American · Winter Haven, Florida · Born 9 December 1955American basketball shooting guard who played 12 NBA seasons (1977-1989), known for his smooth shooting stroke and four All-Star selections.
Otis Birdsong was born in Winter Haven, Florida in 1955. Kansas City Kings selected him second overall in the 1977 NBA Draft after four years at the University of Houston. His 12-season career produced 18.6 points per game and four All-Star appearances. He averaged 24.6 points per game in his finest season (1980-81) — the highest average in Kings franchise history at that time. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team. His scoring ability appeared genuinely effortless — coaches and peers described his shooting as the most natural they had seen, requiring no visible mechanics yet producing consistent results. Knee injuries progressively limited his effectiveness from the mid-1980s onwards. He was one of the most talented players of his generation who did not receive sustained national recognition, in part because he spent his peak years with franchises — Kansas City and New Jersey — that operated outside the major media markets. His 18.6 career average on teams that were not championship contenders reflects individual quality that deserved a higher-profile stage.
Prolific scoring guard and four-time NBA All-Star
How They Played
Smooth shooting guard with excellent mid-range game
Lasting Impact
One of the top shooting guards of early 1980s NBA
Career Honours
- All-Star 4x
- All-NBA Second Team
- Second overall pick 1977
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Kings | 1977–1981 | 327 |
| New Jersey Nets | 1981–1988 | 526 |
American Athletes