Ex-NBA Star Cliff Robinson Dies; Former Trail Blazers Forward Was 53

The NBA is mourning the loss of an iconic player Saturday.

Cliff Robinson has died at age 53, as first announced by UConn Men’s Basketball on Twitter. A cause of death remains unclear.

Former Huskies head coach Jim Calhoun noted Robinson had a stroke about 2 1/2 years ago that impacted his ability to speak or move for several months, per the New Haven Register’s David Borges. Calhoun learned last week that Robinson had gone into a coma.

Robinson rose to fame as a member of the Huskies before making his way to the NBA for a colorful 18-season career. The man fondly nicknamed “Uncle Cliffy” spent nearly half his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, leading them to two NBA Finals.

He also spent time with the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets and Golden State Warriors. Each team posted individual tributes to the late NBA star Saturday.

The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family & loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers & all of Rip City.https://t.co/X4ixK1XCPT pic.twitter.com/0njgpimiBH
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 29, 2020

Rest In Peace, Cliff 🙏 pic.twitter.com/420aCMcK1t
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 29, 2020

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. pic.twitter.com/IYnr2MgHVI
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) August 29, 2020

The Nets are deeply saddened by the loss of Clifford Robinson, an enduring and beloved basketball figure on and off the court. We send our love and sympathy to his family. pic.twitter.com/fp8tIOrYOe
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 29, 2020

We’re shocked and saddened by the passing of Clifford Robinson. Clifford was a consummate professional who loved the game and played with an incredible sense of both joy and intensity. We extend our thoughts and prayers to family and friends of “Uncle Cliffy” during this time. pic.twitter.com/LLqFjJUHkh
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 29, 2020

A moment of silence was held for Robinson, actor Chadwick Boseman and Arizona head coach Lute Olson before the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic tipped off Game 5 on Saturday afternoon.