Bobby “Bingo” Smith was an all-time great for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers who was part of the Miracle of Richfield squad and had his number retired.
- Died: October 26, 2023 (Who else died on October 26?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 77.
- We invite you to share condolences for Bobby “Bingo” Smith in our Guest Book.
Bobby “Bingo” Smith’s legacy
Born Robert Smith in Memphis, Tennessee, he was given the nickname “Bingo” while playing with his college squad, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, to differentiate him from another Bobby Smith on the team. After being named 1969 MVC Player of the Year, Smith’s skills drew the NBA’s attention.
Initially drafted by the San Diego Rockets, Smith was later picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970 expansion draft. He got off to a strong start, scoring 21 points in his first game. In 1975-76 seasons, he was part of the Cavaliers’ 1976 division title-winning team and helped lead the so-called Miracle at Richfield, when the team rallied to defeat the heavily favored Washington Bullets in a seven-game series. Three of the games were decided in the last two seconds.
By the time Smith retired, he was among the team’s leaders in the number of games played, minutes played, field goals, and scoring. To this day, he remains in the top 10 in each of those categories. His number was retired by the Cavaliers in 1979, just one of seven in the franchise’s history to earn that honor. Smith was also inducted into the University of Tulsa Athletics Hall of Fame and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
Tributes to Bobby ‘Bingo’ Smith
Full obituary: Akron Beacon Journal
