Rogers played with Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers over 12 years.
WASHINGTON — Former Wake Forest star and 12-year NBA player Rodney Rogers has died. He was 54.
Rogers — the No. 9 overall NBA draft pick in 1993 — had been paralyzed from the shoulders down since a dirt bike accident in November 2008. Rogers died of natural causes linked to his spinal cord injury, according to a statement from the National Basketball Players Association on behalf of Rogers’ family.
He started his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets and went on to play with the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.
His death rocked the basketball world, prompting responses from fans and former teams.
National Basketball Association
The burly 6-foot-7 forward with powerful athleticism earned the “Durham Bull” nickname during his prep career, then went on to score nearly 9,500 points in the NBA while being named league sixth man of the year in 2000.
“The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers. Rodney earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award while playing for the Phoenix Suns and was a beloved teammate during his 12-year NBA career. He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity that he demonstrated throughout his life — qualities that inspired so many. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s wife, Faye, and their family.”
Denver Nuggets
Rogers played with the Nuggets from 1993-1995.
“The Denver Nuggets organization was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rodney Rogers today. As a first round draft pick and member of the legendary team that became the first ever eight seed to upset a one seed, Rodney will forever be remembered in Nuggets history. Our thoughts are with his family and loves ones during this difficult time.”
Phoenix Suns
Rogers played with the Suns from 1999 to 2002.
The team responded to news of his death Saturday with a purple and orange heart emoji and a black and white photo of Rogers holding a trophy.
Boston Celtics
Rogers played with the Celtics from 2001 to 2002.
“The Celtics are saddened by the loss of Rodney Rogers and send our condolences to his family.”
Brooklyn Nets
Rogers played with the Nets from 2002 to 2004.
“We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Rodney Rogers, a former Net and member of our 2003 Eastern Conference Championship team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.”
National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
“NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Rodney Rogers. His story lives on through the Rodney Rogers Courage Award at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, honoring a camper who reflects his resilience, work ethic and heart.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.