Top 10 Buffalo Braves Best Players: The Greatest Legends of the Team
The Buffalo Braves, an NBA franchise that existed from 1970 to 1978 before relocating and eventually becoming the Los Angeles Clippers, had a short but impactful run in professional basketball. Despite their brief eight-year tenure in Buffalo, the Braves produced several standout players who made significant contributions to the team and left a lasting legacy in the league.
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This list celebrates the top 10 Buffalo Braves best players, honoring those who excelled on the court and helped define the team’s identity during their time in upstate New York.
#10: Swen Nater (1973 – 1974)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 6’11”, 240 lbs
Swen Nater made a significant impact in his brief time with the Buffalo Braves, showcasing his rebounding prowess and solid interior play. Drafted in the first round of the 1973 NBA Draft, Nater quickly established himself as a dominant force on the boards, averaging 7.4 rebounds per game during his rookie season.
Although his tenure with the Braves was short, Nater’s contributions were important, particularly in providing the team with much-needed size and strength in the paint. His ability to control the glass and play with physicality made him a valuable asset during his time in Buffalo, setting the stage for a successful career in the NBA and ABA.
#9: Jack Marin (1974 – 1975)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 200 lbs
Jack Marin brought veteran leadership and scoring ability to the Buffalo Braves during his short stint with the team. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and high basketball IQ, Marin averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during the 1974-75 season with the Braves.
His experience and consistent play helped the team during a pivotal time in the franchise’s history. Although he wasn’t with the Braves for long, Marin’s contributions were valuable in helping the team remain competitive in a tough NBA landscape.
#8: Fred Hilton (1971 – 1974)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 lbs
Fred Hilton was a key scoring option for the Buffalo Braves in the early 1970s, providing a spark off the bench with his shooting and offensive versatility. Hilton averaged 9.7 points per game over three seasons with the Braves, making a name for himself as a reliable and efficient scorer.
His ability to come in and make an immediate impact was crucial for the Braves, especially during close games. While Hilton’s career was relatively brief, his contributions to the Braves during their formative years were significant, helping to establish the team’s competitive presence in the league.
#7: John Shumate (1975 – 1976)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 235 lbs
John Shumate brought toughness and versatility to the Buffalo Braves during his time with the team. A strong presence in the paint, Shumate averaged 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the 1975-76 season.
His ability to play both power forward and center allowed the Braves to utilize him in various matchups, providing the team with valuable depth and flexibility. Shumate’s physicality and work ethic made him a fan favorite during his short tenure with the Braves, and his contributions were essential to the team’s success during that season.
#6: Adrian Dantley (1976 – 1977)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 208 lbs
Adrian Dantley, although only with the Buffalo Braves for one season, made an immediate impact as a rookie, showcasing the scoring prowess that would define his Hall of Fame career. Dantley averaged 20.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during the 1976-77 season, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the court made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league, even as a rookie. Dantley’s season with the Braves was a glimpse of the greatness to come, and he remains one of the most talented players to ever wear a Buffalo Braves uniform.
#5: Jim McMillian (1973 – 1976)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
Jim McMillian was a vital piece of the Buffalo Braves during his three seasons with the team, known for his scoring ability and all-around game. McMillian averaged 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game with the Braves, providing consistent production and veteran leadership.
His efficient scoring and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a cornerstone of the team during his tenure. McMillian’s impact was particularly felt during the Braves’ playoff appearances, where his experience and poise were invaluable.
#4: Gar Heard (1973 – 1976)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 219 lbs
Gar Heard was known for his defensive tenacity and clutch performances during his time with the Buffalo Braves. Heard averaged 10.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game over three seasons with the Braves, becoming a key defensive anchor for the team.
His ability to guard multiple positions and come up with big plays in critical moments made him an indispensable part of the Braves’ lineup. Gar Heard’s most memorable moment with the Braves came during the 1976 playoffs against the Boston Celtics. He hit a game-tying shot at the buzzer to force a triple-overtime in Game 5. Despite his clutch play, the Braves lost the game 128-126, and the Celtics won the series.
#3: Ernie DiGregorio (1973 – 1977)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs
Ernie DiGregorio, affectionately known as “Ernie D,” was the floor general for the Buffalo Braves during the mid-1970s, known for his exceptional passing and ball-handling skills. DiGregorio won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1974, averaging 15.2 points and a league-leading 8.2 assists per game in his debut season.
His flashy playmaking and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates made him a fan favorite and one of the most exciting players to watch. Despite injuries limiting his career, DiGregorio’s impact on the Braves during his time with the team was undeniable.
#2: Randy Smith (1971 – 1978)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 180 lbs
Randy Smith was the heart and soul of the Buffalo Braves, known for his incredible athleticism, durability, and scoring ability. Smith, a two-time All-Star, played in 595 consecutive games for the Braves, showcasing his reliability and toughness.
He averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during his time with the Braves, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Smith’s ability to play multiple positions and his knack for coming through in clutch moments made him one of the most beloved players in Braves history.
#1: Bob McAdoo (1972 – 1976)
Position: Center / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 210 lbs
Bob McAdoo is undoubtedly the greatest player in Buffalo Braves history, known for his scoring dominance and all-around game. McAdoo won three consecutive NBA scoring titles from 1974 to 1976 and was named the NBA MVP in 1975. During his time with the Braves, McAdoo averaged an astonishing 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, becoming one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.
His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his rebounding and shot-blocking, made him a perennial All-Star and one of the top players of his era. McAdoo’s legacy with the Braves is unmatched, and he remains the most iconic figure in the franchise’s history.
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