76ers coach says Rooks had promising career before death

Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach and former National Basketball Association center Sean Rooks died Tuesday.

Overall, from 1992 to 2004, Rooks played for seven National Basketball Association teams: the Mavericks, Timberwolves, Hawks, Lakers, Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Magic.

In a statement released through 76ers public relations, Rooks’ mother Deborah Brown requested privacy. He played for seven teams, posting career averages of 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rooks visited with Phil Jackson the New York Knicks president and Steve Mills the team’s general manager regarding an assistant coach position on the staff of new head coach Jeff Hornacek. The Dallas Mavericks selected him in the second round of the 1992 draft (30th overall).

Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Rooks had just returned from a trip to NY to meet with Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, general manager Steve Mills and president Phil Jackson about becoming an assistant coach.

Rooks had been active on Twitter during the day Tuesday, retweeting two of Nevada coach Eric Musselman’s tweets. He started 68 games as a rookie with the Mavs, averaging career highs of 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds.

In a statement given to PhillyVoice.com, Rooks’ mother confirmed the reports and asked the media to respect the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

We send our prayers to the Rooks family and the 76ers.

“I can’t believe Sean gone!” Great person and father. My friend Sean Rooks passed away.

Rooks also had an offer to become head coach of the Charlotte Hornets’ new NBA Development League affiliate.

Rooks was a 6-10 center who played for the Mavs from ’92-’94, and again during the 1999-’00 season.