Ex-NBA player Jack Haley dies at 51

Former NBA player Jack Haley has died at age 51

Former NBA player Jack Haley, who played nine seasons in the league, died Monday, his family said. He was 51.

Haley played for the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs and was a reserve on the Bulls' 1996 championship team.

Haley’s family said that he died of heart disease. The Orange County, Calif. coroner's office website says Haley died Monday afternoon at Los Alamitos Medical Center.

“The Chicago Bulls family was saddened to hear of the passing of former Bull Jack Haley," Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said in a statement. "Jack was always a supportive and enthusiastic teammate and a valued member of the 1995-96 championship team that went 72-10. He always brought energy and enthusiasm to our organization and we send our condolences to Jack's family."

Haley averaged 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 341 career NBA games, playing mostly as a reserve. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1987 NBA draft out of UCLA by the Bulls. He played in Spain before joining Chicago for the 1988 season.

Haley only played in one game during the Bulls’ record-setting 72-10 season in 1995-96 and was not on the team's playoff roster.

Haley is survived by his sons Jack Jr. and Jeff, his mother Jeanette, brother Tim, and sister Sondra.

Very sorry to hear my old teammate, Jack Haley, has passed away. Great guy who I stayed in touch with over the years. RIP

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 17, 2015

It was like the movie 2 men and a baby when we would have his kids with us! Loved Jack Haley like a brother. #RIP pic.twitter.com/oFCqUbZVMl

— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) March 18, 2015

- Scooby Axson