Who was Lance Blanks?
Lance Blanks was a former basketball player, coach, and executive who made a significant impact on the sport during his lifetime. Born on September 9, 1966, in Houston, Texas, Blanks grew up playing basketball and quickly developed a talent for the game.
After graduating from high school, Blanks attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played for the Longhorns and became one of the team’s top players. In 1990, he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and began his professional career in the NBA.
Blanks’ Career as a Player
Blanks played for several teams during his career, including the San Antonio Spurs, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors. Although he was never a superstar player, Blanks was known for his hard work and determination on the court.
During his time with the Spurs, Blanks was part of the team that won the NBA championship in 1999. He later retired from playing in 2000 and turned his attention to coaching and executive positions within the league.
Blanks’ Career as a Coach and Executive
After retiring from playing, Blanks began working as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets. He later joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as an assistant coach and then moved on to the San Antonio Spurs, where he served as a scout and assistant coach.
In 2010, Blanks was hired as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns, where he worked for three years before being fired in 2013. He then moved on to work for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the director of scouting before leaving the team in 2019.
Blanks’ Legacy
Lance Blanks was a respected figure within the basketball community and was known for his hard work, dedication, and love for the game. His contributions to the sport as a player, coach, and executive will not be forgotten.
Blanks passed away on July 8, 2021, at the age of 54. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans, players, and colleagues within the basketball world.
Conclusion
The loss of Lance Blanks is a tragic one for the basketball community. His impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come, and his legacy as a player, coach, and executive will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Lance Blanks.
