Former Pistons GM Jack McCloskey dies at age 91
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:
We mourn the loss of legendary GM Jack McCloskey, the architect of the Bad Boys teams, who passed away today: https://t.co/eQprz2HkZI pic.twitter.com/hp3BXYoFzN
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) June 2, 2017
The Detroit Pistons organization sends its thoughts and prayers to Jack’s wife, Leslie, and the entire McCloskey family.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) June 2, 2017
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 was honored by the club on March 29, 2008 with a ceremony where his name was lifted to the rafters among the franchise’s greats. pic.twitter.com/uQX0CrKoqb
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) June 2, 2017
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.