NBA: Ex-NBA champ, Clemson star Elden Campbell dies

Elden Campbell, Clemson Basketball Legend and NBA Champion, Dies at 57. Elden Campbell, the leading scorer in Clemson basketball history who later won an NBA championship, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 57. Clemson University confirmed his death on Wednesday, although the cause was not disclosed.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Elden Campbell's passing,” said Cliff Ellis, Clemson’s head coach during Campbell’s era. “Elden was a great player for four years, especially in 1989-90 when he was a major reason we won Clemson's only ACC regular season championship.

“Elden was an outstanding, giving person,” he continued. “This is a sad day for the Clemson family. Elden loved Clemson, and he returned to support the program after his retirement. He truly exemplified what Clemson was all about.”

Campbell, a center, played for Clemson from 1986 to 1990, scoring 1,880 career points and setting the school record for career field goals with 754. He also recorded 334 blocked shots and 836 rebounds during his time with the Tigers.

In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Campbell with the 27th overall pick in the first round. He spent over eight seasons with the Lakers before playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics, New Jersey Nets, and Detroit Pistons. Campbell won an NBA championship with Detroit in 2004.

Over his career, Campbell played in 1,044 games, starting 671, and averaged 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Former teammates shared their condolences on social media. “I just remember his demeanor. That's why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E,’” former Lakers guard Byron Scott told the Los Angeles Times. “He was just so cool, nothing speeding him up. He was going to take his time. He was just easy. He was such a good dude. I loved Easy, man.”

Campbell’s legacy at Clemson and in the NBA will be remembered by fans, teammates, and the basketball community alike. -Field Level Media/Reuters