The NBA Had Some Greats, He Was One Of Them!
Kevin Duckworth, a two-time All-Star who was the starting center on the Portland Trail Blazer teams that made it to the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals, has died of unknown causes.
The seven-foot center played in the NBA from 1986-1997. Most of those years he was in Portland, although at the end of his career he played for the Bullets, Bucks, and Clippers.
Duckworth was reportedly at the Oregon coast for an event to promote the Blazers when he died. Duckworth was 44.
The African American baller remained a figure beloved by Blazer fans. After his playing days, the Illinois native settled permanently in the Portland area and continued to be a major and unmistakable presence -- a man who battled weight issues throughout his playing days, he was literally larger than ever in retirement.
Despite his size, Duckworth was not at all intimidating off the court, exuding smiling harmlessness at Blazer games and other team-centric public events. We mourn the loss and extend condolences to the family.