Former Blazer Kevin Duckworth passed away last night at his home in Gleneden Beach, he was 44. The husky Blazers center was a fan-favorite and the a key element of the team’s 1990 and ’92 Western Conference Championship teams. Off the court he was a delight, the former player you were most likely to run into around town, and someone always willing to talk to fans about the team. While it’s too much to ask to see his “00” jersey in the rafters of the Rose Garden, here’s hoping the start of the ’07-08 season features a tribute to the seven-footer.
Full press release after the jump.
“Duck” starred for two-time Western Conference Champs
PORTLAND, Ore. – Kevin Duckworth, 44, a two-time NBA All-Star who starred on Western Conference Championship teams in Portland in 1990 and 1992, passed away Monday evening in Gleneden Beach, Oregon.
A member of the Trail Blazers from 1986-93, the 7-footer – affectionately known to Trail Blazers fans simply as “Duck” – also played for San Antonio, Washington, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Clippers during his 11-year NBA career.
“Today is an extremely sad day for the Trail Blazers family,” Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said. “Kevin will be remembered by fans as one of the most popular and recognizable players to ever wear the Blazers uniform, but to people who knew him, he’ll be remembered as one of the warmest and biggest-hearted.”
Duckworth remained in the Portland area after his playing career ended, where he was an avid fisherman & outdoorsman, and a skilled carpenter. He was on the Oregon Coast representing the Trail Blazers as a Heritage Ambassador on the team’s 19-city Statewide Summer Tour. The cause of his death is unknown, and will be determined by a Lincoln County Medical Examiner.
A second-round draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs out of Eastern Illinois University in 1986, Duckworth was only 14 games into his NBA career when he was acquired by the Trail Blazers from San Antonio in exchange for Walter Berry.
One season later, the 7-foot center was thrust into the spotlight because of injuries to Steve Johnson and Sam Bowie. Duckworth responded by averaging 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a pivot presence instrumental in Portland’s emergence as one of the NBA’s dominant teams.
Duckworth remains the 10th leading scorer (7,188) and rebounder (3,327) in Trail Blazers history, compiling averages of 13.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in 527 games with Portland. During his tenure, Trail Blazers teams compiled a record of 356-193 (.648). In 684 career NBA games, Duckworth scored 8,085 points (11.8 ppg), grabbed 3,945 rebounds (5.8 rpg) and shot 46.8 percent from the field.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Traci Rose, Trail Blazers Vice President of Community Relations. “To this day, Duck is adored throughout this state and remains a brother to his teammates and to Trail Blazers staff. We will forever miss our beloved 00.”
Information on memorial services will be announced as it becomes available. Duckworth is survived by his mother and sister.
this is really sad. I kind of used to bag on Duckworth because he seemed to get psyched out of some big games. but knowing more about him now, about how he carried himself off the court, and being only 44… so sad
Man, bummer for sure. If you saw him off the court and tried to talk to him he was always so down for a conversation. Sad, indeed.
Big bummer. Such an incredibly nice dude.
Damn son. Too soon.
R.I.P. City indeed
I used to work at the Blockbuster Video down the street from his house when I was in college and he was in his heyday. I recommended a few movies to him that he ended up liking, so he would ask for me every time he came in and I’d walk the store with him. It’s not like we were really friends or anything, but he loved to talk about movies with me and that was cool. He really couldn’t have been a nicer guy. This news makes me sad. My sincere condolences to his family.