Bill Russell, Scottie Pippen and More Pay Tribute to Jerry Sloan

Several NBA players and teams paid tribute to legendary Jazz coach Jerry Sloan on social media.

Legendary Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died Friday due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

During 23 seasons in Utah, Sloan led the team to the playoffs 19 times, including a streak of 15 straight postseason appearances from 1988 to 2003. Sloan and the Jazz reached the Finals in 1997 and 1998 before losing to Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Prior to his coaching career, Sloan played in the NBA for 11 seasons–including 10 with the Bulls–from 1965-76. Chicago hired him as its head coach in 1979. He spent three seasons leading his former team and later joined the Jazz in 1988. 

Sloan, 78, has the fourth-most wins of any head coach in NBA history, and he has the sixth-best winning percentage of any coach with at least 500 career wins.

Several NBA players, including Bulls great Scottie Pippen, and teams paid tribute to Sloan and his legacy on social media.

I loved everything about Jerry Sloan, from the way he played to the way he coached. He was a tenacious competitor who represented the Bulls of the 70s so well. Jerry became one of my favorite coaches when he was on the 1996 Dream Team staff and it was an honor to learn from him. pic.twitter.com/pEhbmiFbzp

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) May 22, 2020

Rest In Peace Jerry Sloan 🙏🏽 @utahjazz https://t.co/v3jpTPaktC

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 22, 2020

The NBA Family lost an All-Time Great today. RIP to the Great Jerry Sloan. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😢

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 22, 2020

RIP Jerry Sloan

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 22, 2020

We join the entire NBA in mourning the passing of Jerry Sloan.

We're honored that he started his Hall of Fame career as a player and coach with the Baltimore Bullets in 1965. Our condolences to his family and friends during this time. pic.twitter.com/0bYCEfJwtJ

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 22, 2020

Our thoughts are with the Sloan family and Jazz organization following the news of the passing of Jerry Sloan 💜 pic.twitter.com/RdhtdwDDMv

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) May 22, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerry Sloan, the @utahjazz and their fans 💚💛

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) May 22, 2020

Rest In Peace COACH! 🙏🏾#JerrySloan #Toughness #RESPECT https://t.co/mEhHNLsWX8

— Jerry Stackhouse (@jerrystackhouse) May 22, 2020

Our condolences to Jerry Sloan’s family & friends. #RIP Coach Sloan @chicagobulls @utahjazz @NBA

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) May 22, 2020