Former Pistons GM Jack McCloskey dies at age 91

Apr 10, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) is introduced before a game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) is introduced before a game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Former Detroit Pistons general manager Jack McCloskey, the architect of the franchise during its Bad Boys era, is dead after losing a battle to Alzheimer’s Disease.

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Jack McCloskey, known by many Detroit Pistons fans as Trader Jack, died late Thursday.

McCloskey was 91.

He had been staying at  Insignia Personal Care Home in Savannah, GA prior to his death, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The franchise announced his death in a statement at 9:18 p.m. EST Thursday:

He had been the general manager of the team from 1979-1992. He helped build a roster that made eight straight playoff appearances, five straight Eastern Conference finals and three straight NBA Finals. The franchise won the 1989 and 1990 championships during his tenure.

McCloskey became known as Trader Jack after pulling off major trades, including acquiring Bill Laimbeer, Vinnie Johnson, Rick Mahorn, James Edwards and Mark Aguirre.

He also had hired Chuck Daly as head coach of the franchise. Daly now holds the Pistons’ records for regular season victories and playoff victories.

Some of his draft selections during his tenure included Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, as well as future stars John Salley and Dennis Rodman.

He was honored for his success by the Pistons in 2008:

McCloskey will always be considered by many as one of the all-time greats in the history of the Pistons.

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Rest in peace, Trader Jack.