Bobby Bingo Smith Obituary: The Legacy-Reflecting on Smith’s Impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers

Robert “Bingo” Smith was a professional basketball player in the United States of America. He passed away on October 26, 2023, having been born on February 26, 1946, and having lived until 2023. He was a member of the San Diego Rockets, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the San Diego Clippers throughout his professional basketball career. You can find below the full obituary for Bobby Bingo Smith, with all of the relevant data and more.

The Life and Legacy of Bobby Bingo Smith: An Obituary

On October 26, 2023, “Bingo” Robert Smith, who had been ailing for a considerable period, passed away quietly. On February 26, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bingo Smith was born to his parents, Chalmers Smith and Idella Smith. He was given the name Bingo. During his time at Melrose High School, he was recognized as an All-American in all four of the sports in which he participated. He made the decision to play basketball at the University of Tulsa, which was not only a place of academic and athletic success for him, but also one in which he was named an All-American for the second time.

After being selected sixth overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1969, Bingo became a pillar of the Cleveland Cavaliers for 10 years. During that time, the Cavaliers won five NBA championships. The San Diego Clippers were Bingo’s team during his last season of playing in the NBA. The majority of his post-basketball activities were providing assistance to the youth of Northeast Ohio in a variety of different settings.

Andre (Kati) Monique, Malaika, Courtney, and Misty Smith are his surviving children; both his parents and his siblings have passed away. He was predeceased by his children. The names Joie, Chris, and Bobby refer to the grandparents of Nicole and Nicholas. Many close friends, including Mary Truitt, George and Sandra McClain, Donald Christian, Bill and Jane McCloud, and Campy Russell, are grieving with the family after the passing of their loved one.

The Legacy of Bobby Bingo Smith 

He was given the moniker “Bingo” when he was playing for his college team, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, in order to distinguish him from another Bobby Smith who was also a member of the team. He was born Robert Smith in Memphis, Tennessee. Smith’s abilities caught the attention of NBA scouts when he was honored as the MVC Player of the Year in 1969. 

After being selected by the San Diego Rockets in the first round of the draft, Smith was ultimately chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the expansion draft in 1970. He had a good beginning, scoring 21 points in his first game and getting off to a good start. In the 1975–1976 season, he was a member of the Cavaliers squad that won the 1976 division championship and helped lead the club to what became known as the “Miracle at Richfield.” This occurred when the team recovered to overcome the much-fancied Washington Bullets in a seven-game series. Within the final two seconds, the winners of three of the games were determined.

 Bobby Bingo Smith’s Successful Career

When Smith finally decided to hang up his cleats, he was among the leaders of the squad in terms of the most games played, the most minutes played, the most field goals scored, and the most points scored. Even now, he is consistently ranked in the top 10 in every one of those categories. In 1979, the Cavaliers honored him by retiring his number, making him one of just seven players in the franchise’s history to have his number retired. In addition to that, the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Tulsa Athletics Hall of Fame also recognized Smith’s accomplishments and inducted him into their respective halls of fame.

A Tribute: Exploring Bobby Bingo Smith’s Contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Bobby “Bingo” Smith will be recognized as one of the finest players in Cleveland Cavaliers history. His skill, enthusiasm, and strong competition earned him a fan following and respect in the basketball world. Smith’s influence extended beyond the court, as a Cavaliers ambassador he befriended fans and shared his basketball career. His commitment to the team was unwavering, and his presence will be sorely missed. During this terrible time, the entire Cavaliers organization and fans throughout Northeast Ohio expressed their thoughts and prayers to the Smith family.

Bobby “Bingo” Smith, a popular character in Cleveland Cavaliers history, has left a lasting impact. Smith played an important part in the team’s victory as a crucial member of the “Miracle at Richfield” squad in 1975. His abilities and achievements on the court earned him a spot in the top ten of various Cavalier’s all-time rankings. Aside from his basketball accomplishments, Smith was recognized for his charity and devotion to the team and the community. He stayed in touch with Cavaliers fans even after his playing days were done as a Cavaliers ambassador. The Cavaliers family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing Bingo Smith mourn his passing.

What Was His Enduring Impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970S? Celebrating the Life and Career of Bobby Bingo Smith

In the first round of the 1969 NBA draft, the San Diego Rockets selected Smith with the sixth overall selection. This was Smith’s debut year in the league. A year later, in the 1970 Expansion Draft, he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers to join their team. In his first game with the squad, he recorded 21 points in the scoring column. In 1976, he was an essential part of the Cavaliers’ triumph against the Washington Bullets in Game 2 of the NBA Semifinals, which was known as the “Miracle at Richfield.” This victory allowed the Cavaliers to go to the NBA Finals.

Over the course of 11 seasons, Smith participated in a total of 865 games and played 22,407 minutes. Particular praise was reserved for Smith’s ability to jump-shoot effectively from long range. He took three-point jump shots from the perimeter of the court rather regularly. A career field goal percentage of 0.449 was achieved, with a total of 4,776 field goals successfully converted out of 10,642 attempts. Smith finished his career with 10,882 points, 3,630 rebounds, 1,734 assists, and a.798 shooting percentage from the free throw line (1,307 for 1,637). The rainbow jumper, which Smith popularized, is already being used by players like Dirk Nowitzki.