Kevin Duckworth, a two-time NBA All-Star, twice a member of Western Conference finalists and an 11 year professional veteran has passed away in Kernville, OR. From the Oregonian’s Noelle Crombie :
According to The News Guard, Duckworth visited Lincoln City to host a free basketball clinic for kids. He also was there to visit fans as part of the Trail Blazers “Make It Better” tour of the state.
“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,” said Blazers President Larry Miller.
The 7-foot player was known as “Duck.” He also played for San Antonio, Washington, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Clippers during his 11-year NBA career. 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.
I’m not gonna speculate as to the cause of death except to say that even at his (increased) post-playing career weight, I didn’t think Duckworth was a candidate to shuffle off this mortal coil before Walter Berry. Duckworth was a more than capable center his first few seasons for the Blazers, who were damn lucky to have him given the fragility of Sam Bowie.