NBA Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins has died at age 75. (AP)
Basketball great Connie Hawkins has died at 75.
The Hall of Famer's death was announced in a statement Saturday by the Phoenix Suns, the team with which he spent his most productive NBA seasons. The Suns told The Associated Press they confirmed the death with his family.
The 6-foot-8 Hawkins was a dazzling playground legend in New York City who rose to basketball's heights. The Suns lauded his "unique combination of size, grace and athleticism."
Basketball players from left, Connie Hawkins, Marvin Barnes, Julius Erving, Charlie Scott and George Gervin pose for a photograph at the American Basketball Association 30th Reunion in 1997. (AP)
Hawkins didn't play in the NBA until he was 27. He signed with the Suns in 1969 and was an NBA All-Star for four straight seasons.
He also played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.
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