American · Atlanta, Georgia · Born 9 December 1953American basketball player known for his prolific scoring ability and flamboyant style, leading the NBA in scoring in 1980 with 30.2 points per game.
Lloyd Bernard Free was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1953. He legally changed his name to World B. Free in 1981. Philadelphia 76ers selected him in the second round of the 1975 NBA Draft. His 13-season career produced 20.3 points per game across 13 seasons. He won the scoring title in 1979-80 with the San Diego Clippers, averaging 30.2 points per game. His style was entirely his own — he would launch shots from seemingly any position, any distance and any angle with absolute confidence and reasonable success. He was selected to one All-Star game. He was described by coaches as unteachable and uncoachable — yet his combination of scoring ability and entertainment value made him a beloved figure in every city he played. His nickname — which he made his legal name — reflected his philosophy of life and basketball equally. He averaged 30 or more points per game in two different seasons. He was one of the most charismatic personalities of the late 1970s and early 1980s NBA — a league that badly needed entertainment value as it struggled for mainstream acceptance before Magic Johnson and Larry Bird arrived.
High-scoring guard, flamboyant playing style, NBA scoring champion
How They Played
High-volume shooter, creative scorer, showmanship on court
Lasting Impact
Dynamic scorer who epitomized flashy 1970s-80s basketball style
Career Honours
- All-Star 1x
- Scoring Champion (1980)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1975–1978 | 224 |
| San Diego Clippers | 1978–1982 | 328 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 1984–1986 | 162 |
| Golden State Warriors | 1982–1984 | 164 |
American Athletes