Bingo Smith, Member of First Cavs Team and Franchise Legend, Dies at 77

CLEVELAND — Former Cavaliers shooting guard Bobby “Bingo” Smith, a member of the first NBA team in Cleveland, has died. He was 77.

“This is an incredibly sad day for our Cavaliers family and we are deeply hurt relating to Bingo’s passing,” said Campy Russell a teammate of Smith’s and now a Cavs broadcaster and the director of alumni relations. “Bingo was one of the most gifted players to ever grace the Wine and Gold, and his impact on the court and throughout the community made a lasting impression on everyone who ever came into contact with him.

“He spent the majority of his life doing what he loved and his loyalty to the Cavaliers never wavered. As a Cavaliers ambassador, Bingo consistently devoted his time embracing fans and sharing a piece of his basketball journey long after his playing days were over. The thoughts and prayers of this organization and Cavaliers fans across Northeast Ohio are with the entire Smith family.”

Smith was selected with the No. 6 overall pick out of Tulsa by the then-San Diego Rockets in the 1969 NBA Draft. The Cavs took him in the expansion draft the following year, making him an original member of the franchise.

He spent 10 seasons with Cleveland overall, playing 81 games in the Miracle Richfield season alongside Russell and fellow current team analysts Austin Carr and Jim Chones. Smith completed his Cavs career with averages of 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 45 percent shooting.

“Bingo and I were teammates for almost a decade, and we experienced the full spectrum of emotions and successes here in Cleveland, while representing our beloved Cavaliers,” Carr said.  “From the early expansion years of the team, to our first-ever playoff experience and the Miracle season, Bingo was always a giving teammate and one of the most fierce competitors I ever played with. This is truly a sad moment in our franchise history and my heart goes out to his family.”

While Smith fell ill in recent years and needed the assistance of a wheelchair, he remained close to the organization after retiring in 1980 after one season with the Clippers.

“We lost a great man,” Chones said. “Praying for the Smith family and all their loved ones today, as we truly lost a brother, a teammate, a father and all-around great human being. His impact on the Cavaliers and so many of us that played with him will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to all those he touched throughout his life. Rest in power Bingo.” 

Per a statement released by the team:

“Smith’s enduring legacy shines through his presence in the franchise’s record books, where he maintains a place in the Top 10 all-time in six different categories: games played (fourth), field goals made (third), field goals attempted (third), minutes played (fifth) and points scored (sixth). The Cavaliers retired his jersey on Dec. 4, 1979.”

Hoops Wire sends its prayers and condolences to Smith’s loved ones and Cavaliers Nation.