Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Former NBA player and Phoenix Suns general manager Lance Blanks died by suicide, his daughter Riley Blanks Reed shared in a column for ESPN that was published on Tuesday.
Blanks, who died on May 3, was a well-known name in the world of professional basketball. He made a name for himself as a player, executive, and broadcaster, playing for several teams including the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.
After retiring as a player, he transitioned into the front office, holding positions with the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns. In addition, he has also worked as a television analyst and commentator for ESPN and NBA on TNT.
Per ESPN:
“On the morning of May 3, 2023, my father, Lance Blanks, took his life.
People will ask, “How did we not see it?
And people will say, “This wasn’t him. Someone like him wouldn’t do this.
People will want more information.
But the fact is we will never truly know why. And we don’t need to. All we need to do is remember him, honor him, celebrate him and pour our love into the family that made him happy.”
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Canada, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 from 4 p.m.-midnight ET. In Deutschland erreicht ihr die Telefonseelsorge unter der 0800 1110111.
