Lance Blanks Car Accident and death are mourned by many in the basketball community and beyond, with condolences pouring in from former teammates, colleagues, and fans.
According to his family, Lance Blanks, who played three seasons in the NBA before becoming a scout and front-office official, died on Thursday. He was 56.
He was the Phoenix Suns’ previous general manager, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ associate general manager, and a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and, most recently, the Los Angeles Clippers. Blanks also spent time with the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Lance Blanks Car Accident- Death Cause
Lance Blanks, a former NBA player and Executive, died in an automobile accident in Dallas, Texas, on May 3, 2023, at 56. The reason for his death has been known as a car accident, but his family reported the tragedy the day after.
“Lance was a light for all who knew him,” recalled one of his Detroit teammates, NBA Executive Joe Dumars. “It’s been an honor to name him one of my closest friends.”
I’ll be eternally thankful to him for his help throughout the years. His legacy will be carried on by his family and everyone whose lives he improved.”
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Blanks attended Virginia and Texas, where he was inducted into the Longhorns Hall of Fame in 2007. In 1990, the Pistons selected him in the first round.
Who Was Lance Blanks? Carrer Expolred
Blanks, born in Del Rio and attended high school in The Woodlands, moved to Texas after two seasons at Virginia and instantly became a member of one of the University’s most entertaining teams to that date.
Texas improved from 16-13 to 25-9 in Tom Penders’ first season, and the Texas “BMW” cleared the way for a new era in Longhorn basketball with their wide-open, fastbreak attack.
Blanks, Travis Mays, and Joey Wright, a trio of lightning-quick guards who seemingly scored at will, were at the heart of the team’s “Runnin’ Horns” moniker for their style of play, which stood in stark contrast to the slow, halfcourt approach implemented by former coach Bob Weltlich.
In 1985, he was named Mr. Texas Basketball in high school. The Detroit Pistons selected him 26th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft, and he stayed with them until 1992.
He played with the Minnesota Timberwolves for a season before moving on to the Continental Basketball League and finishing his career overseas. Following his playing days, he moved into the front office.
In 2000, he was a scout with the San Antonio Spurs before being appointed scouting director in 2002. From 2005 to 2010, he was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ associate general manager before becoming the Phoenix Suns’ general manager for three seasons. He was most recently employed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lance Blanks Obituary: Family And Friends Mourns The Loss
Blanks is survived by his mother, Clarice; his two children, Renee, Riley, and Bryn; his brother Sidney Jr. and granddaughter Isabel. Riley, his daughter, characterized him as a teacher, idol, and closest friend.
“With the loss of Lance Blanks, we lost a genuinely great one, and we are all simply saddened and heartbroken,” said Chris Del Conte, UT vice president and athletic director.
“It’s heartbreaking news,” Kerr added. “I’d like to express my heartfelt sympathies to Lance’s family and friends.” He’ll be missed – it’s a sad day.”
When Blanks was in charge of the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was a player. Kerr praised Blanks before Thursday’s Warriors’ Western Conference semifinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers, calling him a “wonderful buddy.”
“He was a fantastic Father, son, teammate, and colleague with an exuberant personality, a compassionate heart, and inexhaustible love for the game,” Frank said.
“Lance was an innovative thinker and astute assessor who boosted our whole organization.” We express our heartfelt sympathies to his family and many friends.”
