Following a cancer struggle, former Celtic Eric Montross passed away at age 52.
Boston — After battling cancer for nine seasons, Eric Montross, who played nine seasons in the NBA and won an NCAA championship with North Carolina, passed away. Montross had 52 years old.
During his junior and senior seasons, Montross was named an All-American, and he won an NCAA championship with the Tar Heels in 1993. In 1994, he made his NBA debut after being selected ninth overall by the Boston Celtics.
With 78 games played, including 75 starts, with an average of 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, the 7-foot center had a strong debut campaign for Boston. However, he declined in his second campaign, and following it, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Before retiring in 2003, Montross played for the Mavericks, the New Jersey Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Detroit Pistons, and the Toronto Raptors. He never was able to return to the level of play he had during his rookie season. Over 465 career games, he averaged 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds.
The Montross family revealed the news of his departure on Monday, having previously revealed in March that he had cancer.
“Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan, the family of Eric Montross, are announcing that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, in his Chapel Hill home, surrounded by loved ones. After learning of Eric’s cancer diagnosis in March 2023, the family made a statement through UNC expressing their gratitude for all of the amazing love and support that Eric received while he fought with characteristic grace and resolve.
“They also express gratitude to the numerous medical professionals who matched his battle with similar fervor, especially those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. The family is aware that the numerous lives he touched with his profound and genuine generosity will continue to be impacted by the generous, considerate manner he lived his life. To know Eric was to be his friend.”
