Bill Sharman
Key Career Moment of Bill Sharman
Bill Sharman cemented his legacy in the 1955 NBA Finals as a key player for the Boston Celtics. His clutch free-throw shooting was instrumental in Game 7 against the Syracuse Nationals, where he scored 18 points to help secure a narrow victory.
William Walton Sharman ( – Octo) was an American professional basketball player and coach.
Bill was the definition of a winner-cool under pressure and deadly from the line, said Celtics legend Bob Cousy.This performance solidified Sharman's reputation as one of basketball's most reliable scorers in high-stakes moments.
Unique Skill of Bill Sharman
Bill Sharman was renowned for his flawless free-throw shooting, a skill that set him apart in the NBA.
He led the league in free-throw percentage seven times, an unmatched feat at the time. His ability to sink shots under pressure made him one of the most feared guards of his era.
Bill Sharman's Stats
- 4 NBA champion (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961)
- 7 NBA All-Star (19531960)
- Career 88.3% free-throw shooter (one of the best in NBA history)
Bill Sharman's Legacy in the NBA
Bill Sharman's impact on basketball extends beyond his playing career.
After retiring, he became the first coach to win titles in three major leagues (NBA, ABA, and WNBA).
A unique fact: Sharman was also a professional baseball player, briefly playing in the minor leagues before focusing on basketball. His innovative coaching methods, including morning shootarounds, revolutionized NBA preparation. Today, his name lives on in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where he is honored as both a player and a coach.
Sharman, the Hall of Famer who won multiple titles both as a player for the Celtics and a coach for the Lakers, died Friday at his home in Redondo Beach, the Lakers .