Your Black Sports: R.I.P. Kevin Duckworth

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

Kevin Duckworth passed on Monday night at the tender age of 44. Duckworth, a two-time All-Star, played for five teams in 11 NBA seasons, averaging 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Of his 684 NBA games, 527 were with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Depoe Bay Fire Department said it responded at about 10 p.m. Monday to a report of a man who was down and not breathing at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach. Although he recently dealt with weight problems, the cause of death was to be determined by a medical examiner. However, the Lincoln County sheriff's office said there was no indication of foul play.

Duckworth was known for his great touch in the paint, but the NBA lost one their gentle giants, who was one of the happiest players to play the game according his former teammate and coach.

"Within the world of basketball, within those Trail Blazers teams, he was a jokester," said Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter. "He was a big, loving teddy bear. At times, guys got frustrated because he didn't have a mean streak."He was just a great guy. He loved the team atmosphere, loved being a teammate in those successful Blazer teams."

"It’s a sad day for anyone who knew Kevin, just because of the type of person he was," said Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman,who worked with Duckworth in Portland. "When someone that genuine, with such an honest personality, leaves us so early, it’s a tragedy."

**Update: According to the Associated Press, an autopsy has revealed that former Portland center Kevin Duckworth died when his enlarged heart failed.**