Former NBA point guard JoJo White passed away this week from complications of cancer, according to multiple media reports. White played in 12 NBA seasons and is remembered most for what he accomplished with the Celtics, where he played every season but two.
The Celtics posted this video of White shortly after the news broke.
The @celtics video tribute for JoJo White in Boston! pic.twitter.com/sGbNb44c9C
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2018
The team, along with the Boston Police Department, also released separate statements.
CONDOLENCES: The men and women of the #BPD offer thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of @celtics legend JoJo White who passed away today after a battle with cancer. JoJo White, 71, was a consummate pro, gentleman and class act both on the floor and off. #RIPJoJo pic.twitter.com/lW1cKyBf4u
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) January 17, 2018
We are terribly saddened by the passing of the great Jo Jo White. He was a champion and a gentleman; supremely talented and brilliant on the court, and endlessly gracious off of it.
Full statement: https://t.co/sYgSvZJu0A pic.twitter.com/1Eu8G2Qr8a
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 17, 2018
A pre-game moment of silence was held before the Celtics played the 76ers on Thursday.
The @celtics hold a moment of silence for JoJo White pre-game. pic.twitter.com/NfR1cgeK3J
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2018
“Extremely sad to hear about the passing of @Hoophall @Celtic Great JoJo White, lost his fight with cancer,” fellow Celtics legend Bill Russell posted to social media. “He was not just a great player, but a great person. #RIPJoJoWhite @NBA #CelticsNation”
White was a 7-time All-Star with the Celtics, an elusive presence on the court with his ability to score inside and out and make his teammates better. His best season with the team was the 1971-72 campaign, where he averaged 23.2 points per game on 43 percent shooting from the floor.
White played college basketball at the University of Kansas and represented the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He won two championships with the Celtics and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame less than three years ago. White was 71 years old.
