NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen announced the tragic death of his eldest son.
The 55-year-old father said his son, who died at the age of 33, could’ve also made it to the NBA if it weren’t for his asthma.
“I’m heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron. The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game,” Pippen wrote in a heartfelt tribute.
“Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t had it, I truly believe he would’ve made it to the NBA. He never let that get him down, though – Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became,” Pippen, who won six NBA championships with Chicago Bulls, continued.
“Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon.
“I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again.”
Antron was Pippen’s only child from his first marriage to Karen McCollum. He followed his father’s footsteps and played basketball at Texas A&M International University.
The eldest son also played at South Georgia Technical College and later played semi-professional ball with the World Basketball Association.
He reportedly worked in Atlanta as a machine technician before he passed away.
SGTC Jets also took to Twitter and wrote: “The Jets family was saddened to learn of the death of one of our former players, Antron Pippen. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Antron was a Jet during the 2006-2007 season. #Jetfamily #SGTCJets.”
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