Former Celtic Eric Montross Dead At 52

BOSTON, MA — Eric Montross, a first-round draft pick by the Boston Celtics who played nine seasons in the NBA, died Sunday after battling cancer, his family announced in a statement shared by Montross' alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was 52.

Montross was diagnosed with cancer in March and "battled with his signature determination and grace," his family said, adding that they are "grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people."

"To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness," the statement continued. "The family asks for privacy during this difficult period."

After graduating from the University of North Carolina and his college basketball career in 1994, Montross — then a NBA All-Rookie Team member — moved to Boston to play for the Celtics, for which he averaged 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds a game during his first season.

Montross was traded to the Dallas Mavericks before finishing his second season with the Celtics. For the rest of his professional basketball career, Montross spent time with the New Jersey Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and the Toronto Raptors.

Playing in 465 games and starting 288, Montross averaged 4.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.6 blocks and 0.4 assists per game. He announced his retirement on Aug. 26, 2003 due to a foot injury.

After he retired from basketball, Montross was an analyst on the Tar Heel Sports Network for 18 seasons until he stepped away from the microphone this season. He also served as the Senior Director of Principal Gifts for the Rams Club and was a supporter of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.