Kevin Duckworth, Gone Far Too Soon At Age 44

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Off The Court Issues

The “Oregonian” Tuesday reported that former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth passed away on Monday, he was just 44 years old. Duckworth was on a tour for the Blazers conducting a free basketball clinic when he died.

Duckworth was an immense man, sort of the Association’s version of Refrigerator Perry from the Chicago Bears. But Duckworth was also immensely gifted, and incredibly graceful for a man of his size. Drafted in 1986 by the San Antonio Spurs he was traded to Portland where he blossomed. He was named the NBA Most Improved Player in his second season. He was also named to the Western Conference All-Star squad that season. Duckworth played for Portland until 1993, he played the next two seasons for Washington, moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks for a season, and ended his career at the end of the 1996-1997 campaign after playing for the L.A. Clippers. Duckworth was one of the more popular and entertaining players of his era. Our deepest condolences from we here at Slam Dunk Central go out to Kevin’s family and friends.

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