On Saturday, the NBA community mourned yet another loss as 2020 continues to be the year that takes.
Clifford Robinson, an 18-year NBA veteran and former All-Star, died at 53 years old, it was reported. Robinson will mostly be remembered for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. After being drafted by the club in 1989, he would be a part of the Western Conference Championship club that lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1992 NBA Finals.
Robinson would go on to be named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year the next season and then an NBA All-Star the following, in 1993-94.
After seven years in Portland, Robinson left for Phoenix, where he played for the Suns for four years. He would play parts of two seasons for the Golden State Warriors between his stints with the Detroit Pistons and the New Jersey Nets.
Robinson retired shortly after being waived by the Nets in July 2007.
The Trail Blazers organization was among those belonging to the NBA community to publicly acknowledge Robinson’s death on Saturday morning.
The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family & loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers & all of Rip City.https://t.co/X4ixK1XCPT pic.twitter.com/0njgpimiBH
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 29, 2020