National Basketball Association

Cool cat: NBA players young and old pay tribute to Kersey

Published Feb. 18, 2015 11:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

The news of former Portland Trail Blazers great Jerome Kersey's sudden death swept through the NBA quickly Wednesday night, with tributes pouring in on social media.

And though few active players began their NBA careers while Kersey was still playing, he remained active with the club (up to the night before his death), and his impact on the league and its players was clear.

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

The Clippers' Jamal Crawford noted what a tough year 2015 has been for basketball so far.

Lost a lot of basketball royalty recently. Stuart Scott, Dean Smith, Tark, Jerome Kersey...all better people...#RIP
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) February 19, 2015

And some of Kersey's contemporaries remembered their brethren, as well.

Clyde Drexler on Kersey's passing: "He was the greatest guy, the nicest friend, teammate and brother." http://t.co/rXP2RjO6uA #RipCity
— CSNNW (@CSNNW) February 19, 2015

RIP to long-time Portland @trailblazers and former Seattle Sonic Jerome Kersey. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
— Seattle SuperSonics (@BringBackSonics) February 19, 2015

And in the world of gaming, Kersey will live forever.

Former @trailblazers legend Jerome Kersey has passed away at the age of 52. His NBA career spanned 1984-2001. pic.twitter.com/icjbFdmxDj
— NBA 2K 2K15 (@NBA2K) February 19, 2015