Former NBA Player Cliff Robinson Dead at 53

Cliff Robinson, a former NBA player and Sixth Man of the Year, has passed away at 53. He spent 19 seasons in the league.

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Image via Getty/ Ezra Shaw

clifford robinson

Former NBA All-Star Cliff Robinson—who was also the Sixth Man of the Year in 1993—has died. He was only 53 years old.

The UConn Huskies confirmed his passing on Saturday: “The UConn Basketball family mourns the loss of a legendary player and person, Clifford Robinson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cliff’s family at this difficult time,” the team wrote. “Rest In Peace, Cliff.”

The UConn Basketball family mourns the loss of a legendary player and person, Clifford Robinson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cliff’s family at this difficult time 🙏

Rest In Peace, Cliff. pic.twitter.com/Bp6Z5hbVUb

— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) August 29, 2020

Robinson won an NIT title at UConn, which retired his No. 00 jersey in 2007. Often sporting his trademark headband during games, Robinson spent 19 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. He also played in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game.

The internet applauded Robinson for his accomplishments in the NBA.

People forget just how important Cliff Robinson was to those early @DetroitPistons teams in '01 and '02. Durable as hell, reliable scorer, good teammate.

Helped create the foundation for the '04 championship team.

R.I.P. Uncle Cliff pic.twitter.com/I45kAhReMs

— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) August 29, 2020

RIP CLIFF ROBINSON. SAD TO SEE YOU GO. ONE OF THE ALL TIME FAN FAVORITES pic.twitter.com/8s3Fzaw9oa

— TRILLBLAZIN (@TRILLBLAZIN) August 29, 2020

RIP to the OG Cliff Robinson. 🙏🏿

— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 29, 2020

Nah I need to take a break from twitter right now this is too much. Now Cliff Robinson (NBA & Survivor: Cagayan) died too 😭😭 May he rest in heavenly peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tiWkJsCDpt

— Mel ✨ (@melbrown00) August 29, 2020

RIP Uncle Cliffy, Survivor/UConn legend. Fire 2020 into the damn sun. pic.twitter.com/0LkDbKrjbf

— Russell Steinberg (@Russ_Steinberg) August 29, 2020

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