It’s 5:32 AM and I’ve stayed up this late to see some unfortunate news. KPTV Fox 12 in Portland, OR is reporting that former Blazers center Kevin Duckworth has passed away. The news story stated that Kevin died while on tour in a city near Lincoln City for a Blazers kid’s basketball camp. Kevin Duckworth was an integral part of the ‘90 and ‘92 Blazers teams that reached the NBA Finals. Since his retirement, he has been a stable in the Blazers community and is one of the few former Blazers who made Portland his home. Kevin was only 44.
This is a sad way to start the day. We’ll update thie post as soon as we get more information regarding his death.
UPDATE: Fox 12 is indeed reporting that Kevin’s death has been confirmed by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The tour was apparently a state-wide one that would have seen Kevin meeting with fans, running free kid’s basketball camps and doing guest spots on local radio stations. There are still no details regarding his death.
UPDATE 2: Fox 12 has just released a news story on their website detailing Kevin Duckworth’s death.
This is a sad day for all Blazer fans. Kevin Duckworth was not only a great player, but a great person. Kevin was dedicated to the city of Portland throughout his life. Despite playing for three other NBA teams in his career, Kevin was a Blazer at heart. He called Tigard, Oregon his home with his wife and two children. He also acted as the Blazers’ Heritage Ambassador where he played a huge role in spreading basketball goodwill throughout the state of Oregon. Kevin lived and died as a Blazer and will forever be remembered as one.
UPDATE 3: Blazers Press Release
BLAZERS GREAT KEVIN DUCKWORTH, TWO-TIME ALL-STAR, DIES
“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.
Oh, my dearest friend Kevin….
My heart aches knowing that we will not be having our daily chats about life!!
Our special love for one another will live forever!!
I will always remember the way your whole face lit up when you smiled… your laugh was one in a million!!
Rest in Peace Kevin… You will be missed!
Love,
Corrie
R.I.P. Kevin.
This hurts!
I met Kevin Duckworth many years after his playing day were over. He was a regular guy who often shopped in the store where I worked. When he would come in, obviously he attracted much attention, he was after all “Duck” and in a state where Duck’s are popular he was one of the most loved! Kevin was an extremely nice and approachable man! He always had time to answer everyones questions or to say something to an admiring fan, but most of all he was kind and loved this town! Kevin will be forever missed and forever loved by Portland! Rest in peace 00, we will love and miss you! GODSPEED!