Lance Blanks who played for the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for three seasons has died. The former NBA player has passed away at the age of 56.
The sad news of Blanks’ death was confirmed by his family via a statement issued by the NBA. Read on further to find out the cause behind the demise of the basketball legend Lance Blanks.
What was the cause behind the death of Lance Blanks?
What was the cause behind the death of Lance Blanks?As per TMZ, Lance Blanks left for the heavenly abode on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. At the time of his passing, he was 56 years old. As of this moment, the actual cause behind his death has not been revealed publicly.
The former NBA star and executive is survived by his mom Clarice, brother Sidney Jr., the mother of his two daughters, Renee, his daughters, Riley and Bryn, and granddaughter, Isabel.
Who was Lance Blanks?
Lance Blanks was a former NBA player and executive who was born on September 9, 1966, in Del Rio, Texas, U.S. He kicked off his collegiate hoops career at the University of Virginia in the year 1985. Soon after, he moved to the University of Texas at Austin and became a superstar there.
During his two years at UT in 1988 and 1989, he was able to score 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. In the year 2007, he was inducted into Texas’ Hall of Honor.
Later on, down the lane, Lance was picked by the Pistons in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft and then, he played for nearly three seasons in the popular league for Detroit and Minnesota.
Then, Blanks went on to play overseas. He returned to the United States to work as an executive in the NBA. He became the director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs. Shortly after, he became the assistant general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lance played the role of the general manager for the Phoenix Suns, from 2010 to 2013. After a couple of years, he spent some time as a television analyst for the Longhorn Network.
NBA stars pay tribute to Lance Blanks
NBA executive Joe Dumars said, “Lance was a light for all those who knew him. It’s been a privilege to have called him one of my closest friends. I’m eternally grateful for all the support he has shown me throughout the years. His legacy will be carried on, not only by his family, but by all those whose lives he touched for the better.”
Former NFL star Eric Metcalf, a close friend of Blanks tweeted, “Everyone hug your family and friends and tell them you love them. We lost a dear friend and brother. People are going through things and you never know it!!!”
Lance’s family members including his two daughters Riley and Bryn also expressed their grief on their father’s passing on social media. Riley wrote, “My dad was my person. He was my teacher, my idol, my best friend. The love I have for him is simply immeasurable.”
Bryn added, “My heart aches for the tragic loss of my daddy. He was our father, our rock, our superhero — the one who was there when we needed him most. Life will never be the same without him.”
Sending our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Lance Blanks during this hard time. Stay in touch with us for more updates from the world of entertainment.
