 While it certainly doesn’t fall under the heading of “business of basketball”, the news that former Blazer center Kevin Duckworth passed away Monday night at the age of 44, was shocking news, and something that hit home for me. As a resident of Portland, I, as well as most everyone in this city during the late '80s and early '90s, followed the Blazers. “Duck”, as he was affectionately called, played six seasons for the Blazers from’87 to ’93. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over 11 seasons in the NBA, helping the Blazers reach the NBA finals in 1990 and 1992. He was the 7’ center with soft hands – prone to go for the short 5-8 foot hook as opposed to jamming it. The “gentle giant” was often the words used to associate to him. He played out his career from ’93 with the Bullets, Bucks, and finally the Clippers, retiring at the age of 32 in 1997. Duckworth remained a part of Portland well after retiring. He was an avid outdoorsman who would often be seen fishing the rivers in and around Oregon. He also never stopped being part of the Blazer family, doing community outreach for the organization. The pictures provided here were taken Monday at the Tillamook YMCA following a kids free basketball clinic. It seemed fitting that he had traveled to the Oregon coast as part of a goodwill tour for the organization the day he passed away. He died Tuesday night at Salishan Lodge at Gleneden Beach, just north of Lincoln City. There is no indication of foul play. "Within the world of basketball, within those Trail Blazers teams, he was a jokester," said Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter, who was Duckworth's teammate. "He was a big, loving teddy bear. At times, guys got frustrated because he didn't have a mean streak. "He was just a great guy. He loved the team atmosphere, loved being a teammate in those successful Blazer teams." He also was a great guy to Portland, well after his playing days. So long, Duck. We'll miss you. Images below courtesy of the Portland Trail Blazers 
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