The Portland Trail Blazers and UConn Huskies announced Saturday that star big man Clifford Robinson has died at the age of 53. Robinson, who played under Jim Calhoun at UConn, emerged as a centerpiece of the Trail Blazers’ organization after being selected in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft.
Robinson helped lead the Blazers to the playoffs in each of his eight seasons with the team, which included two trips to the NBA Finals. Robinson earned the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1993, and was an NBA All-Star the following season. Robinson later played for the Suns, Pistons, Warriors and Nets before retiring in 2007.
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
Current and former NBA players paid tribute to Robinson on Twitter.
I'm heartbroken to look back at this moment. Cliff Robinson was so important to his #Blazers teams and I always enjoyed competing against him. Another brother who left us long before his time. You'll be missed, Uncle Cliffy. RIP @UncleCliffy30 @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/bA2HWpM8iv
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) August 29, 2020
Damn… RIP🙏🏾… Been saying this a little too much lately. pic.twitter.com/SNJfb91vks
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 29, 2020
🕊🕊RIP Cliff Robinson!! Great player …even better person!! 🕊🕊#FlyHigh
— Andre Roberson (@FlyDre21) August 29, 2020
This hurts. GREAT teammate and have great memories starting my career with, Cliffy. Rest In Peace my guy ❤️ https://t.co/tkxqhmajb4
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) August 29, 2020
Rest In Peace Uncle Cliff 🙏🏽 https://t.co/B1TbaMAmCK
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) August 29, 2020
RIP Clifford Robinson – some of my earliest memories of NBA basketball were of you as the lifeblood to those early/mid 90’s Blazers teams. The Memorial Coliseum days!! RIP to a Portland legend.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 29, 2020
RIP 😔 this year is too much. https://t.co/L0Ef8buw9l
— Nassir Little (@2ez_nassie) August 29, 2020
RIP to the OG Cliff Robinson. 🙏🏿
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 29, 2020
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