NBA player and executive Lance Blanks, who also starred at Texas, dies at the age of 56

The NBA disclosed on Thursday that Lance Blanks, a former NBA player and executive who had also played for the University of Texas, passed away on Wednesday. Blanks was 56 years old at the time of his death, and the cause of his demise remains unknown. Lance Blanks is a name that resonates in the world of basketball. He was a former NBA player and has since gone on to establish himself as a successful executive in the basketball industry.

We will take a closer look at Lance Blanks and his journey in the world of basketball. Blanks was born on September 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended the University of Texas, where he played college basketball. He was known for his shooting ability and was a valuable player for the Texas Longhorns.

After college, Blanks was drafted in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was known for his shooting ability and was a valuable asset to each team he played for.

After retiring from playing basketball, Blanks transitioned into the front office of the NBA. He began his executive career as a scout for the Denver Nuggets in 2004. He was then promoted to Director of Player Personnel for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005.

In 2010, Blanks was named the General Manager of the Phoenix Suns, where he oversaw player personnel decisions for the team. During his time with the Suns, he helped rebuild the team’s roster by acquiring talented young players such as Eric Bledsoe, Markieff Morris, and Marcus Morris. He also helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance since 2010.

In 2013, Blanks resigned from his position with the Suns and took on a role as a college basketball analyst for ESPN. However, in 2014, he returned to the NBA as the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played a crucial role in helping the Cavaliers win their first NBA championship in 2016.

Blanks’ success as an executive can be attributed to his extensive knowledge of the game of basketball and his ability to identify talented players. He has also been known for his ability to build strong relationships with players and coaches.

Off the court, Blanks has been involved in several charitable organizations. He has been a strong supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has also worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Club.

In conclusion, Lance Blanks has had an impressive career in the world of basketball. From his days as a player to his successful career as an executive, he has made a significant impact on the game. His ability to identify talent and build strong relationships with players and coaches has been a key factor in his success. As he continues to make his mark on the basketball industry, it will be interesting to see what he accomplishes next.