Trail Blazers Great Jerome Kersey Dies at 52

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Andrew R Tonry, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Trail Blazers great Jerome Kersey died in Portland, Wednesday. He was 52.

A medical examiner's report, released Thursday, found that Kersey suffered a pulmonary thromboembolism when a blood clot from his calf dislodged from his calf and plugged in his lung.

Just a day earlier, along with fellow Trail Blazers alumni Terry Porter and Brian Grant, Kersey spoke at Madison High School in Portland, honoring Black History Month.

A powerful small forward, Kersey spent 11 seasons as a Trail Blazer, twice reaching the NBA Finals. Playing alongside Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Buck Williams and others, Kersey was a part of one of the most revered eras in Trail Blazers history.

After leaving Portland in 1995, Kersey went on to play with five other teams. He won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.

Over his career, Kersey averaged 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. In the 1987-88 season he averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game while grabbing over eight rebounds.

After retiring as player, Kersey held numerous jobs in the Trail Blazers' organization, including director of player programs.

As news of his passing broke, Trail Blazers players, fans, and members of the media shared their feelings online:

R.I.P Jerome kersey ,Spoke to him regularly about life and the ups and downs of a NBA season. Gone too soon, much love! Prayers 2 the family
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) February 19, 2015

I'm sad 1 of the all time blazers greats and friend of mine Jerome Kersey passed away! RIP JK you'll be missed!!
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) February 19, 2015

RIP Jerome Kersey always showed me love when I saw him. Prayers to his fam
— Will Barton (@WillTheThrillB5) February 19, 2015

RIP Jerome Kersey. Gone too soon. Great basketball player but even better person. Was lucky enough to work with him in community events. ��
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard11) February 19, 2015

RIP to @jkersey25
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 19, 2015

Jerome Kersey is 2nd all-time in games played, 3rd in rebounds and steals, 4th in minutes and 5th in points all-time as a Blazer
— Dane Carbaugh (@danecarbaugh) February 19, 2015