WATCH: Avery Johnson Honors Spurs Owner Red McCombs at Funeral: 'He Rescued Me'

Former San Antonio Spurs owner Red McCombs passed away on Feb. 19. During McCombs' funeral service, former Spurs point guard Avery Johnson paid his respects to a man who he claimed helped save his career.

Former San Antonio Spurs owner Red McCombs passed away at age 95 last week. He was survived by his daughter Marsha McCombs Shields, and his legacy treks forward.

Aside from McCombs’ daughter, a few other significant figures felt the effects of his presence. During the funeral service yesterday, former Spurs point guard Avery Johnson expressed his gratitude for the perished McCombs.

Avery Johnson on his tight bond with Red: “He rescued me personally.” After Denver cut The Little General in 1992, Red personally recruited him with a phone call in which he convinced him to join the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/k1a479UG4a

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 27, 2023

“He rescued me personally,” Johnson said. Going by Johnson’s career track record, such a claim holds merit.

Following his release from the Denver Nuggets in 1992, the 5-10 guard had no basketball home. However, with a meaningful gesture to Johnson, McCombs personally called the undrafted point guard inquiring about his services. 

After convincing Johnson to join the Spurs, the rest is history. Johnson played in 10 seasons with the Spurs, winning a championship in 1999. Converting on a clutch shot in the 1999 Finals vs. the New York Knicks, the “General” helped secure the coveted NBA championship. 

Johnson had his No. 6 jersey retired in San Antonio on Dec. 2007. Despite not reaching the Hall of Fame, the undersized guard has a few notable stats in his time with the Spurs. He ranks eighth all-time in games played with 644 and 9th in steals with 712.

Perhaps Johnson's career wouldn't have such honorable accolades without McCombs' call. 

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