NBA All-Star Randy Smith Dead
Former NBA all-star Randy Smith died last Thursday, suffering a massive heart attack while exercising. He was 60.
Smith’s son-in-law, Leken Bashua, informed reporters of the details. He said Smith was working out on a treadmill at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino when he suffered the heart attack. He was taken to the William W. Backus Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Smith played for the NBA’s Buffalo Braves in the 1970s and once held the record for most consecutive games played. His former coach, Jack Ramsay, said Smith was the best player he had ever coached. Smith has a reputation, even today, of being one of the fastest players to ever play the game.
Smith was drafted by the Braves in the seventh round in 1971 and averaged more than 13 points in his rookie season. He went on to play 13 years in the NBA and appeared in 906 consecutive games from 1972-83. His mark was broken by A.C. Green in 1997.
Smith spent seven seasons with the Braves before the franchise moved to San Diego. He also played for Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta. He retired in 1983, and after, worked as a host and greeter for the Mohegan Sun Casino.
Smith is survived by his wife, Angela Crayton-Smith, a daughter, two sons, and his mother.
Tags: Buffalo Braves, heart attack, nba, Randy Smith
