Former Blazers Center Joe Wolf Passes Away

Wisconsin basketball legend Joe Wolf passed away Thursday at 59 years old. His cause of death is not confirmed, but is suspected to be a heart attack.

Fondly remembered as a high school star, Wolf played NCAA basketball for the UNC Tar Heels with both Michael Jordan and Kenny Smith during his tenure. The 13th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, he enjoyed 12 years as an NBA journeyman during the ‘80s and ‘90s, including part of a season in Portland. He signed with the Trail Blazers in the fall of 1992, playing 21 games during the season after the Blazers had reached the NBA Finals. As a PF/C, he averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game behind Kevin Duckworth, Mark Bryant, and Buck Williams.

Wolf also had stops in Los Angeles (with the Clippers), Denver, Boston, Charlotte, Orlando, and his home state of Milwaukee. He stayed in his home state, later becoming an assistant coach with the Bucks. He was most recently an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League affiliate. The Bucks released a statement mourning Wolf’s passing.

“Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA. His well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach.”