Magic Johnson pays heartfelt tribute to fellow draft pick David Greenwood, dead at 68 after cancer battle
Magic Johnson and David Greenwood. Image via: Frank Franklin II/ AP | Colin E. Braley/ AP
The basketball world is mourning the loss of David Greenwood, a former UCLA standout and NBA veteran who passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Greenwood, who died on Sunday in Riverside, California, was celebrated for his on-court achievements, but he was also known for the wisdom, mentorship, and humility he brought throughout his life.
His passing was confirmed by UCLA, citing family members.
Magic Johnson
honors late NBA peer David Greenwood, who dies at 68 after a cancer fight
NBA legend Magic Johnson honored David Greenwood with a touching message on X, alongside a nostalgic black-and-white photo from their early days. 'I'm sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood. David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I'm praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David!' Johnson wrote on X.
That 1979 NBA Draft forever linked the two— Magic was selected No. 1 by the Los Angeles Lakers, while Greenwood went second to the Chicago Bulls. Before the arrival of Michael Jordan, Greenwood, Reggie Theus, and Orlando Woolridge formed the team's core, laying the groundwork for a brighter future in Chicago.
Before his pro journey, Greenwood rose to prominence at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles and carried that promise into UCLA.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
가끔 심장이 찌릿! 하신가요?
메디셜
더 읽기
Undo
He joined the Bruins just months after the unexpected retirement of coaching legend John Wooden in 1975. Greenwood became a four-year starter, leading UCLA to a 102-17 record, multiple league titles, and a Final Four appearance in 1976. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games and earned back-to-back first-team All-America honors, becoming the first Bruin to do so since Bill Walton.
Over his 12-year NBA career, Greenwood suited up for Chicago, San Antonio, Denver, and Detroit.
He played a key reserve role with the Pistons during their 1990 NBA championship run. But it was in San Antonio where Greenwood's influence took on a different dimension.
Former Spurs star Sean Elliott recalled how Greenwood, then in his final season, took a young Elliott under his wing. 'He was a great vet for me,' Elliott said. 'I have a lot of good stories about him, but none I can actually tell because he really kind of saved me from the perils away from the court.'
Greenwood's quiet leadership and experience helped mold the future All-Star. 'He was a good guy as far as keeping you focused and teaching you about the pitfalls away from the court,' Elliott added. Greenwood, who had previously torn his Achilles, may have lost a step physically, but his basketball IQ and locker room presence remained invaluable.
In his best season with the Spurs, Greenwood averaged 11.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
His grit was best displayed in a standout performance against Utah, where he grabbed 20 rebounds. Spurs owner Angelo Drossos famously said, 'You could lock some forwards in a gym by themselves and they still wouldn't get 20 rebounds.'
Post-retirement, Greenwood returned to his roots, coaching at Verbum Dei and leading the school to back-to-back state championships in 1998 and 1999. His legacy extended beyond the hardwood through his mentorship and community involvement.
Also Read:
Magic Johnson's Haunting Warning: How Losing This Player for $9M Cost the Los Angeles Lakers-And What They Must Fix Now
David Greenwood is survived by his children, Jemil and Tiffany, brother Al, sister Laverne, and former wife Joyce. He was a proud inductee of both the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Who is Scott Foster? ‘The Extender' officiated Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 4
If there's one NBA referee who can stir up drama simply by showing up, it's Scott Foster. Fans have given Foster the moniker, 'The Extender,' both as a largely joking reference to the notion that he oversees games that somehow result in prolonging playoff series, and as a serious argument that he is somehow responsible for his rulings and decisions. So when he was assigned to officiate Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, many knew it could be a long night. Turns out, they were right. He was selected to officiate the NBA Finals for the 18th time, the most of any active official. The league announced his inclusion Tuesday, alongside 11 other referees and two alternates for the Final night. ALSO READ| What was that? 'Friday the 13th' flashes on screen during Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 4 'We are grateful for these 12 individuals and their dedication to serving the game at the highest levels throughout the season,' said Byron Spruell, NBA President of League Operations. 'Being selected to work the NBA Finals is the top honor as an NBA official, and I congratulate this exceptional group on a worthy achievement.' For the second game in a row, Thunder guard Alex Caruso found himself in a foul situation. Early in the game, Caruso appeared to whack Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on the ribs while attempting a steal. But there was no whistle. Chants of 'Ref You Suck' echoed through the arena. Those boos got even louder in the second quarter, when Foster did blow the whistle but this time against Indiana. Obi Toppin was called for a flagrant foul after bumping Caruso with his shoulder on a fast break. Toppin had been trying to stop an easy bucket after a Haliburton turnover, but the hard contact triggered a reaction from OKC big man Isaiah Hartenstein, who exchanged words with Toppin before teammates intervened. After video review, Foster explained that the play met the criteria for a flagrant: 'wind-up, impact, follow-through, and non-basketball play.' Both Toppin and Hartenstein were also hit with technical fouls for the brief altercation. ALSO READ| Why was Stephen A Smith called 'little b*tch' amid his NBA Finals feud with Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Fans and commentators quickly took to social media to vent as the series tied 2-2. 'Scott Foster, the extender strikes once again. 🔥 HANG HIS JERSEY IN THE RAFTERS,' one commented. 'Scott Foster is the worst ref in the league right?' another posted. 'Scott 'The Extender' Foster trying to ruin my weekend tonight,' one commented.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Thunder vs Pacers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on fire as Oklahoma City rally to beat Indiana to level NBA Finals at 2-2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a scorching performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling comeback win over the Indiana Pacers , leveling the NBA Finals at 2-2 in Indianapolis on Friday. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter as Thunder rallied from a 10-point, second-half deficit to register an incredible win. Gilgeous-Alexander's poise and shot-making were pivotal in the fourth quarter, as Oklahoma City tightened up defensively and surged ahead late. The win not only ties the series but also highlights the Thunder's resilience and championship aspirations heading into a pivotal Game 5 on home court. Jalen Williams chipped in 27 points, Alex Caruso added 20, and Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds to help power the Thunder. Live Events — NBA (@NBA) The Thunder got the job done the hard way — making just three 3-pointers, a season low, and seeing Gilgeous-Alexander finish without an assist for the first time all season. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 18 and Obi Toppin contributed 17. With the series now tied 2-2, it effectively becomes a best-of-three. Game 5 heads to Oklahoma City on Monday, where the Thunder have reclaimed home-court advantage. — NBA (@NBA) The Pacers came out blazing, putting up 20 points in the first 4 minutes and 59 seconds — marking just the second time all season the Thunder had allowed such a rapid scoring burst. The Pacers jumped out to a lead as large as nine early in the game, but despite their explosive start, they couldn't build on the momentum or create significant separation. Obi Toppin's emphatic baseline dunk late in the third quarter gave Pacers an 86-76 lead—their first double-digit advantage of the series, coming deep into the 15th quarter of the Finals. But the Thunder refused to fold. The Thunder responded with a 13-3 run to open the fourth, tying the game at 89 and igniting a back-and-forth battle down the stretch. The score was knotted again at 91, 95, and 97, as neither side gave an inch. Then, with 2:23 remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a clutch step-back jumper to give Thunder a 104-103 edge — their first lead of the second half — and they never looked back. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
WTC Final: Daniel Vettori provides update on Steve Smith's injury; Aussie batter taken to hospital
Steve Smith dislocated his finger during a catch attempt in the World Test Championship final. (AP) Australia cricketer Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming West Indies Test tour is uncertain after he suffered a compound dislocation of his finger during the World Test Championship final at Lord's on day three, following a dropped catch off South African captain Temba Bavuma's edge. Smith was immediately taken to the hospital after the injury occurred while fielding at slip position, where he was standing closer than usual due to the slow nature of the Lord's pitch and wearing a helmet. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The dropped catch came off Mitchell Starc's bowling when Bavuma was on two runs, with the South African captain going on to score 65 more runs by the end of play, partnering with Aiden Markram who remained unbeaten on 102. The injury occurred when Smith attempted to catch an edge, resulting in a painful blow to his right little finger that caused him to immediately leave the field grimacing. Bold prediction! Astrologer Greenstone Lobo picks winner of Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025 The 36-year-old was first assessed in the Lord's medical rooms before being transported to hospital for X-rays and additional treatment. Medical experts indicate that a compound dislocation, where bone breaks through the skin, might require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo "He never made (it to) us (in) the dressing room, the doctor and physio got him and took him into the separate room to deal with it," said Assistant coach Daniel Vettori . "So we weren't really up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was, we just heard that there was a fear of the compound fracture or dislocation or something of that nature. There weren't too many people running to the physio room to go and have a look. We'll just wait and see what comes back after he gets back from hospital." Australia's Steve Smith reacts after getting hurt while fielding on day three of the World Test Championship final. (AP Photo) The potential absence of Smith for the three-Test series against the West Indies, starting June 25 in Barbados, would be significant as he has scored four centuries in his last six Tests. The West Indies tour includes three Test matches, with the first match scheduled in Barbados, followed by games in Grenada and Jamaica.
