Otis Birdsong is a celebrated former professional basketball player whose impressive twelve-season career in the NBA has left an indelible mark on the sport. Drafted second overall by the Kansas City Kings in 1977, Birdsong quickly established himself as a formidable shooting guard. During his tenure with the Kings, he achieved a career-high average of 24.6 points per game in the 1980-81 season, showcasing his scoring prowess and earning recognition as a four-time NBA All-Star from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1984.

Birdsong’s collegiate career at the University of Houston set the stage for his professional success. He made history as the first sophomore to score 1,000 career points at the university and led the Southwest Conference in scoring during his first year, finishing eighth nationally with an impressive average of 26.1 points per game. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Consensus All-American in 1977 and the Southwest Conference Player of the Year, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in college basketball.

After his time with the Kings, Birdsong continued to excel with the New Jersey Nets, where he played for seven seasons, further enhancing his career statistics. He concluded his NBA journey with a brief stint at the Boston Celtics, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.

With a total of 12,544 points, Birdsong’s contributions to the game extend beyond his scoring ability; he also recorded over 2,000 rebounds and assists, demonstrating his all-around skills. His number 10 jersey has been retired by the University of Houston, a testament to his lasting impact on the sport and his status as a basketball icon.