Bill Hewitt obit

Bill Hewitt Has Died

 He was not on the list.

Bill Hewitt, the steady and athletic small forward who played six seasons in the NBA and earned All‑Rookie honors with the Los Angeles Lakers, died back on July 27th at the age of 81. Hewitt was born August 18, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts .

Known for his rebounding, defensive versatility, and team‑first approach, Hewitt carved out a respected career during one of the league’s most competitive eras, contributing meaningful minutes to four franchises between 1968 and 1975.

Hewitt starred at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School before beginning his college career at Mt. San Antonio College from 1964 to 1966 . He later transferred to the University of Southern California, where he played from 1966 to 1968 and earned First‑team All‑AAWU honors in both 1967 and 1968 .

His strong collegiate performance led to him being selected 11th overall in the first round of the 1968 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers .

Hewitt entered the league during a golden era of Lakers basketball, joining a roster headlined by legends such as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. As a rookie, he made an immediate impact. He played 75 games in his debut season, averaging 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and earning a spot on the NBA All‑Rookie First Team . His energy and reliability made him a valuable rotation player on a team contending for championships.

Traded during his second season, Hewitt found a larger role in Detroit. His best statistical year came in 1970–71, when he averaged 7.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 62 games .

Buffalo Braves (1972–1973)

Hewitt continued to provide steady production, appearing in 73 games and averaging 4.7 points and 5.0 rebounds .

Chicago Bulls (1974–1975)

He played his final NBA season with the Bulls, appearing in 18 games and averaging 7.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in limited action .

Across his career, Hewitt totaled 2,062 points, 1,994 rebounds, and 469 assists, averaging 5.7 points and 5.5 rebounds over 361 games .He also appeared in the 1969 NBA Playoffs, playing 15 games and averaging 9.3 points and 5.2 rebounds as the Lakers reached the Finals .

Though never a headline star, Hewitt was the kind of player coaches trusted: tough, disciplined, and willing to do the work that doesn’t always show up in box scores. His contributions across four franchises reflected a career built on consistency and professionalism.

Bill Hewitt’s journey—from Cambridge playgrounds to USC stardom to the NBA—spanned an era of tremendous growth in professional basketball. His passing marks the loss of a player who embodied the quiet, essential backbone of many successful teams.

Belated condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

 

Career information

High school     Cambridge Rindge and Latin

(Cambridge, Massachusetts)

College           

Mt. SAC (1964–1966)

USC (1966–1968)

NBA draft        1968: 1st round, 11th overall pick

Drafted by       Los Angeles Lakers

Playing career 1968–1974

Position           Small forward

Number           30, 31, 27

Career history

1968–1969      Los Angeles Lakers

1969–1972      Detroit Pistons

1972–1973      Buffalo Braves

1974    Chicago Bulls

Career highlights

NBA All-Rookie First Team (1969)

2× First-team All-AAWU (1967, 1968)

Career NBA statistics

Points  2,062 (5.7 ppg)

Rebounds        1,994 (5.5 rpg)

Assists 469 (1.3 apg)