan)
College: Detroit (1959–1962)
Draft pick: territorial pick
Drafted by: Detroit Pistons

Lore & Background

DeBusschere was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983. In 1996, DeBusschere was named as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. In October 2021, DeBusschere was again honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Reader's Guide

DeBusschere authored a book entitled The Open Man, a chronicle of the New York Knicks' 1969–70 championship season.

Did You Know?

DeBusschere was the youngest-ever coach in NBA history when he became player-coach of the Pistons at age 24.
He is one of only 13 athletes to have played in both the NBA and Major League Baseball.
DeBusschere appeared as himself on the April 29, 1963 episode of the game show To Tell the Truth.
As ABA commissioner, DeBusschere participated in merger talks, though the NBA-ABA merger was primarily negotiated by league owners and executives.