Norm Van Lier

Professional basketball player Norm Van Lier spent 10 seasons playing in the National Basketball Association, over six of which with the Chicago Bulls. He also served as a broadcaster for Comcast SportsNet, Fox Sports Net and SportsChannel.NBA.com: Norm Van Lier Remembered as "One of the All-time Greats"

After playing college basketball at Saint Francis University, Van Lier was selected 34th overall in the 1969 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. He was immediately traded to the Cincinnati Royals, where he made his professional debut that same year. Van Lier recorded his statistically best season in 1970-1971, totaling 1,315 points, 832 assists and 583 rebounds, playing 40.5 minutes per game.Basketball-Reference.com: Norm Van Lier Stats

Van Lier returned to the Bulls in the 1971-1972 season and went on to earn three NBA All-Star Game appearances, in 1974, 1976 and 1977. After over six seasons with the Bulls, Van Lier played 38 games with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1978-1979 season, before he retired.NBA.com: Norm Van Lier Remembered as "One of the All-time Greats"

Van Lier was found dead in his Chicago home on February 26, 2009. Firefighters entered his home to check on his well being and found him unresponsive. He was 61 years old.NBA.com: Norm Van Lier Remembered as "One of the All-time Greats"

Norm Van Lier was one of the true great players to ever wear a Chicago Bulls uniform. Before there was ever a Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen, it was players like Norm Van Lier and Jerry Sloan who were defensive standouts for the franchise during the 1970’s. While Van Lier was more famously known for his tenacity on the defensive end of the floor, he also had a nice all around game as well. Van Lier’s greatest season would be the 1970-1971 season where his averages included 16.0 points, 10.1 assists and 7 rebounds per contest. After his playing days had concluded, Van Lier continued to follow the Bulls and became a broadcaster for the team during the early 1990’s. Norm Van Lier had a passion for the Chicago Bulls right up until the time of his death during the 2008-2009 season. While Norm Van Lier (a.k.a. Stormin’ Norman) will be remembered for his aggressive play on the hardwood, he was also someone both players admired and fans adored and his presence will be missed by the franchise for many years to come.