The NBA loses a former player and coach.
Former Portland Trail Blazers assistant Kim Hughes has passed away at the age of 73. The news came via the Instagram account of former Blazers center Meyers Leonard who wrote the following remembrance:
You were like a father. You were my coach. You loved me unconditionally. You pushed me, but always followed up with an arm around me. You taught me about basketball, but more importantly, about life. You were a great father and husband, and that’s what I admired most about you. I’ve never seen someone deal with so much heartache and pain, yet you never complained, and always found a way through. You were a straight shooter and as truthful as it gets, yet you knew how to love and protect me. It’s hard to believe you’re gone, and I love you so much Kim Hughes.
I will never forget the day that we had yesterday. We talked man to man, and really, more like father to son. We laughed, we talked about all of our amazing memories together, you ate a little of your favorite foods, you had a smile on your face that I’ll never forget, and we just simply spent quality time with your family. When I helped lay you down for bed last night, I didn’t think it would be my last time ever talking to you. We gave each other a big hug, which almost felt to me like every last bit of strength you had. We met eye to eye and I told you that I loved you so much and that I would see you again in the morning. You told me you loved me so much, and that God willing, I would see you again in the morning. Man.. what I would do to tell you that I love you just one last time.
I promise to carry on your memory. I promise that some day my two boys will know about Kim Hughes, when they’re old enough to understand. I promise to be there for your wife and children, just as you would for me, if roles were reversed for you and I right now.
If I had to bet, Jim Leonard has already found his way to you, and surely gave you a big hug for looking after me. They always tell me he was the most kind and gentle man. Tall and handsome too. Just like you. Go figure. Thank you for everything. Love you always and forever Kim ❤️💔❤️
Hughes played for the then New Jersey Nets, the Denver Nuggets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA after spending a year with the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association. He served as an assistant coach for the Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2015. He was famously fired by then lead executive Neil Olshey for unintentionally leaking the news that free agent LaMarcus Aldridge was leaving the team when Olshey had claimed otherwise publicly.
Blazer’s Edge offers condolences and all our thoughts to the family and friends of Kim Hughes at their time of loss.
Category: General Sports
