Chicago Bulls great Norm Van Lier dead at 61

Norm Van Lier, who earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players in NBA history during his career with the Chicago Bulls, was found dead at his home on Thursday afternoon.  He was 61. 

Van Lier had most recently worked as a commentator on Fox Sports Chicago, and was scheduled to work Wednesday night’s Bulls/Nets game.  Comcast officials became concerned when he didn’t show up at the game, and sent an employee to check on him Thursday morning.  When the Comcast employee didn’t receive an answer he contacted authorities, who entered the house and found Van Lier’s body.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Cook County Medical Examiners’ office confirmed his death but as of yet has not determined a cause.

Van Lier was known for his defensive tenacity as a player and he played stints with Cincinnati and Milwaukee during his career in addition to Chicago.  It was with the Bulls, however, that he became a star and formed one of the most feared guard tandems in NBA history along with current Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan.  Team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released a statement Thursday afternoon honoring Van Lier:

"Norm Van Lier was one of the all-time greats ever to put on a Chicago Bulls uniform. Along with Jerry Sloan, he set a standard for Bulls defense and toughness which we will never forget and which we will always strive to replicate."

NBA Chairman David Stern released the following statement:

"Norm was a complete player, a wonderful passer, a tenacious rebounder and an original character in the 1970s. We are all fortunate that Norm continued to share his passion and insight as a broadcaster for the Bulls since the early '90s."

It was a doubly tragic day for the Bulls franchise, as also on Thursday former coach and broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerr passed away at age 76 following a bout with cancer.