Definitely watch some 70’s Pistons/80’s Bucks film if you have the time. It’s out there on YouTube, and Lanier is a dope center to watch (one of my favorites all-time)
- Hook shot specialist, probably the 2nd greatest of all-time behind Kareem
- Legitimate mid-range game that could definitely translate to today
- High-volume passing big, but the numbers are misleading - he struggled with double teams and made a lot of impulsive decisions
- Amazing rebounder
- Iffy defender - was a prolific shot-blocker, but arguably chased that too much in favor of good positioning, and was super slow-footed so switching and transition were a death sentence for him
- Amazing playoff performer who Detroit didn’t surround with enough talent to make a meaningful run in his prime
- Made an immediate impact on the Bucks when he was traded there, despite being past his prime - they went 20-6 after he joined, good for a 63-win pace
- Was absolutely an All-NBA-caliber talent that never won one because of how loaded center talent was in the 70’s