Former Utah Jazz big man Mark Eaton reportedly passed away at the age of 64, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
“Former NBA player Mark Eaton, a one-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, has passed away at the age of 64. Eaton played 12 seasons with the Utah Jazz from 1982-1993.”
Although specific details of Eaton's death remain unknown, it appears that it's something not related to a long-time health problem. According to a separate report by Cristina Flores and David James of 2KUTV, Eaton was seen going out for a bike ride Friday night.
“Eaton went for a bike ride around 8pm Friday in Summit County and did not return home. No foul play is suspected but his cause of death is not known.”
This news definitely hit hard for the entire NBA, especially for the Jazz with whom the 7-4 big man spent his entire career in the league. Mark Eaton was selected by the Jazz in the fourth round of the 1982 NBA Draft.
In a career that spanned 12 seasons, Eaton managed to take home a couple of NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1985 and 1989. With his blend of size and timing, Eaton became among the most terrifying shot-blockers in the league, at least during the 1980s when he led the NBA in blocks a total of four times (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988).
Eaton finished his NBA career in the 1992-93 season with pro averages of 6.0 points, 3.5 blocks, and 7.9 rebounds across 875 games — all with the Jazz.
Utah retired his No. 53 jersey number in the 1995-96 NBA campaign.
The Jazz are set to play the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night in Memphis. Expect the team to honor the legendary center before the contest.
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