Former NBA player and coach Joe Wolf has passed away suddenly at the age of 59.
His death was announced on social media by the Milwaukee Bucks on September 26th.
“The Milwaukee Bucks and the Wisconsin Herd are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Herd assistant coach and Koehler native Joe Wolf,” the team said in a statement via X. “Joe influenced many people throughout his life, was highly respected and revered,” and is a dedicated coach and player throughout the NBA. ”
Wolf's cause of death has not been disclosed.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 26, 2024
The Milwaukee Bucks went on to say, “His highly regarded talent contributed to the Bucks and Herd over eight years, including as a player and coach.”
The team spoke on a personal level about the deep loss felt throughout the basketball community while paying tribute to a true pioneer in the world of basketball.
“Off the court, Joe was a beloved brother, uncle, friend and community leader,” they said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Joe's family and friends. The Bucs and Herd will always be grateful for Joe's hard work and contributions to our organization. He will be missed.”
LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 9: Joe Wolfe, No. 24 of the Los Angeles Clippers, hits the ball during an NBA basketball game at Capital Center on January 9, 1988 in Landover, Maryland. Pass. (Photo by Mitchell Leighton/Getty Images)
Wolf's career His career as an NBA player spanned 11 years from 1987 to 1999, and he played for seven teams before becoming a coach. He was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1987 NBA Draft and went on to play for the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks.
He played alongside NBA greats such as Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins.
Tributes and condolences quickly flooded social media as fans around the world paid their final respects to a true legend of the sport. (Related: Legendary actress Barbara Leigh Hunt, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Frenzy', dies at 88)
Funeral arrangements for Wolfe have not been disclosed.
