American · Brooklyn, New York · Born 3 June 1943American basketball player and coach who won NBA championships as both player (1967) and coach (1983), known for his versatile forward play.
William John Cunningham was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1943. Philadelphia 76ers selected him in the third round of the 1965 NBA Draft after four years at the University of North Carolina. His playing career produced 20.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game across 11 seasons. He won the NBA championship with the 1967 76ers. He jumped to the ABA and won the championship with the Carolina Cougars in 1972. He returned to the 76ers for two final seasons before a knee injury ended his career in 1976. He was selected to four All-Star games. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team. His coaching career was equally impressive — he coached the Philadelphia 76ers from 1977 to 1985, winning the NBA championship in 1983 with Moses Malone, Julius Erving and Maurice Cheeks. He is one of the very few people in basketball history to win an NBA championship as both player and head coach. His nickname the Kangaroo Kid came from his leaping ability — extraordinary even by the standards of his era.
High-flying forward known as 'The Kangaroo Kid' for his leaping ability and energetic play
How They Played
Athletic forward with exceptional leaping ability, strong rebounder and versatile scorer
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame player and coach who won championships in both roles with Philadelphia 76ers
Career Honours
- NBA Champion (1967, as player; 1983, as coach)
- ABA Champion (1972)
- All-Star 4x
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1965–1972 | 654 |
| Carolina Cougars | 1972–1974 | 142 |
American Athletes