HARTFORD, Conn. — Randy Smith, a blindingly fast all-star with the Buffalo Braves in the 1970s who once held the NBA record for consecutive games played, died while working out on a treadmill. He was 60.
He had a massive heart attack Thursday while exercising at the Connecticut casino where he worked, son-in-law Lekan Bashua said Friday.
The Mohegan Sun Casino declined to comment on circumstances surrounding the death, citing medical confidentiality laws.
Smith was drafted by the Braves (now the L.A. Clippers) in the seventh round in 1971 and averaged more than 13 points in his rookie season. He went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA and appeared in 906 consecutive games from 1972-83. His mark was broken by A.C. Green in 1997.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists for his career. He averaged more than 20 points for four straight seasons.
Coach Brown likes Mike
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bobcats coach Larry Brown would be “nervous” if an ownership change stripped Michael Jordan of his role running the team’s basketball operations.
“If Michael is not involved, I’d be nervous about that,” Brown said after putting six prospects through a draft workout. “I came here because of Michael.
“He’s special and he’s great to be around. We need him involved. If he’s gone, he’s the guy who hired me. I don’t know.”
Iavaroni joins Raptors
TORONTO — The Raptors have hired former Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni as an assistant to Jay Triano and are parting ways with assistants Mike Evans and Gord Herbert.
The Raptors also said former Nuggets star Alex English will return for his sixth season with Toronto, and eighth overall, as an assistant.
Evans, a former Nuggets player and assistant, spent two seasons with the Raptors.
The Associated Press
