Cleveland – Bobby “Bingo” Smith, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 11, 1970 and played 10 seasons, and over 700 games with Cleveland, while helping shape and mold a young expansion team into a playoff contender, has passed away at age 77.
“This is an incredibly sad day for our Cavaliers family and we are deeply hurt relating to Bingo’s passing,” said Director of Alumni Relations and former Cavaliers teammate and friend, Campy Russell. “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 that 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 spent his rookie season in the NBA with the San Diego Rockets before being selected by the Cavaliers in the 1970 Expansion Draft. His patented ‘rainbow jumper’ became one of the bright spots through Cleveland’s early years. With each passing season, the versatile small forward remained a constant and consistent performer, leading the 1974-75 Cavaliers in scoring with an average of 15.9 points per game. The following season, Cleveland made the playoffs for the first time in a season that has become known as the “Miracle of Richfield”. With home-court advantage lost and the Cavaliers trailing in their first round series against the favored Washington Bullets, Smith helped Cleveland overcome the deficit. In Game 2, he scored a team-high 17 points and made the game-winning shot with just seconds remaining to secure the 80-79 victory. The win served as the first playoff victory for the franchise and propelled the Cavaliers past the Bullets and into the Eastern Conference Finals. Smith played four more seasons in Cleveland, helping guide the Cavaliers to the playoffs two more times before finishing his career with the San Diego Clippers.
“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,” said Cavaliers television Color Analyst and Mr. Cavalier, Austin Carr. “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.”
"We lost a great man," said Cavaliers radio analyst and former teammate Jim Chones. "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 hearts goes out to all those he touched throughout his life. Rest in power, Bingo.”
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 (4th), field goals made (3rd), field goals attempted (3rd), minutes played (5th) and points scored (6th). The Cavaliers retired his jersey on Dec. 4, 1979.