Rumors

San Antonio Spurs: Gregg Popovich on the passing of Spurs College Scout Mark Freidinger.

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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.

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Bill Hanzlik: It’s a sad day in Denver. Just learned one of the Absolute Best , Doug Moe has passed away peacefully holding the hand of his wife Jane Moe this morning. God Bless you BIG STIFF from your No Hoper

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Nuggets confirm passing of Doug Moe.

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George Karl: Doug Moe was my big brother. I am sad today. I will miss him. Love you forever Doug. ❤️‍🩹

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Yvan Montgury: Doug Moe: ABA champion (1969) 3× ABA All-Star (1968–1970) All-ABA First Team (1968) 📸 : ABA Archives

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Bill Donovan, the father of Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan and whose own basketball exploits propelled him to the Boston College Hall of Fame, has died. He was 85. Bill Donovan died Saturday, according to the obituary posted by Williams-Thomas Funeral Home in Gainesville, Florida.

ESPN

David Pober grew up in Pittsburgh, became an insurance agent and somehow became intertwined with Pittsburgh basketball royalty and some NBA players. Pober started the Summer Pro Classic in 1977, and it drew 10,404 fans. He ran the event and got NBA players from all over to participate. He had four more All-Star games at the Civic Arena before folding the event after 1984. Pober, an Oakland resident, died Monday at UPMC Presbytertian-Shadyside. He was 74.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Five times over an eight-year period the Pittsburgh Summer Pro Classic was played at the old Civic Arena. Future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers known as Dr. J, Moses, Hawk and Dominique played in the event, as well as many other NBA standouts, some with Pittsburgh ties. And the man responsible for the event was known simply as “Chopper.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Brad Branson has passed away at the age of 67. His death was announced by former teammates and friends on Tuesday. Born in Illinois, he spent large stretches of his career in Europe and became fluent in Spanish en route to getting citizenship. He is widely considered among the best centers to ever play in the ACB, the top-tier division of the country.

EuroHoops.net

Andy Larsen: Jazz announced the passing of longtime head athletic trainer Gary Briggs today.

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“A free spirit and a person who loved his life,” recalled former Bulls coach Doug Collins, who was hired just before Jawann Oldham’s eventual trade to the New York Knicks to join fellow centers Bill Cartwright and Patrick Ewing. “Incredible, maybe the most balanced seven-foot guy I’ve ever seen,” recalled Cartwright, who later was traded to the Bulls to complete their championship puzzle. “He could do handstands at 7-1. His upper body as so strong; not muscular, but strong. Also probably one of the best big athletes I’ve seen the way he could run and jump.

NBA.com

NBA History: The NBA mourns the passing of Jawann Oldham (1957-2026). The No. 41 overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft, Jawann played 10 NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers. We extend our deepest condolences to the Oldham family.

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A prominent figure in Belgian basketball, who briefly played for Hermine de Nantes in 2002/03, Barry Mitchell has died at the age of 60. He was the father of Ajay Mitchell, the Oklahoma City player.

BeBasket.fr