Earl Cureton had a lengthy basketball career
Earl Cureton, a former NBA big man who played 12 seasons in the league and won two championships, has passed away, the Detroit Pistons announced Sunday. He was 66.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Cureton in the second round of the 1979 NBA Draft after a standout collegiate career with Robert Morris and Detroit Mercy. He won a championship with the 76ers during the 1982-83 season and later won with the Houston Rockets in 1994.
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Cureton played for the Pistons from 1983 to 1986.
“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Earl Cureton, a person who meant so much to the organization as a colleague, former player, community ambassador, and friend,” Pistons chairman Tom Gores said in a statement. “As tough a competitor as he was during his playing years on the court, he was equally kindhearted, outgoing, and impactful off it.
“He represented our franchise with great passion and truly enjoyed working to give back and improve the lives of Detroiters in the city he loved so much. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Earl’s family and countless friends and teammates during this most difficult time,” added Pistons chairman Tom Gores in the statement.
Cureton also had stints with the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, and Toronto Raptors. In addition to his NBA career, he played abroad in Italy, France, Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina.
“All of us are hurting with the unexpected loss of Earl Cureton,” Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said. “He was a tremendous teammate, tough competitor, a champion, and a great human being.
“Earl always held the Detroit community close to his heart and worked tirelessly to make a difference for the city he loved. He will be greatly missed,” added Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas.
Cureton also served as a coach in the NBA, the United Basketball League, and the Continental Basketball Association.
Chauncey Billups, the current Portland Trail Blazers head coach, shared thoughts on the death of his former teammate.
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“He was such a wonderful guy,” he mentioned ahead of the team’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. “I had the chance to spend a significant amount of time with him in Detroit. A truly warm and delightful person, like a big teddy bear. Always a joy to be around. His laughter was so contagious that whenever he laughed, it just spread to everyone else. I can’t recall a single day when he wasn’t in good spirits.”
“I admire individuals like him, those who navigate the challenges of a tough world with an unwavering positive perspective. That quality always stood out to me, and I cherished it in him. Whenever I visited Detroit, I made sure to share a big hug with him. Learning about the news today was especially difficult.”