Ex-NBA champ, Clemson star Elden Campbell dies

Field Level Media|published: Wed 3rd December, 11:23 2025

12/30/99-Pacer Rik Smits puts a shot against the defense of Charlotte's Elden Campbell during the first half of their game Thursday night at the Conseco Fieldhouse. 2306936

Elden Campbell, the leading scorer in Clemson basketball history who later won an NBA title, died Tuesday. He was 57.

Clemson announced his death on Wednesday, but no cause was disclosed.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of Elden Campbell's passing," said Cliff Ellis, who was the Clemson head coach in the Campbell era. "Elden was a great player for four years, especially in 1989-90 when he was a major reason we won Clemson's only ACC regular season championship.

"Elden was an outstanding, giving person," he continued. "This is a sad day for the Clemson family. Elden loved Clemson, he came back and supported the program after he retired. He exemplified what Clemson was all about."

A center, Campbell played at Clemson from 1986-90 and scored 1,880 career points. He also remains first in career field goals (754). He blocked 334 shots and had 836 rebounds with the Tigers.

The Los Angeles Lakers selected him with their first-round pick (No. 27 overall) in 1990. He played eight-plus seasons there, then spent time with the Hornets, SuperSonics, Nets and Pistons. He won the NBA championship with Detroit in 2004.

Campbell played in 1,044 games (671 starts) and had career averages of 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

Former teammates reacted to his death on social media.

"I just remember his demeanor. That's why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E,' " former Lakers guard Byron Scott told the Los Angeles Times. "He was just so cool, nothing speeding him up. He was going to take his time. He was just easy. He was such a good dude. I loved Easy, man."

--Field Level Media

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