Jack Haley has passed away, says Phil Jackson

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jack Haley, NBA champion with the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, died Tuesday.


Several past teammates have confirmed Haley’s passing, with former head coach Phil Jackson the first to report the sad news.

Scottie Pippen also expressed his condolences on Twitter.

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Haley played professional basketball for 11 seasons, including with the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and two teams in Europe. He appeared in the final regular season for the legendary 1995-96 Bulls team which set a record with 72 wins in the regular season and won the NBA championship.

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Knee tendinitis kept Haley from playing more that season, but gained a reputation as the most enthusiastic cheerer on the bench for Michael Jordan and company.

In 341 NBA appearances, including 54 starts, Haley averaged 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Haley’s best season came in 1990 as a member of the Nets, where he averaged 5.6 points per game.

Haley stayed involved with the NBA following his retirement, spending time as an assistant coach for the Nets and an TV host for the Lakers.

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