Bob Bass, former Spurs coach, executive dies at 89

SAN ANTONIO – Longtime San Antonio Spurs executive and former Spurs head coach Bob Bass died Friday at the age of 89.

Bass died in hospice care after suffering two strokes this month, Bass' granddaughter, Blair Bass-Percle told the San Antonio Express-News.

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Bass served as the Spurs' head coach from 1974 to 1976, when he was reassigned, according to Basketball Reference. Bass was appointed interim head coach on three occasions from 1980 to 1992 and served in a variety of roles including general manager, vice president of basketball operations, assistant to the chairman and assistant coach, according to the NBA.

Bass left the Spurs in 1994 after 20 seasons to take a job with the Charlotte Hornets. He was named NBA Executive of the Year in 1997.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich released the following statement after Bass' death:

"Over the course of four decades, Bob Bass had a huge impact in both the ABA and NBA. BB was a true pioneer in the world of professional basketball. His knowledge, passion and dedication to the game were inspiring. We send our condolences to the entire Bass family."