Rodney Rogers, former Suns forward and NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, dies at 54
Former Phoenix Suns forward Rodney Rogers has died at the age of 54, the NBA announced on Saturday. He was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2000.
2 May 2000: Rodney Rogers #54 of the Phoenix Suns looks for the ball during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Round One Game against the San Antonio Spurs at American West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Spurs 89-78. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport
Former Phoenix Suns forward Rodney Rogers has died at the age of 54, the NBA announced on Saturday.
Rogers played 12 seasons in the league from 1993-2005 and earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2000 while with Phoenix.
He was a member of the Suns from 1998 through the midpoint of the 2001-02 season, in which Rogers was traded to the Boston Celtics.
Just three years after stepping away from professional basketball, Rogers was left paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a serious ATV accident.
The Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer and lefty remains one of seven players in ACC history to be conference freshman of the year and player of the year in their collegiate careers. He played for the Demon Deacons from 1991-93 and graduated in 1994.
In 866 career NBA games, Rogers averaged 10.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Rogers, known as the “Durham Bull” as a native of Durham, North Carolina, was selected ninth overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.
The NBA posted a statement on X about Roger’s life and impact:
The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers. Rodney earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award while playing for the Phoenix Suns and was a beloved teammate during his 12-year NBA career. He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity that he demonstrated throughout his life — qualities that inspired so many. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s wife, Faye, and their family.
Fellow former Sun and current Suns analyst Eddie Johnson on X said, “Man! Words can’t describe how amazing Rodney was as a basketball player and person. RIP Bro!”
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Comments
7 Comments
Rodney had that one very good year with Phoenix in 2000 then proceeded to lose his mojo the next 1 1/2 years after that, the Suns made a great trade sending Rogers to Boston and fleecing them for Joe Johnson, only for cheapskate Sarver to botch Joe's contract extension talks.
Gilliam only played 145 game for Phoenix. He played 784 elsewhere. Gilliam was a bigger disappointment than Deandre Ayton.
RIP Mr RR!!
You will be missed! Prayers up!!
And whoa we are getting hit
Al McCoy
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