Former Detroit Pistons star Earl Cureton dies at 66 after collapsing at his Michigan home as tributes pour in for the NBA champion: ‘He was always trying to inspire young people to chase their dreams’

Former Detroit Pistons star Earl Cureton dies at 66 after collapsing at his Michigan home as tributes pour in for the NBA champion: 'He was always trying to inspire young people to chase their dreams'

Most watched Sport videos

Former NBA player Earl Cureton died unexpectedly on Sunday, according to the Detroit Pistons. He was 66.

No cause of death was revealed. The Detroit News reported that Cureton collapsed Sunday morning at his home in Farmington Hills, Mich.

Cureton also was a college star at Detroit Mercy. Though he never got to play for Dick Vitale, who coached at Detroit Mercy before leaving for a job with the Pistons, Vitale helped Cureton transfer to Detroit Mercy.

‘I am heartbroken,’ Vitale said in a text message to The Detroit News on Sunday. ‘He loved the Motor City and was so proud of working so hard to make it to the NBA.’

‘And Earl was always trying to inspire young people to chase their dreams,’ Vitale continued. 

Cureton pᴀssed away Sunday at age 66 after representing Detroit at every level of basketball

Cureton pᴀssed away Sunday at age 66 after representing Detroit at every level of basketball

Cureton wasn't primarily known as a coach, but led Dennis Rodman and the Long Beach Jam

Cureton wasn’t primarily known as a coach, but led Dennis Rodman and the Long Beach Jam

Cureton, known as ‘The Twirl,’ played 12 seasons in the NBA and won championships with the 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers and 1993-94 Houston Rockets. He had career averages of 5.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 674 games.

Cureton played three seasons (1983-86) with the Pistons and spent the last 10 years as a community ambᴀssador for the franchise.

‘Earl was one of the most generous, positive and caring people I knew,’ Pistons owner Tom Gores said. 

‘He was a loving father, devoted to his family, and I was honored to be his friend. He was a champion as a player and an important ambᴀssador in our community. We are heartbroken over his loss,’ Gores continued. 

Cureton played two seasons at Detroit Mercy. He averaged 20 points and 9.1 rebounds during the 1979-80 season. 

He is a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame and Cureton’s No 24 is also retired by Detroit Mercy. 

After retiring from basketball, Cureton was also a coach in the revival of the American Basketball ᴀssociation. 

With Dennis Rodman as his biggest star, he led the Long Beach Jam to a championship in 2004.  

Related Posts

NBA champion Scot Pollard, 49, filmed WALKING just a day after receiving crucial heart transplant as wife pays tribute to his ‘strength’: ‘He is continuing to shock us all’

NBA champion Scot Pollard, 49, filmed WALKING just a day after receiving crucial heart transplant as wife pays tribute to his ‘strength’: ‘He is continuing to shock us all’

Most watched Sport videos Former NBA star Scot Pollard is back on his feet only a day after undergoing a heart transplant. Pollard, who won an NBA…

NBA star’s mom threatens rival team after injury scare in playoff opener

NBA star’s mom threatens rival team after injury scare in playoff opener

Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s mother threatened Boston’s first-round NBA playoff opponents, the Orlando Magic, after a hard foul on her son nearly left him with a severe…

Warriors star Stephen Curry BEATS Liberty sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu in historic head-to-head 3-point contest… with Golden State guard winning special WWE-style belt after NBA vs. WNBA matchup

Warriors star Stephen Curry BEATS Liberty sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu in historic head-to-head 3-point contest… with Golden State guard winning special WWE-style belt after NBA vs. WNBA matchup

Most watched Sport videos Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry triumphed when he and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu faced off in their head-to-head 3-point…

BREAKING NEWSKnicks star Josh Hart’s wish comes true as Suni Lee returns for NBA playoff game in after cheeky message

BREAKING NEWSKnicks star Josh Hart’s wish comes true as Suni Lee returns for NBA playoff game in after cheeky message

Suni Lee is back at Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks on Monday night – after a New York star cheekily called for her to attend…

Watch Luka Doncic land incredible bounce sH๏τ from the sideline at NBA All-Star weekend… after Mavs star called it on camera

Watch Luka Doncic land incredible bounce sH๏τ from the sideline at NBA All-Star weekend… after Mavs star called it on camera

Most watched Sport videos Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic perfectly excuted an incredible trick sH๏τ – calling ‘bounce’ just moments before taking the long-range jumper. Cameras caught…

Phil Jackson blasts NBA for decision that violates ‘sacred days’ in rare post

Phil Jackson blasts NBA for decision that violates ‘sacred days’ in rare post

The Zen Master thinks the NBA should embrace the Holy Trinity, and he’s not talking about the triangle offense.  Phil Jackson, who famously won 11 league тιтles…