Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Pat Cummings was a dependable NBA power forward and center whose efficient interior scoring, offensive rebounding, and physical post play made him a reliable frontcourt contributor throughout the 1980s. Thriving in complementary roles for teams including the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets, Cummings provided consistent paint production, toughness, and veteran stability.

Here is the information on Pat Cummings:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Patrick Lawrence Cummings
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born July 11, 1956 – Passed away June 26, 2012
  • Hometown: Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters)
  • Weight: 230 pounds (104 kg) during his playing career
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore #40, #44, and #50 during his career
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: Bishop McCort High School (Johnstown, Pennsylvania)
  • College: University of Cincinnati (1974–1978)
  • NBA Draft: 1978 NBA Draft, 3rd Round, 59th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks
  • Teams Played For:
    • Milwaukee Bucks (1979–1982)
    • Dallas Mavericks (1982–1984)
    • New York Knicks (1984–1988)
    • Miami Heat (1988–1990)
    • Utah Jazz (1990)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Not publicly documented
  • Siblings: Not publicly documented

Player Archetype / Play Style

Pat Cummings’ player archetype was that of a rugged interior scorer and rebounding forward, a physical frontcourt worker who could also moonlight at center when needed. Defensively, he played as a hard-nosed paint defender and glass cleaner, relying on strength, positioning, and toughness more than shot-blocking flair. Offensively, his role was that of a secondary scoring big, finishing around the basket, hitting short jumpers, and contributing as a dependable inside option rather than as a playmaking hub. Physically, Cummings brought a sturdy 6-foot-9, 230-pound frame that made him well suited to bruising frontcourt play in the 1980s. His overall play style was direct, competitive, and unpretentious, built on rebounding, interior finishing, and the kind of blue-collar physicality that helped him hold down power forward and center minutes across a long NBA career. (UPI)

Sources:

UPI — The Dallas Mavericks, seeking to boost the infant team…
Sports Reference — Pat Cummings College Stats
Basketball-Reference — Pat Cummings Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Cincinnati Bearcats — Cincinnati Basketball Timeline