Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The San Antonio Spurs selected Hughes with the 14th pick in the 1985 NBA draft. He averaged 5.2 points in 68 games in his only season in the league. He continued to play after his NBA exit, including in the World Basketball League, which was for players 6-foot-5 and under.
José “Piculín” Ortiz , one of the most important figures in the history of basketball in Puerto Rico, passed away this Tuesday after facing a hard battle against colorectal cancer, confirmed the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation (FBPUR). Piculín was diagnosed with the disease at the end of 2023. The former basketball player had been hospitalized at Ashford Hospital since last Friday, May 1, and was accompanied at all times by his wife Sylvia Ríos, as well as his daughter Neira, family members and friends.
Jorge Sierra: One of the greatest legends in FIBA basketball. Played for the Puerto Rican National Team a record 20 years. No NBA player has played as long for their National Team as Ortiz did with Puerto Rico. May he rest in peace.
Robinson’s brother, Eli, died of suicide on April 30, 2025. He was 31 years old. Eli dealt with substance abuse and schizophrenia during his life. His sister, Marta Robinson Day — a licensed mental health counselor — explained that Eli experienced “multiple episodes that were in line with somebody that has schizophrenia” in a television spot for ESPN that aired on May 1. He left an indelible mark on his brother, one that remains one year on. "Eli was my inspiration," Robinson said at his brother's memorial service on May 13, 2025. "He was who I wanted to be and he was how I wanted to be. Eli, in all the ways you inspire me, with your sobriety and how you wrestled with the boldness that most of us can't even comprehend."
Advertisement
NBA History: The NBA mourns the passing of Adrian Smith (1936-2026). Adrian played 10 NBA seasons with the Cincinnati Royals and San Francisco Warriors, and 1 season in the ABA with the Virginia Squires. He was selected an NBA All-Star in 1965-66 and named the 1966 NBA All-Star Game MVP. We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family.
The basketball world is honoring a trailblazer who dedicated his life to the game. Tommy Nuñez Sr., who grew up in Phoenix and became the first Hispanic referee in the NBA in 1972, died Friday. He refereed for more than 30 years in the NBA before retiring in 2002.
David Aldridge: Larry Bird, on the passing of Hall of Famer Oscar Schmidt Friday: "I always admired Oscar and considered him a friend, he was, without a doubt, one of the greatest players to ever play the game. "It was an honor of a lifetime when Oscar asked me to present him at his well deserved induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. My sincere condolences to Oscar's family."
Basketball legend Oscar Schmidt died this Friday at the age of 68. "Holy Hand," as he was known, fell ill and was admitted to the Santa Ana Municipal Hospital and Maternity in São Paulo, but passed away this afternoon. The former player had been battling brain cancer since 2011.
Very sad news reached European basketball community on Wednesday, as renowned coach Dusko Vujosevic has passed away at the age of 67. ujosevic had been dealing with serious health problems recently and was hospitalized in Belgrade last month after experiencing heart and kidney issues following a kidney transplant last year. One of the symbols of Partizan Belgrade, he left a huge mark on European basketball.
Advertisement
Gerald Paddio, a former NBA player and Acadiana native, died Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash. Paddio, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which Acadia Parish Sheriff's deputies say happened on Ebenezer Road near Addie Dr west of Rayne.
Paddio played in three National Basketball Association seasons. He played for five teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Seattle SuperSonics, the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks and the Washington Bullets.
Gregg Popovich on the passing of Spurs College Scout Mark Freidinger. pic.twitter.com/3iXt0rhls1
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Donovan's father, Billy Donovan Sr., a special man whose spirit, humility and joy for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Our hearts are with Coach and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time.