Cliff Robinson, who played two seasons with the Detroit Pistons during an 18-year NBA career, is dead. He was 53 years old.
No cause of death has been indicated, but Robinson allegedly suffered a stroke 2 1/2 years ago.
Robinson, a 6-10 UConn forward, played for the Pistons in 2001-02 and 2002-03, under manager Rick Carlisle, and scored 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 1,380 games.
Robinson was the size of a center but could extend the field with his 3-point shot (career 36 percent).
The Pistons acquired Robinson from Phoenix in 2001 for Jud Buechler and John Wallace and swapped him two years later with Golden State, with Pete Sanchez, for Bob Sura.
Known as “Uncle Cliffy”, Robinson has appeared in 1,380 games, which ranks 14th in NBA history. He averaged 14.2 points and 4.6 rebounds. He spent his first eight seasons in Portland, where he was NBA’s sixth man of the year in 1992-93 and played in the 1994 All-Star Game.
“The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the disappearance of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson,” the Trail Blazers said in a statement. Robinson began his career in Portland in 1989 and stayed for eight seasons before continuing his 18-year career in the NBA. His personality and energy were unmatched and his contribution on the pitch was unmistakable, helping the Trail Blazers in the playoffs in each of his eight seasons with the team. His streak of 461 consecutive games played with the Trail Blazers is still a franchise record, testifying to his hard work and dedication to the team. We extend our deepest condolences to Cliff’s family and loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers and all of Rip City. “
The Pistons said in a statement: “The Detroit Pistons family mourns the loss of former Piston Clifford Robinson. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones: great player, better person! Rest in peace, Uncle Cliffy. “
Robinson retired in 2007 after three seasons with the New Jersey Nets.
He was the first former NBA player to appear on the reality television series Survivor, finishing in 14th place during the show’s 28th season in 2014.
