Former NBA all star Kevin Duckworth dead at 44

Portland Trailblazers fans received the shocking news of Kevin Duckworth’s death early Tuesday morning.  Duckworth had been on the Oregon Coast conducting a free basketball clinic as part of the team’s community outreach program, and his death was confirmed by Lincoln County Sherriff’s officials.  Though no official cause of death has been provided, early speculation has centered on a possible heart attack or other cardiac related issue.  Duckworth had been criticized for his often poor physical conditioning during his career and had put on considerable weight since his retirement, further validating the possibility of his death being a result of cardiac arrest.  Duckworth was 44.

Duckworth was best known for being the Blazers’ starting center on their great NBA Finals teams that starred Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter.  His lackadaisical attitude toward conditioning was a source of frustration for Blazers staff, teammates and fans during his career because when he was in shape he was as dominant as any big man in the league.   His skill set rivaled Hakeem Olajuwon, the Houston Rockets legendary center, in that he could dominate the paint on the defensive end but had a sweet offensive touch as well.  He was also an excellent outside shot, a rarity among NBA big men.  Duckworth was a two time All Star and was the NBA 1987-88 Most Improved Player.

His tenure in Portland ended in 1993 when he was traded to Washington.  He played several more seasons in the league before retiring, but upon leaving the game returned to Portland where he lived until his death.  In retirement, he was one of the most beloved former Blazers and was a frequent presence at the team’s games and in the community.

Duckworth is survived by a fiancé and two children.  While he showed flashes of brilliance as a player and was a valued contributor to some great Blazer teams, he’s being remembered by the community for his generous nature, kind heart and loving personality.