Last Updated on April 3, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s information about Marty Byrnes:

Full Name: Martin William Byrnes
Nationality: American
Age: Born April 30, 1956
Hometown: Syracuse, New York, USA
Height: 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m)
Weight: 210 pounds (95 kg)
Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
Number: 15, 33, 30, 31 (wore different numbers during his career)
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
High School: Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, New York)
College: Syracuse University (1974–1978)

NBA Draft: Selected 19th overall in the 1st round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns

Teams Played For:

  • Phoenix Suns (1978–1979)
  • New Orleans Jazz (1979–1980)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (1980)
  • Dallas Mavericks (1980–1981)
  • Indiana Pacers (1981)

Championship Rings: 1 (with Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, though he played only part of that season)

Kids: Not publicly available
Siblings: Not much is publicly known about his siblings

Marty Byrnes’s player archetype was that of a rugged complementary forward who could shift between wing and frontcourt responsibilities, leaning on size, physicality, and a left-handed scoring touch rather than flashy shot creation. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Byrnes was used as a small forward in the NBA, while Syracuse material describes him as a physical power forward with a nice left-handed shot and strong on-court leadership, which suggests a defensive role built more around toughness, positional work, and handling opposing forwards than gambling for highlights. Offensively, he projects best as a secondary scorer and support piece who could finish plays, rebound his area, and give a lineup a steadier, no-frills style rooted in effort and versatility. (Basketball Reference)

Fun Facts

  • Marty Byrnes was a versatile wing player known for his work ethic and ability to contribute off the bench.
  • While his NBA career was relatively brief, he played a role on the 1980 Los Angeles Lakers championship team during the early part of the season.
  • After leaving the NBA, Byrnes continued to be involved in basketball at various levels.
  • His connection to Syracuse University remains significant, as he was a standout player during his college years.

Sources:

OrangeHoops — Marty Byrnes
Basketball-Reference — Marty Byrnes Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
The Daily Orange — Lasting Impressions: A look at Jim Boeheim’s 1st moments as Syracuse men’s basketball coach
Bleacher Report — Syracuse Basketball: The Top 50 Players in School History