Jerome Kersey, 17-year NBA veteran, dies

MANILA, Philippines – Portland Trail Blazers fan-favorite and 17-year NBA veteran Jerome Kersey passed away at the age of 52 on Thursday, February 19 (PH time).

The development was confirmed by the Trail Blazers who did not go into further detail about their former player’s passing. Kersey was last seen in an appearance along with former Portland players Brian Grant and Terry Porter at a Portland high school in celebration of African American History Month, according to the Associated Press.

At the time of his passing Kersey was serving as a team ambassador for the Trail Blazers, a franchise he played for 11 years in his NBA career. 

“Today we lost an incredible person and one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Trail Blazers uniform. My thoughts and condolences are with the Kersey family. He will be missed by all of us. It’s a terrible loss,” Portland owner Paul Allen said in a statement.

Kersey was drafted in the second round by the Trail Blazers in 1984 and played a major role as the team’s starting small forward in their Western Conference Championships in 1990 and 1992.  

Along with Porter, Kevin Duckworth, and Clyde Drexler, among others, Kersey helped make the team an NBA powerhouse in the late 80s and early 90s.

Porter, 6-foot-7, also played for five other teams in the NBA such as the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he won an NBA championship in the lockout-shortened 1999 season. He also saw action for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City), and Milwaukee Bucks. 

He averaged 10.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG throughout his career, per ESPN.

“It’s so sad. It is a huge loss for the Portland community,” said a devastated Drexler. “He was the greatest guy, the nicest friend, teammate, and brother. He was loved by everyone. We all miss him. He just cared so much. This is unbelievable.”

Kersey suited up in a Blazers uniform 831 times, the second most anyone has ever played with the franchise. He also ranks second in franchise rebounds (5,078), third in blocks (621), and third in steals (1,059). – Rappler.com