Nine year NBA journeyman Jack Haley has died.
The news was confirmed by his family who released a statement through the Los Angeles Lakers:
He cherished every moment and gave 100 percent whether on or off the court. And more than anything, Jack dearly loved his family. We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from around the country.
His family also confirmed that Haley, 51, had heart disease.
Haley was most notably known as a reserve on the 1996 Chicago Bulls championship team. He was also one of Dennis Rodman’s closest friends.
Haley ended his NBA career in 1998. He had career averages of 3.5 PPG and 2.7 RBG.
Following his playing career, Haley was an assistant coach with the Nets. That Nets team was coached by current Kentucky Wildcats coach John Calipari, who was also the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations.
Coach Calipari tweeted:
Jack Haley, who played for me and was an assistant when I was coaching with the Nets, passed away too young. Jack was one of the most positive, upbeat guys I’ve ever been around. He was on that unbelievable 1996 championship team in Chicago. Sad day
After his stint as an assistant with the Nets, Haley was a TV broadcaster on Los Angeles Lakers telecasts.
