Earl Cureton, a two-time NBA Champion and longtime Detroit Pistons ambassador, died after collapsing at his dwelling on Feb. 4, in accordance with The Detroit Information. He was 66.
“The Detroit Pistons group is deeply saddened by the passing of Earl Cureton, an individual who meant a lot to the group as a colleague, former participant, neighborhood ambassador and buddy,” the group stated in a press release. “As robust a competitor as he was throughout his enjoying years on the courtroom, he was equally kind-hearted, outgoing and impactful off of it. He represented our franchise with nice ardour and actually loved working to provide again and enhance the lives of Detroiters within the metropolis he liked a lot. We lengthen our heartfelt condolences to Earl’s household and numerous pals and teammates throughout this most tough time.”
Cureton spent his school profession at Robert Morris and Detroit Mercy earlier than being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers within the third spherical of the 1979 NBA draft. He averaged 5.4 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 help per sport throughout a 674-game profession. “The Twirl” frolicked with the 76ers, Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors, successful championships with the 1982-83 76ers and 1993-94 Rockets.
After his enjoying profession, Cureton coached within the NBA, United States Basketball League, and Continental Basketball Affiliation and had assistant coach roles within the WNBA. Cureton returned to Detroit Mercy to earn his diploma in 2011, fulfilling a promise to his mom. He grew to become a Group Ambassador for the Pistons in 2013, main Pistons organizational outreach and neighborhood partnerships.
“He was only a lovely dude,” former teammate Chauncy Billups stated earlier than the Path Blazers’ sport in Denver, by way of ESPN. “I spent a whole lot of time with him in Detroit, clearly. Only a large teddy bear. At all times so enjoyable. He had a kind of infectious laughs the place at any time when he laughed he made all people snort. By no means had a nasty day, ever. I marvel at guys like that, folks like that. The world may be actually tough and hard and so they by no means see it that method, you realize? And I liked that about him. Each time I’d go to Detroit, I’d give him an enormous hug. So, that was robust information in the present day.”
