A FORMER NBA star has gone on to have a major impact on the world of politics.

A seven-time NBA All-Star, Dave Bing, 79, went on to enjoy a long business career as well as a five-year stint as the mayor of Detroit, Michigan.

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Bing’s No. 21 was retired by the PistonsCredit: Getty

He went on to serve as the mayor of Detroit from 2009-2014Credit: Getty
Selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1966 NBA Draft, the Syracuse alumnus wasted no time in leaving his mark on the league.

Named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1967, the 6-foot-3 guard became a cornerstone of the Pistons for nine years, during which time he was named an All-Star six times, and an All-NBA First-Teamer twice, and Second-Teamer once.

Two seasons with the Washington Bullets followed for Bing, who reached his final All-Star game in 1976, being named the game’s MVP.

A final flourish with the Boston Celtics followed in 1977 before he ultimately retired from the game.

In 12 seasons, Bing played at least 70 games in all but two of them.

Overall, in 901 games, he averaged 20.3 points per game, 6.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.

Eventually named to the Basketball Hall of Fame, Bing was also a member of the league’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

Following his retirement, Bing spent two years working for a steel company in Detroit.

This training program led him to form his own company, Bing Steel, which eventually employed 1,400 people and recorded $300million in sales annually, per Syracuse University.

He eventually sold his business in 2007 and transitioned to a career in politics.

Bing ran for mayor of Detroit in the city’s special election in 2009, which he ultimately won.

He was re-elected to serve a full term later that year.

Speaking to the Michigan Chronicle in 2013, Bing said he felt that “What anyone would say is that my administration brought integrity back to the office of mayor.

“I think it was important and was difficult. I think what my administration does not get is credit for the many other things that we’ve done.”

During Bing’s tenure as mayor, Detroit set an unwanted record, as the largest city in US history to file for bankruptcy, following decades of financial difficulties and political turmoil in the city thanks to Kwame Kilpatrick, Bing’s predecessor in office.

In 2013, a jury convicted Kilpatrick on “24 of 32 counts, for crimes including bribery, conspiracy, extortion and fraud,” per the Detroit Free Press.

As for Bing, upon reflecting on how he wanted to be remembered by the citizens of Detroit upon leaving his post, Bing told the Michigan Chronicle he wished to be remembered for stepping up.

“I want them to remember that I stepped up when leadership in this city was being questioned,” he said.

“I want people to know that I cared enough to come to the table during one of the most turbulent times in the city’s history and restored integrity, team spirit and hope back into the office of mayor.

“I didn’t do it for pats on the back or for credit because I’m very comfortable in my life and what I have accomplished. I did it because I love this city and wanted to be a part of its comeback.”

Six years after leaving the office of the mayor, Bing released his autobiography, Attacking the Rim: My Journey from NBA Legend to Business Leader to Big-City Mayor to Mentor.

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Bing is also a College Basketball Hall of FamerCredit: Getty