Elden Campbell Dies at Age 57, Clemson Legend Won 2004 NBA Title With Pistons
Former NBA center Elden Campbell has died at the age of 57.
Campbell spent 15 seasons in the league across spells with the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Seattle Supersonics, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets. He was on the Pistons when they beat the Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals.
The Los Angeles native also had a decorated career at Clemson. He was a second-team All-ACC honoree in 1988-89 and then made the first team the following year. His 1,880 points remain the most in program history.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Elden Campbell's passing," said Cliff Ellis, Campbell's coach on the Tigers. "Elden was a great player for four years, especially in 1989-90 when he was a major reason we won Clemson's only ACC regular season championship. He went on to a 15-year career in the NBA and won a world championship.
"But most of all, Elden was an outstanding, giving person. This is a sad day for the Clemson family. Elden loved Clemson, he came back and supported the program after he retired. He exemplified what Clemson was all about."
Campbell averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his four years at Clemson. As a senior, he helped the Tigers put together one of their best years ever. Their 26 wins were their most in single season, and they advanced to the Sweet 16 for just the second time.
The Lakers selected Campbell with the 27th overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft. He grew to become a dependable presence inside and averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds across nine seasons in L.A.
Campbell's best individual run came following his 1999 trade to the Hornets. He had his best per-game averages (13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) in Charlotte.
As a member of the Pistons, the 6'11" big was the primary backup to four-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace. He made 65 appearances during the regular season and was on the floor for 14 of their 23 playoff contests, including the entirety of the Finals.
Campbell retired from the NBA following the 2004-05 season.
