NBA Legend, Earl Cureton, Dead at 66

(DailyDig.com) – According to the Detroit Pistons, six-foot-nine Earl “The Twirl” Cureton has died. He was a 12-year NBA veteran who won two titles during his time in the league. At 66 years of age, his untimely death occurred on the morning of February 4. The team did not provide any more details.

Cureton has been an ambassador for his team, the Detroit Pistons, in the community for the last decade.

Tom Gores, the chairman of the Detroit Pistons, expressed the team’s profound sadness at Cureton’s death. As a former teammate, friend, and representative of the community, he was an invaluable asset to them. He was as formidable an opponent as he was gregarious, generous, and influential.

Gores elaborated by saying Cureton was proud to represent their franchise and that helping the citizens of Detroit was rewarding. During this trying moment, they offer their deepest sympathies to his loved ones and comrades.

Cureton had an outstanding career at the college level, and the Philadelphia 76ers took him in round two of the NBA Draft in 1979. He first won a title in 1982–1983 with the Philadelphia 76ers and again in 1994–1995 with the Houston Rockets.

He spent the years 1983–1986 with the Pistons.

The Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, and Chicago Bulls were among Cureton’s previous teams. His international performances have placed him in Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, and Venezuela.

In addition to his time coaching in the NBA, Cureton has coached in the Continental Basketball Association and the United Basketball League.

All those who knew Cureton are suffering from his sudden death, according to Basketball Hall of Fame member Isiah Thoms. As a champion, teammate, competitor, and human being, he was exceptional.

Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, addressed the death of his former player, describing him as “just a beautiful dude.” He was in Detroit for a long period with Cureton. He was his favorite. His laughter was contagious, and everyone couldn’t help but join in.